Heel Tough Blog: East Carolina Preview

Anthony Pagnotta
Sep 6, 2018 · 7 min read
@ToddGreene40- Twitter

Saturday just might be the most important game of the Larry Fedora era. A loss to California in last week’s season opener means Coach Fedora is not 4–13 in his last 17 games. Last week had a similar feeling to what we saw a year ago leaving many to wonder what direction this program is heading. With East Carolina, a program on the decline, being the opponent on Saturday, the Heels will need to prove that they truly are better than a year ago. A loss could put Fedora firmly on the hot seat. A win would allow for a bit of a breather.

Team Breakdowns

Tar Heels

The 2018 season did not get off to the start that many were hoping for for this offense, but this unit still has a ton of upside. Nathan Elliott (15–35, 137 yds, TD, 4 INT, 10 rush, 58 yds) had a rough start to say the least, but his first career game a year ago went similarly and we saw how he recovered from that. The running game wasn’t overly impressive, but Antonio Williams (17 rush, 47 yds, TD, 2 rec, 0 yds), Jordon Brown (6 rush, 35 yds, 3 rec, 19 yds) and Javonte Williams (2 rush, 9 yds, 3 rec, 26 yds) all had their moments, and with more consistent blocking up front, could each breakout at any time. The offensive line has to be better, especially the interior of the unit which really struggled this past Saturday. Another week to build chemistry should help. The receiving corps had trouble creating separation and someone besides Anthony Ratliff-Williams (3 rec, 62 yds, TD) has to step forward to help a struggling passing game.

Defensively, this team took a gigantic step forward on Saturday. The unit allowed just 279 yards of total offense to Cal, their seventh lowest total of the Fedora era and lowest since 2016’s game against Miami. The defensive line had is best game maybe since Kareem Martin was roaming campus. Malik Carney (8 ttkl (all of which were solo), 3.0 TFL, 2.0 scks) had a fantastic performance to lead the unit. The interior defensive line helped to hold the Bears to just 160 yards rushing. The linebacking corps had a breakout game on Saturday. Dominique Ross (5 ttkl, 1.0 TFL, 4 PD) was the player of the game for the Tar Heels and got help from Cole Holcomb (7 ttkl, 1.0 TFL, PD) and Jonathan Smith (6 ttkl, 2.5 TFL, 1.5 scks). The defensive backs were rarely tested, but both safeties, Myles Dorn (5 ttkl, 0.0 TFL, 0.0 scks) and J.K. Britt (6 ttkl(all solos), 0.0 TFL, 0.0 scks), had strong games.

Special teams-wise, the unit looked solid. Freeman Jones (2/2 XP, 1/1 FG) had no issue hitting on a 43 yard field goal. Hunter Lent (7 punts, 42.1 avg) had a solid afternoon and helped give the defense some field to defend. Dazz Newsome (3 PR, 9.3 avg) showed some burst as a punt returner and has people feeling good about his ability going forward. Anthony Ratliff-Williams (3 KR, 16.0 avg) was actually the special teams member that struggled the most on Saturday, but last year’s performance means there shouldn’t be much, if any, concern.

East Carolina

The Pirates dropped their opener at home to FCS North Carolina A&T and will be looking for an important win for their coach, Scottie Montgomery. The Pirates, similar to how they’ve been in the past offensively will be primarily a throw-first team. Reid Herring (37–65, 309 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT) was one of the few bright spot for East Carolina on Sunday. His receivers, primarily Terrell Green (10 rec, 85 yds) and Blake Proehl (9 rec, 65 yds, TD), provide him solid receiving options. The running game struggled on Saturday for East Carolina, as they ran for a total of 68 yards.

The defense for the Pirates, similarly to the Tar Heels, played well. The defensive line had a big week, led by Nate Harvey (8 ttkl, 4.0 TFL). The linebacking corps had a decent day, as well, with Bruce Bivens (6 ttkl, 0.5 TFL) leading the way. The defensive backfield looked solid, allowing just 187 yards passing.

Overall, the special teams unit had a decent day for East Carolina. Trevon Brown (3 KR, 24.0 avg, 4 PR, 12.0 avg) looks to be a dangerous return man.

Team Stats (2017 and 2018 Stats)

Tar Heels

Off. PPG: 26.0 (83rd), 17.0 (T-105th)

Off. PYPG: 225.4 (70th), 137.0 (T-108th)

Off. RYPG: 144.2 (90th), 164.0 (T-72nd)

Off. TYPG: 369.6 (96th), 301.0 (T-108th)

Off. 3rd Down %: 30.3% (122nd), 23.5 (T-111th)

Def. PPG: 31.3 (T-88th), 24.0 (T-63rd)

Def. PYPG: 223.1 (66th), 119.0 (23rd)

Def. RYPG: 213.2 (112th), 160.0 (72nd)

Def. TYPG: 436.3 (103rd), 279.0 (32nd)

Sacks: 23.0 (T-79th), 4.0 (T-13th)

Interceptions: 7 (T-102nd), 0 (T-72nd)

Turnover Margin: -6 (T-103rd), -4

East Carolina

Off. PPG: 24.9 (94th), 23.0 (T-96th)

Off. PYPG: 317.9 (12th), 314.0 (32nd)

Off. RYPG: 107.7 (119th), 68.0 (T-115th)

Off. TYPG: 425.6 (42nd), 382.0 (T-84th)

Off. 3rd Down %: 41.2 (52nd), 38.1 (T-76th)

Def. PPG: 45.0 (130th), 28.0 (T-78th)

Def. PYPG: 295.2 (125th), 187.0 (47th)

Def. RYPG: 246.5 (125th), 82.0 (T-23rd)

Def. TYPG: 541.7 (130th), 269.0 (29th)

Sacks: 11.0 (T-126th), 1.0 (T-77th)

Interceptions: 7 (T-102nd), 0 (T-72nd)

Turnover Margin: -10 (120th), -3

Keys to the Game

Offensive Line Has Win Their War in the Trenches

Last week, the defensive line did their part in the trench battle, but the offensive line failed to do theirs. The Heels mustered 164 rushing yards, but most of those came late and is was a similar story in pass protection. If the offense is wanting to take a step forward, it will how to start up front and that will mean winning the battles to open up running lanes and protect the quarterback consistently.

Elliott Has to Take Care of the Football

Ultimately, Elliott’s struggles passing the football on Saturday were a big deterrent from the Heels opening the season with a win. Similarly to last year’s game against Miami, Elliott first start, Elliott will rebound against an opponent he should be able to beat, so it will be interesting to see how quickly he rebounds. Involving his in the running game early on should help.

Defensive Line Must Put Pressure on the Quarterback

East Carolina is an air raid offense to the fullest extent. With a rushing offense that ranked 119th in the country last season and showed few signs of stepping up on Saturday. Reid Herring is not a mobile quarterback by any stretch of the imagination, so making him uncomfortable in the pocket will be important. The Heels depth will have to step up, though, with Malik Carney on the bench.

Injury Report

Tar Heels

OUT- Brian Anderson (suspension), Malik Carney (suspension), Michael Carter (wrist), Beau Corrales (suspension), Brandon Fritts (knee), Tyrone Hopper (suspension), Quiron Johnson (suspension), Malik Robinson (suspension), Greg Ross (suspension), Tre Shaw (suspension), Chazz Surratt (suspension), Jordan Tucker (suspension)

QUESTIONABLE- Aaron Crawford (knee)

East Carolina

OUT- Ben Norris (concussion)

Projected Starting Lineups

Tar Heels (unofficial as team has not released an official depth chart)

Offense

QB

#11 Nathan Elliott, Jr.

RB

# 2 Jordon Brown, Jr. OR

#24 Antonio Williams, Jr.

WR

#17 Anthony Ratliff-Williams, Jr.

WR

#19 Dazz Newsome, So. OR

#48 Thomas Jackson, Sr.

WR

#21 Dyami Brown, Fr.

TE

#86 Carl Tucker, So.

LT

#51 William Sweet, So.

LG

#58 Nick Polino, Jr.

C

#70 Jonathan Trull, Sr.

RG

#56 Billy Ross, RFr. OR

#76 William Barnes, Fr.

RT

#67 Charlie Heck, Jr.

Defense

DE

#12 Tomon Fox, Jr.

NT

#49 Jeremiah Clarke, Sr.

DT

#55 Jason Strowbridge, Jr.

DE

#33 Allen Cater, Jr.

WLB

#36 Cole Holcomb, Sr.

MLB

# 7 Jonathan Smith, Jr.

SLB

# 3 Dominique Ross, Jr.

CB

# 9 K.J. Sails, Jr.

FS

# 1 Myles Dorn, Jr.

SS

#29 J.K. Britt, Sr.

CB

#28 C.J. Cotman, So.

Special Teams

K

#98 Freeman Jones, Sr.

KOS

#98 Freeman Jones, Sr.

P

#91 Hunter Lent, Sr.

LS

#41 Kyle Murphy, Sr.- K

#61 Tommy Bancroft, Sr.-P

H

#16 Manny Miles, Sr.

KR

#17 Anthony Ratliff-Williams, Jr.

PR

#19 Dazz Newsome, So.

East Carolina

Offense

QB

# 9 Reid Herring, So.

RB

# 3 Anthony Scott, Sr.

WR

#88 Trevon Brown, Sr.

WR

# 1 Deondre Farrier, Jr. OR

#11 Blake Proehl, RFr.

WR

#15 Terrell Green, Sr.

TE

#84 Johnny Bogle, Fr.

LT

#67 D’Ante Smith, Jr.

LG

#70 Cortez Herrin, Jr.

C

#58 John Spellacy, So.

RG

#76 Branden Pena, Sr.

RT

#55 Garrett McGhin, Sr.

Defense

DE

#44 Kendall Futrell, Jr.

NT

#94 Alex Turner, Jr.

DT

#93 Jalen Price, Jr.

DE

#40 Nate Harvey, Sr.

WLB

#51 Aaron Ramseur, So.

MLB

#38 Bruce Bivens, So.

NB

#42 Devon Sutton, Jr.

CB

# 5 Corey Seargent, Sr.

FS

#20 Nolan Johnson, Fr.

SS

# 6 Marcus Holton Jr., Sr.

CB

#26 Colby Gore, Jr.

Special Teams

K

# 9 Jake Verity, Jr.

KOS

#91 Caleb Pratt, Sr.

P

#43 Jonn Young, So.

LS

#47 Anthony Ratliff, Jr.

H

#43 Jonn Young, So.

KR

#26 Colby Gore, Jr. OR

#88 Trevon Brown, Sr.

PR

#88 Trevon Brown, Sr.

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Heel Tough Blog

A blog covering everything North Carolina Tar Heels football

Anthony Pagnotta

Written by

Bleed Tar Heel Blue. Writer and Owner of Heel Tough Blog. Writer for the Enquirer Journal NYG.NYM. NYR. NYK. NY✈️NC

Heel Tough Blog

A blog covering everything North Carolina Tar Heels football

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