UNC head football coach Larry Fedora focused on the positives when speaking to the media Monday at Kenan Football Center. Despite the defeat, Coach Fedora was happy with his team’s fight, energy and improved play on defense last weekend.

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Coach Fedora says he learned a lot about his team’s character Saturday night. Even after falling behind 20-0 early in a hostile environment, the Tar Heels continued to battle.

“I expected them to come out, fight and play hard all the way to the final buzzer. I thought they did that. They played hard throughout the game. I don’t think there was ever an issue with anybody as far as confidence. They showed that they have a lot of grit and determination. They’re going to continue to persevere,” Coach Fedora says.

Larry Fedora talking to an official (UNC Athletics)

Larry Fedora talking to an official (UNC Athletics)

UNC’s special teams unit has yet to produce a kind of “game-changing play” Coach Fedora always talks about. But the Carolina skipper still thinks it’s coming, because his guys are approaching kickoffs and punts the right way.

“I think our effort and attitude on special teams has been tremendous. We just still have not made one of those game-changing plays,” Coach Fedora says.

Skipping a check at the scoreboard, the Tar Heels showed some life on the defensive side of the football, especially against the run. More UNC players were flying to the ball, increasing the number of gang tackles.

Coach Fedora saw all of these things on film and says it’s encouraging.

“When you really break it down, there were some really good things. You hold them to 2.1 yards rushing per attempt, and you hold them to under 100 yards rushing. We had multiple guys getting to the football, and we tackled much better. There were some bright spots defensively,” Coach Fedora says.

Taking away a stretch of five straight punts, the UNC offense pushed Clemson’s defense to the limit with trademark up-tempo action and a well-rounded distribution of the football.

But blown assignments in the UNC defensive secondary proved to be the deciding factor.

Coach Fedora, however, admits playing a game in which all three phases are working perfectly is not to be expected. He says the trick is to be able to counteract the unit that may be struggling with a lift in play in another area of the team.

“Very seldom are all three phases hitting on all cylinders and playing extremely well. It doesn’t happen very often. That’s something we dream about as coaches, and we’re trying to strive for, but it doesn’t happen very often. Being on a team, you have to understand when one side is down, the other one’s got to pick them up,” Coach Fedora says.

Clemson receiver gets in front of UNC defenders (Thestate.com)

Clemson receiver gets in front of UNC defenders (Thestate.com)

Coach Fedora says it’s no time to point fingers at the offense or defense. In essence, he says you win and lose together as a team.

“Whatever mistakes are made, the other side’s got to make up for it or you don’t win. You can be as frustrated as you want, but I’m not going to pin it on what thing or one side. I don’t have the luxury of being a fan and saying, ‘this side is the reason we didn’t win the football game’. It doesn’t work that way. We’re a team, and the only way we are going to get better as a team is to continue to pull together as a team,” Coach Fedora says.

The good news for the Tar Heels is that after two tough road games, this week’s pivotal Coastal division matchup with the Hokies will be played at home in Chapel Hill.