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Mitch Trubisky shines in North Carolina home opener

By Tim Kaiser

Sep 17, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) looks to pass in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) looks to pass in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Junior quarterback Mitch Trubisky had a career day to lead North Carolina to a win in their home opener against James Madison.

Since dropping the season opener to Georgia, the North Carolina Tar Heels (2-1) have rebounded with two blowout wins. The James Madison Dukes were the Heels’ latest victims as they romped to a 56-28 win. Mitch Trubisky led the way by setting both personal and school records.

Trubisky completed 24 of his 27 passes for a career-high 432 yards and three touchdowns. The 432 yards are the third most in Carolina history. The first-year starter was extremely accurate yet still repeatedly beat the Dukes deep. Trubisky hit Ryan Switzer for a 75-yard touchdown on a flea flicker and Mack Hollins on another 71-yard bomb. Trubisky set school records for consecutive completions with 18 and average yards per attempt with 16.0. He broke his predecessor Marquise Williams’ record in both categories.

The one-two punch of Elijah Hood and TJ Logan hit its apex so far this season. Hood cracked the 100-yard threshold for the first time in three games. He also had two touchdowns. Logan ran for three touchdowns and 41 yards and picked up 44 more yards receiving.

Ryan Switzer became the Heels’ first 100-yard receiver of the season.  Mack Hollins caught only 3 balls but for 94 yards.

The only area of concern for UNC is the defense. James Madison put up 21 points in the first quarter and actually had a 21-14 lead after 15 minutes of play. The good news is the Heels outscored the Dukes 21-0 in the second quarter and 42-7 over the final three to cruise to the win. James Madison rushed for 209 yards, 95 in the first quarter alone. JMU running back Khalid Abdullah ran for 116 yards on 18 carries.

An inability to stop the run could spell trouble next week when James Conner and the Pittsburgh Panthers come to Chapel Hill.

What’s Next

North Carolina will host Pittsburgh (2-1) in their ACC opener next weekend.  Pitt is coming off of a loss to Oklahoma State after beating Penn State by two weeks prior. Last year, senior Marquise Williams threw for two touchdowns and then-junior wide receiver Ryan Switzer hauled in a touchdown and ran a punt back for another to lead the Tar Heels to a 26-19 victory in Pittsburgh.

James Madison heads north to open their own conference schedule against Maine (0-2).

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