​Despite a few crucial stops last weekend vs. Notre Dame, the UNC football team’s defense largely struggled in a 37-26 loss.North Carolina (2-2, 0-1 ACC) already faced a tall task against a team many expect to win the National Championship. The Tar Heels allowed 14 first quarter points and, without a fourth-and-goal stop, were in danger of staring a 3-touchdown, first-half deficit in the face.Now, UNC’s defense will be severely tested at a ranked, undefeated Pitt Panthers squad this Saturday at 12 p.m. Pitt (5-0, 2-0 ACC) one of three remaining, undefeated teams in the conference, is one of the country’s best teams at putting points on the scoreboard.Even without star quarterback Mason Heintschel for most of their Week 5 matchup, the Panthers staged a 14-point comeback to beat Virginia Tech, 35-33. Six different players scored a touchdown, with two through the air and three on the ground.Pitt scored 59 points in its season-opener vs. Miami (OH), then just 12 vs. UCF. The Panthers added 27 points vs. Syracuse, then exploded again for 59 vs. Bucknell.Despite not recording a sack vs. Notre Dame, North Carolina still has a dangerous pass-rush capable of impacting games. Xavier Lewis has six sacks to lead the Tar Heels’ defensive line, while Derek McDonald and Peyton Seelmann hold down the linebacking corps. Greg Smith’s emergence in the secondary is crucial, while Jaylen Harvey has a magnet for finding the football. Can UNC’s defense respond from a dud against Notre Dame last weekend? Keep reading below for five defensive keys to a North Carolina victory at Pitt.Neutralize the running gameNotre Dame torched the Tar Heels on the ground last weekend, recording a season-high 241 rushing yards. Pitt has three 100-yard running back, led by Damon Ferguson (270 yards, three touchdowns).UNC struggled against the run vs. TCU and at Clemson, showcasing a recurring problem. North Carolina will have its hands full vs. the Panthers.If the Tar Heels completely shut down Pitt’s running game? Great. If UNC can at least neutralize the Panthers’ rushing attack, to a point when their offense is searching for solutions, the boys in Carolina Blue can win.Don’t let the Panther pass-catchers take overPitt knows how to score in the passing game, totaling 17 receiving touchdowns. Five different Panthers have a minimum 100 receiving yards, led by 315 from Cataurus Hicks.The Tar Heels allowed CJ Carr to throw for four touchdowns last weekend. Pitt quarterbacks Mason Heintschel and Holden Geriner threw for two against Virginia Tech.The Panthers will spread the football around, making UNC guess who’ll catch it. North Carolina’s shot at an upset victory lies largely in defending the pass.Find a way to generate turnoversTeams who win the turnover margin are in great position to win football games. Notre Dame turned the Tar Heels over twice last weekend.UNC failed to force a turnover for the first time in 2026, a major reason why the Fighting Irish offense played comfortable through