CHAPEL HILL — UNC football lost 16-14 against Louisville, unable to get its offense going with starting quarterback Billy Edwards or backup quarterback Travis Burgess.

Bill Belichick’s Tar Heels (5-5, 2-4 ACC) scored on their opening drive but went cold from then on as the Cardinals (7-3, 6-2) did just enough to win a primetime ACC matchup on Saturday, Nov. 14 at Kenan Stadium.

Here’s our report card for the Tar Heels vs. Louisville. 

Offense grade: D

Benjamin Hall had a pair of rushing touchdowns, but UNC had 10 plays for 15 yards on four straight possessions and had a fumble on a play that led to Louisville's only touchdown. The Tar Heels finished with two turnovers.

Defense grade: A

The Tar Heels only allowed a touchdown following a miscue by the offense, with UNC's defense limiting the Cardinals to three field goals. Louisville entered the game averaging more than 40 points per game, but UNC did an elite job at keeping the Cardinals from making explosive plays.

Special teams grade: D

Rece Verhoff missed a field-goal attempt and missed another chance to kick one because of it. It's clear Bill Belichick didn't trust Verhoff enough to make it a one-possession game early in the fourth quarter. UNC went for it on a fourth-and-4 situation and failed. The Cards went down the field and kicked a field goal to make it a two-possession game.

Coaching grade: C

The defensive game plan was good enough to get a win, but the offense did little to help out the other side of the ball until it was too late. Following a first down late in the first quarter, the Tar Heels didn't get another first down until the third quarter. They also struggled to get tight end Jelani Thurman involved enough to keep the Cards on their heels.

Game MVP: Greg Smith

Following rough performances in consecutive weeks, Greg Smith had two of the biggest plays for UNC's defense to keep the Tar Heels within range of the Cardinals. He had a sack and a tackle for a loss on key downs.

Overall team grade: D

The Tar Heels' defense did its job, but UNC didn't get enough from the other two phases to beat Louisville and secure bowl eligibility.