North Carolina Football: 3 takeaways from blowout win over NC State

1. Quick takeaways for North Carolina 

The Tar Heels have to feel good about winning with Sam Howell, not playing his best football yet. As a true freshman, Howell won ACC freshman of the year, setting a record for touchdown passes by a newcomer. Neither he nor 1,000-yard receiver Dazz Newsome has gotten on track just yet.

Linebacker Chazz Surratt was active, leading a defense that held the Wolfpack to just 34 yards rushing. He ended the game with six tackles, a strip-sack and one interception.

Quick takeaways for NC State

Not only did the Wolfpack come into this game without their starting quarterback, but the Wolfpack also lost part of their own 1-2 punch Ricky Pearson Jr. in this game. Their offense was starting to come together, and they’ve lost two of their most important players.

The Wolfpack defense continues to struggle. This season, the ‘Pack has surrendered 421 yards and 31 points per game. Their record is due in large part to outscoring teams, not stopping them. This is especially bad as there’s been so much attrition on the offense.