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UNC Football: Key questions to answer on bye week

By Brandon Croce

MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 27: Head coach Larry Fedora of the North Carolina Tar Heels walks by his players during a break in the first quarter against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on September 27, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 27: Head coach Larry Fedora of the North Carolina Tar Heels walks by his players during a break in the first quarter against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on September 27, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 30: Aaron Crawford #92 of the North Carolina Tar Heels chases down Chazz Surratt #16 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on September 30, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 30: Aaron Crawford #92 of the North Carolina Tar Heels chases down Chazz Surratt #16 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on September 30, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

How do the Tar Heels stop the run?

On the defensive side of the ball, the biggest issue through the first four games has certainly been the team’s run defense. They currently rank last in the ACC, and 112th in the FBS, in rushing yards allowed per game at 209.3 yards.

The defense hasn’t been able to show any improvement and in the past three games, every opponent has broken the 200 yard mark against this Tar Heels team.

Unfortunately, this is not something that can be completely fixed in a week as the rushing defense has been an issue dating back to last year, when they finished last in the ACC allowing 213 rushing yards per game.

One thing that could be a boost is when Aaron Crawford is able to return from injury. The starting defensive tackle injured his knee prior to the season and his absence has been tough for this defense.

However until Crawford returns, the coaching staff must find a way to slow down the opposing running backs.

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