The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Breaking down Trubisky’s game-winning drive
Steve Trivisonno said it brought back memories of one of Mitch Trubisky’s greatest performances. On Nov. 9, 2012 in a Division I regional semifinal, Trubisky led Mentor to a memorable 63-56 comeback win over St. Edward that is still talked about to this day.
Trivisonno should know. He coached the Cardinals that night, and four years later he watched on TV as Trubisky carved up another defense for another improbable victory.
Trailing Pittsburgh, 3623, with 7 minutes, 34 seconds remaining on Sept. 25, Trubisky led UNC to two touchdown drives, the second with 2 seconds on the clock to secure a 37-36 ACC victory.
“I think what we’re seeing now is Mitch is one of the best quarterbacks in the nation,” said Trivisonno. “He’s big, he’s smart, he’s accurate with his throws. He’s doing everything great.”
The performance vs. Pitt was eerily similar to that performance vs. St. Edward four years ago.
Against the Eagles, Trubisky was 36 of 48 passing for 478 yards and four TDs. On Sept. 24, he was 35 of 46 for 453 yards and five scores.
Trivisonno said when he watches Trubisky on the TV he does it with his coaching hat always on, but “he’s a heck of a lot more nervous now.”
The performance by his former star took him back to that night at Byers Field against St. Edward. But Trivisonno added: “Mitch had so many great games for us.”
As for his performance in UNC’s stunning comeback, the Mentor coach said Trubisky isn’t done yet.
“I think for sure Mitch can and will get better,” said Trivisonno.
Here’s a recap of North Carolina’s game-winning drive. UNC started at its 37 with 3 minutes, 35 seconds remaining and trailing, 36-30.
• First-and-10 from UNC 37: Trubisky pass was complete to Austin Proehl for 5 yards.
• Second-and-5 from UNC 42: Trubisky pass was incomplete.
• Third-and-5 from UNC 42: Trubisky rushed for 1 yard (illegal block penalty on UNC).
• Third-and-16 from UNC 31: Trubisky completed pass to Proehl for 10 yards.
• Fourth-and-6 from UNC 41: Trubisky completed pass to Ryan Switzer for 15 yards.
• First-and-10 from Pitt 44: Trubisky completed pass to Switzer for 4 yards.
• Second-and-6 from Pitt 40: Trubisky pass was incomplete.
• Third-and-6 from Pitt 40: Trubisky pass was incomplete.
• Fourth-and-6 from Pitt 40: Trubisky completed pass to Proehl for 13 yards.
• First-and-10 from Pitt 27: Trubisky was sacked for a loss of 11 yards.
• Second-and-21 from Pitt 38: Trubisky completed screen pass to Switzer for 5 yards.
• Third-and-16 from Pitt 33: Trubisky completed pass to Switzer for 7 yards.
• Fourth-and-9 from Pitt 26: Trubisky completed pass to Switzer for 9 yards.
• First-and-10 from Pitt 17: Trubisky pass was incomplete.
• Second-and-10 from Pitt 17: Trubisky completed pass to Bug Howard for 13 yards.
• First-and-goal from Pitt 4: Trubisky pass was incomplete.
• Second-and-goal from Pitt 4: Elijah Hood rushed for 2 yards.
• Third-and-goal from Pitt 2: Trubisky completed pass to Howard for 2-yard touchdown with 2 seconds remaining in the game.
• Drive summary: 18 plays, 63 yards, 3:33; Trubisky 10 of 15 passing for 83 yards and a touchdown pass.
In this last three games, Trubisky is 78 of 97 with 1,150 yards, 10 touchdowns passes and two rushing TDs.
Top 10
(Last week in parenthesis) 1. Alabama (1) 4-0 2. Ohio State (2) 3-0 3. Louisville (3) 4-0 4. Houston (4) 4-0 5. Stanford (5) 3-0 6. Michigan (6) 4-0 7. Clemson (8) 4-0 8. Wisconsin (10) 4-0 9. Texas A&M (9) 4-0 10. Florida State (NR) 3-1
Watch list: Ole Miss, Tennessee, Washington, Miami
This week’s top games
Sept. 29 UConn at Houston, 8 p.m. (ESPN) Sept. 30 Stanford at Washington, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Toledo at BYU, 10:15 p.m. (ESPN2) Oct. 1 Rutgers at Ohio State, noon (Big Ten Network)
North Carolina at Florida State, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Tennessee at Georgia, 3:30 p.m. (WOIO)
Wisconsin at Michigan, 3:30 p.m. (WEWS)
Oklahoma at TCU, 5 (WJW)
Kentucky at Alabama, 7 p.m. (ESPN)
Louisville at Clemson, 8 p.m. (WEWS)