The mistakes were uncharacteristic for the UNC front line, which entered the 2015 season with 106 collegiate starts, most in the ACC.

But after the starting unit executed 29 flawless practices this offseason, Thursday’s crowd proved too much for the Tar Heels’ seasoned offensive line.

“We went the whole camp without one procedure penalty,” said offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic. “Then you go out there, (and) it was a lot louder than I think we anticipated with it being a neutral site.”

Heck noted how difficult it can be to simulate crowd noise during practice, adding that the Tar Heels’ biggest problem Thursday was simply hearing quarterback Marquise Williams’ calls.

And while Kapilovic didn’t attribute any of Williams’ three interceptions to poor pass protection, he acknowledged the adverse effects of miscommunication between quarterback and center.

“There (were) a few snaps where they couldn’t hear the quarterback, and so he’s saying ‘hit’ and everybody’s off-rhythm,” Kapilovic said. “We really have to do a better job of communicating. We can’t have that happen again.”

Heck experienced first-hand the difficulties of the roaring Gamecock crowd. In Thursday’s contest, the junior right tackle lined up too far in the backfield for an illegal formation penalty — negating a critical third-down conversion for his squad.

“We had some issues up front with communication,” said Coach Larry Fedora, citing the Heck error. “I didn’t feel like out of camp that we had any issues whatsoever in that area, and it came up (on Thursday). We’ve got to get that changed.”

With nine days between last Thursday’s loss and UNC’s home opener this Saturday against North Carolina A&T, the Tar Heels have time to gather their wits and correct their communication woes.

This time, Kapilovic anticipates fewer miscues for his front five.

“We should have none,” he said. “You’re at home, so there’s no excuse there. You can’t blame noise.”

@CJacksonCowart

sports@dailytarheel.com