bgorman@heraldsun.com; 419-6668
CHAPEL HILL -- After scoring just 10 points in its losses to Georgia Tech and Virginia, North Carolina coach Butch Davis said Monday that for the Tar Heels to start performing better, they have to simplify their offense.
"When you're struggling offensively, and that's where we are right now," Davis said, "you've got to look at what we're trying to do and say, 'OK how much simplification will help these guys with the execution,' because execution generally means you're going to play a little bit better."
After UNC's offense flourished in a 31-17 win over East Carolina two weeks ago, the coaching staff used that game as a measuring stick of the young offense's progress and decided to add new wrinkles. Davis said that plan backfired as new plays that had been drawn up, some specifically for Virginia's unique 3-4 defense, were wasted because they hadn't been practiced enough.
"We kind of put in a lot of new runs and a lot of new looks for the different defense we were seeing this past week, and I guess Coach thinks he gave the offensive line, the receivers, the whole offense a little too much to think about," UNC quarterback T.J. Yates said. "We talked a little bit about just kind of simplifying the playbook and getting to our base stuff that we're good at and that has worked for us in the past."
It also means backup running back Ryan Houston might be getting more playing time. The junior has 34 carries for 159 yards compared to starter Shaun Draughn who has 74 carries for 274 yards. Houston, who primarily has been used for short yardage, is the more physical of the two and his 6-2, 245-pound frame allows him to power through tacklers.
"We spent a tremendous amount of time [Sunday] taking a look at things that we've tried to do through the first part of the season and what's fixable and what's not fixable and why are we struggling," Davis said. "I think one of the questions that as coaches we kind of have to ask ourselves is: Are we trying to do too much with a young, inexperienced offensive football team?"
The Tar Heels knew they were going to be young at receiver this season thanks to the departure of Hakeem Nicks, Brandon Tate and Brooks Foster. But the loss of a couple of offensive linemen over the summer and injuries to the starting tight end, center and left guard have hurt UNC's ability to move the ball.
"We've got to find things that our kids can do and do well and do with confidence," Davis said.
The Tar Heels also might have another starter who is not 100 percent against Georgia Southern, as left tackle Kyle Jolly sprained his ankle against Virginia. Davis said Jolly is walking around and receiving treatment, and he's not concerned at this point about the senior's ability to play.
Yates also said he's not worried about Jolly -- he's more troubled about the poor offensive performances.
Even though the a third-year starter said he is frustrated that the Tar Heels have to simplify their offense five games into the season, Yates said he committed to doing whatever it takes to get wins.
"I think this offense is better than what we've shown on the field," Yates said. "If [simplifying it is] what it's going to take to get this offense moving a little bit more, that's what we've got to do.
"[We've go to] try to find the best way to get some points on the board."
