UNC Passing Struggles Fuel Quarterback Questions Heading Into Bye Week
The short version
- UNC lost 28-20 at Clemson on Sept. 19, falling to 2-1
- Billy Edwards Jr. went 13-of-30 for 135 yards, one TD and one INT
- After Clemson's go-ahead score, Edwards was 3-of-7 for 22 yards with a pick
- UNC's first game after its bye is against No. 3 Notre Dame
- True freshman Travis Burgess is a potential backup option at QB
North Carolina fell 28-20 at Clemson, and Billy Edwards Jr.'s rough day through the air has sparked debate about a quarterback change during the bye week.
North Carolina dropped a 28-20 decision to Clemson at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 19, and much of the postgame discussion has focused on the quarterback position. Billy Edwards Jr. completed 13 of 30 passes for 135 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the loss.
The Tar Heels led behind a productive running game before Clemson pulled ahead. After the Tigers' go-ahead touchdown, Edwards managed just 3-of-7 passing for 22 yards with an interception the rest of the way. He also drew criticism for throwing an incomplete deep pass to Jelani Thurman rather than running through an open lane.
A fourth-quarter lightning delay added another wrinkle, as UNC appeared to be driving toward a potential score when officials cleared the field. Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds, meanwhile, found rhythm as both a passer and runner in the second half.
With a bye week ahead, some fans have floated a change under center, possibly to true freshman Travis Burgess. The schedule complicates that option: North Carolina returns to action against third-ranked Notre Dame, followed by two road games and a home matchup with Miami.
The case for patience is that Edwards, a game-manager style quarterback, was effective in wins over TCU and ETSU, and UNC sits at 2-1. Head coach Bill Belichick has also shown loyalty to his starters in the past, sticking with Gio Lopez last season.
