On October 29th, as I drove up to Blacksburg to watch the Carolina/Va. Tech game, I couldn’t help but think about how disappointing our season had been to that point, and play out many ‘what if?’ scenarios in my head. While I knew a bevy of injuries and attrition had crippled our offensive line, I still thought there was enough there to be competent. On the other hand, I will still acknowledge that it was nothing short of a miracle that we won at Connecticut in week 2.
Well, not even a month later, I look back on the season to date and can’t be anything but proud of my Tar Heels. Butch Davis has led the team to four straight wins, all against ACC foes (two of them ranked). Offensive Coordinator John Shoop deserves all the credit in the world for adjusting the play calling to maximize the talent he has, which means a lot of pre-snap movement and quick-hitters to our best playmakers.
Sitting at 8-3, Carolina fans can be satisfied knowing that the Heels will be bowling in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1998. Given the team’s resilience over the past month, the future is certainly bright in Chapel Hill.
What happened in Chestnut Hill this past weekend was, to me, an extension of the Miami win and proof that this program will be defined by a strong defense as long as Coach Davis is here. Five more interceptions and 14 more points for the defense? It makes every play of the game exciting for Heels fans (the more cynical would say that we’re more likely to score on defense…).
Although I was relegated to watching the game on a smaller TV without High Definition (unacceptable in 2009), this is what I observed from the Heels:
- Deunta Williams: We’re trying to keep you here for your senior season. Three interceptions isn’t going to help, just knock it down!
- With 8 combined interceptions between the two teams, and overall inept offenses on both sides, I made the comment repeatedly during the game that it looked like a high school tilt. After re-watching some highlights, I stand by that statement.
- Running back situation went from bad to worse for the Heels. Already missing the 1st, 3rd, and 4th options, Ryan Houston and Anthony Elzy were both injured during the game. All indications are that Houston will be back next week, but when can our offense catch a break?
- T.J. Yates, I hate to say it, seems lost out there. His footwork is inconsistent at best, and when he looks antsy in the pocket, he tends to make a bad play. It was inexcusable criminal for the offense to have three drives into BC territory in the third quarter produce no points. I think Yates needs some time off to get back to being the player he once was. He can do it.
- Stat of the season: Boston College was 0-13 on third downs in the game. That, my friends, is how a defense wins you football games.
- Jumping out to the 21-0 lead was great, but holding on to it was better. The defense’s ability to respond against a short field and hold the Eagles to field goals twice in the second quarter was the difference in the game, in my opinion. A touchdown on either of those drives coupled with our inability to score may have shifted momentum to the home team.
- Shameless shout out to big Cam Thomas of Moore County, N.C. Way to score one for the folks at home big fella.
- I love when Yates can get the ball to our fullbacks in the flat. While Devon Ramsey didn’t play (to my knowledge), Anthony Elzy and Bobby Rome both had big first down catches. Their size and speed make them threats for big plays once they get in the open field, and I would love to see them utilized more in the passing game.