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UNC football's defensive keys to victory vs. Cal Golden Bears
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- UNC football's defensive keys to victory vs. Cal Golden Bears
Even with a new, experienced defensive coordinator in Steve Belichick , the UNC football team's defense is no different than years' past.
North Carolina (2-3, 0-1 ACC) struggled big-time during its 38-10 loss to Clemson in Week 6. The Tar Heels allowed too many big plays, including a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage. After 15 minutes, UNC faced a 28-3 deficit, which grew to a 32-point deficit by halftime.
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The Tar Heels' next challenge comes Friday night , as they travel west to battle the Cal Golden Bears at 10:30 p.m. ET. Cal (4-2, 1-1 ACC) doesn't have a scary offense overall, but several playmakers that'll make you turn heads.
The Golden Bears sport a promising freshman quarterback in Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele , who already has 1,487 passing yards and 10 total touchdowns to his name. Trond Grizzell and Jacob De Jesus give Cal two 300-yard receivers, while Kendrick Raphael has 414 yards and four touchdowns to his name.
North Carolina doesn't have a defensive identity yet, but leaders are starting to emerge. Andrew Simpson , Khmori House and Mikai Gbayor create a strong linebacker unit, while Melkart Abou-Jaoude and CJ Mims anchor a new-look defensive line. Greg Smith and Jaiden Patterson are emerging as young defensive backs, while veterans like Will Hardy bring needed experience to that side of the football.
Does UNC have a chance in the Golden State? Yes, but only if defense rises to the challenge. Make sure you keep reading below, as we dish out our defensive keys to a Tar heel victory.
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Limit big plays
Oct 4, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver T.J. Moore (1) celebrates with wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. (12) after scoring on the first play of the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
UNC's defense faced an uphill climb on the first play from scrimmage against Clemson , as wide receivers Antonio Williams and T.J. Moore connected for a 75-yard touchdown pass.
During North Carolina's Week 1 loss to TCU, Horned Frogs running back Kevorian Barnes took a handoff 75 yards to the end zone – on the second half's first play.
Big plays are inevitable in football, but allowing too many loses teams games. The Tar Heels need to limit big plays if they want to beat Cal Friday – and pick up their first ACC win in the process.
Control the trenches
Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman Melkart Abou-Jaoude (9) sacks Richmond Spiders quarterback Kyle Wickersham (16) in the first quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
A large part of UNC's last victory, which came Week 3 against Richmond, proved due to defensive line production. Abou-Jaoude recorded two sacks, while the Tar Heels chased Spiders quarterbacks all day.
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UNC registered two sacks against Clemson, plus seven tackles for loss, but those proved to have minimal impacts. If the Tar Heels want to win their first game since September, they need to generate pressure upfront, even if sacks aren't part of the equation.
Force turnovers
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 13: Mikai Gbayor #4 of the North Carolina Tar Heels runs for a touchdown after his fumble recovery against the Richmond Spiders during the second half at Kenan Memorial Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
North Carolina forced three turnovers in its win over Richmond, but just one between losses against UCF and Clemson.
Turnovers are huge momentum-shifters, but UNC doesn't create them a lot. If the Tar Heels prove they can take the football away from Cal, a victory in the Golden State becomes that much more likely.
Force Sagapolutele to make multiple reads
Oct 4, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (3) scrambles away from pressure by Duke Blue Devils defensive end Wesley Williams (97) during the second quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
If there's one thing working for North Carolina's defense heading into Friday night, Sagapolutele is mired in a big slump, turning the ball over in each of Cal's past three games.
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Sagapolutele tossed three interceptions in the Golden Bears' 45-21 loss against Duke , just one in a 4-point win at Boston College the week before, but two in a road loss at San Diego State the week prior.
Knowing this, UNC needs to force Sagapolutele into stupid mistakes, which can occur with strong coverage. The Tar Heels need to take away Sagapolutele's first couple reads, forcing him to either find another option, run or make a bad decision.
Finish tackles
Oct 4, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Antonio Williams with the ball as North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Khmori House (7) defends in the second quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Nothing drives a defensive coordinator crazier than an inability to finish tackles. Fans watching the Clemson game saw this occur several times, with Tiger receivers able to power themselves through North Carolina defenders.
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Sure, one tackle won't make a difference, but tackling upon first contact will. Simpson, House, Kaleb Cost and Gavin Gibson all have 20 tackles – and they need to lead the way towards victory Friday night.
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC football's defensive keys to victory for Week 8 vs. Cal
