The North Carolina Tar Heels will play their final football game of the summer in sunny Orlando, facing the UCF Knights on Saturday afternoon for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff.
UNC (2-1) is fresh off its most complete performance of the year, dominating Richmond 41-6 in Kenan Stadium, giving head coach Bill Belichick his first home win in the process. North Carolina wowed on both sides of the ball, but offensively, Demon June and Jordan Shipp stole the show.
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The Tar Heels’ offense will face a tougher challenge against UCF (2-0), which ranks just outside the Top 25 in total yards allowed per game. The Knights allow just 98.5 passing yards per game, ranking third nationally behind Oklahoma and Nebraska, but they allow 162.5 rushing yards per game.
Lucky for UNC, running the football appears to be their offensive speciality. North Carolina is averaging 130.3 rushing yards per game, but just 148.7 passing yards per game. Yes, the Tar Heels have more yards through the air, but gaining over 100 ground yards per game is no easy task.
UNC’s quarterback, Gio Lopez, is a dual-threat who can keep opponents guessing. Lopez looked uncomfortable in Week 1, progressed in Week 2 and found more success in Week 3.
If you know anything about the UCF football program, fans know how to pack Acrisure Bounce House. North Carolina will deal with deafening noise when in possession of the football, so learning how to counter this noise is crucial.
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As we prepare for Saturday, take a lot at our offensive keys for a Tar Heels victory:
UNC needs to continue developing a rhythm in its passing game
Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Gio Lopez (7) looks to pass in the third quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Lopez enjoyed the first multi-passing touchdown game of his career against Richmond, connecting with sophomore wide receiver Jordan Shipp for both.
When you look deeper at Lopez’s stat line, though, he completed just 10 passes for 18 yards. This isn’t concerning, due to the Tar Heels’ run-first offense, but you want to see better numbers from your QB nonetheless.
UCF presents great challenges for North Carolina’s passing game. If UNC wants to escape Orlando with a victory, Lopez needs to continue developing chemistry with his receivers – and complete at least 60 percent of his passes.
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Start Demon June
Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Demon June (35) with the ball as Richmond Spiders defensive lineman Camden Byrd (6) defends in the second quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
When you have a freshman back who rushes for 148 yards in his first collegiate start, you insert that young man into your RB1 spot.
The freshman back in question here is June, who gives early shades of the Tar Heels’ next great running back. June has 200 yards through two games, putting him well on track to reach the 1,000-yard mark.
Go with the hot hand – and North Carolina beats UCF on Saturday.
Continue taking care of the football
Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Jordan Shipp (1) celebrates with wide receiver Alex Taylor (0) and running back Caleb Hood (4) after making a touchdown catch in the third quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
UNC only turned the ball over once in its big win against Richmond, when freshman quarterback Au’Tori Newkirk threw an interception in garbage time. The Tar Heels fumbled the football once, but recovered it.
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North Carolina has to be even better with ball security against the Knights, who have two interceptions and fumble recoveries to their name. That’s good for two turnovers forced per game, which is a pretty strong figure.
If UNC wants to beat UCF, it simply can’t turn the ball over. One turnover is ideal, but none is the dream.
Offensive line has to give Gio Lopez time and open up holes for RBs
Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Gio Lopez (7) behind the line of scrimage in the third quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Part of the reason you’re not seeing big numbers from Lopez is due to offensive line production. The Tar Heels have new starters across the trenches – despite being talented, plenty of those linemen are new.
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June isn’t having trouble finding rushing lanes, but North Carolina isn’t getting much production from its other backs. If the offensive line fares better in blocking the rush, UNC’s backup RBs will find more success.
Blocking will be crucial against UCF, which has five sacks through two games. The Knights will look to make their mark early, but if the Tar Heels block well, they’ll win in Orlando.
Continue mixing in play-actions and RPOs
Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Gio Lopez (7) looks to pass as Richmond Spiders defensive back Devin Geronomi (22) defends in the first quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
In watching North Carolina’s first three games of the 2025 college football season, I witness plenty of offensive success on play-action passes. Offenses can do that with mobile quarterbacks like Gio Lopez, who can choose to launch the football, or tuck it and run.
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I don’t see UNC run play-action the whole game, though. You don’t want to let opposing defenses get comfortable, but if something’s working, don’t abandon it.
The Tar Heels will force UCF players to make tough decision with play-action passes. If North Carolina finds success on Saturday with the play-action, a win becomes that much more possible.
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC football’s offensive keys to victory against UCF Knights