North Carolina Football: 3 takeaways from opening win over Syracuse

North Carolina Football: 3 takeaways from season-opening win over Syracuse

ANNAPOLIS, MD - DECEMBER 27: Storm Duck #29 of the North Carolina Tar Heels celebrates with Don Chapman #13 after returning an interception for a touchdown against the Temple Owls in the Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on December 27, 2019 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

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Tommy DeVito, Syracuse football (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

2. Syracuse missed too many opportunities

The theme of this contest was inconsistent play and Syracuse had a plethora of chances. North Carolina coughed up the ball twice on Syracuse’s side of the field and gave it away three times overall.

However, the offense sputtered and only ended up with six points off of three turnovers. Syracuse could’ve very well ended up with 21 points.

Tommy DeVito’s lack of options showed in numerous situations. DeVito running around the pocket and constant scrambling showed the flaws of not having former All-ACC wide receiver Trishton Jackson.

Devito was a casual 13-for-31 with 112 yards and no touchdowns. For a team that had little expectations on offense, this was a fantastic chance for unproven receivers and running backs to make plays. Instead, both aspects of the offense were stone walled.

North Carolina completely shut down Syracuse to the tune of 35 carries for only 68 yards.

Taj Harris lead the way for the receivers with 64 yards on five receptions.

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