UNC vs. Pitt - Player of the Game: Dazz Newsome

Once again, UNC came out on the losing end of a close game, and once again, they got one hell of an effort from a receiver despite coming up just short.

The winning streak against Pitt is over as despite coming back from down 14 in the fourth quarter to force overtime, the Tar Hells fell to the in the extra period. One of the key players in helping them mount that comeback was Dazz Newsome.

The passing game was probably the best facet of UNC’s play against Pitt and Newsome was a big part of that. The receiver led the Tar Heels with 11 catches for 170 yards, both career highs, and a touchdown.

Newsome did a lot of his damage in the second half and overtime, with seven of his catches and 114 of those yards during that time. His touchdown was the game tying one, as he caught a Sam Howell pass for a 34-yard score to even things up early in the fourth.

Pitt went on to retake the lead, but Newsome would also be involved as the Tar Heels rallied to send the game to overtime. UNC was in danger of stalling out on a drive late in the fourth when Howell found him for 13 yards on 3rd & 11 to keep the chains moving and set up a game-tying field goal.

Similarly, in overtime, Newsome caught an eight-yard pass on a fourth down to keep the game alive. Unfortunately, the game ended a few plays later and the Panthers walked away with the win.

Other nominees include Newsome’s fellow receiver Beau Corrales, who went for 92 yards and a touchdown on five catches, a couple of which were bordering on circus grabs. Antonio Williams had his best game of the season, picking up 107 yards on just 12 carries. On numbers alone, Howell had a decent game, throwing for 322 yards, three touchdown, and one interception. However, he made some questionable decisions beyond the pick, including failing to get the ball away before getting sacked a couple times.

The Tar Heels may have come up short again, but they got one hell of a performance from Dazz Newsome.