What can you say about a 49-24 victory? The offense had over 560 yards, the defense got five turnovers (4 Int's and a fumble) which the offense converted into 28 points. That was probably the most complete game that the Tarheels have played all season long.
The only negatives I can see in this game is the one turnover on a botched center exchange with QB Bryn Renner and the blocked punt. I could tell when the 'Heels punted for the first time and Wake Forest almost blocked it that they were going to block one sometime during the game.
I do like the way that the 'Heels put their foot on the gas when Wake Forest pulled to within 21-17 and scored 28 straight points. They needed to finish that game strong.
I am kind of disappointed in the defensive line play of the 'Heels when it comes to putting pressure on the QB. It seems like the only time they could put pressure on the Wake Forest QB was when they blitzed. They only got one sack then.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
It's Nice To Be On The Receiving End
The UNC Tarheel football team found out in todays 49-24 win over Wake Forest, it is nice to be on the receiving end of the turnover gift festival for a change. Five Wake Forest turnovers versus one for the Tarheels. The 'Heels took full advantage of those five turnovers by converting them into 28 points.
I have always said the Wake Forest Head Coach Jim Grobe does more with less talent than any coach in the ACC. This year is proof of that and this was not a performace that is indicative of a Grobe coached team. UNC will gladly take the win because it was badly needed. Their 6-3 record makes them bowl eligible. I don't believe any NCAA ruling will affect a potential bowl appearance this season.
I have always said the Wake Forest Head Coach Jim Grobe does more with less talent than any coach in the ACC. This year is proof of that and this was not a performace that is indicative of a Grobe coached team. UNC will gladly take the win because it was badly needed. Their 6-3 record makes them bowl eligible. I don't believe any NCAA ruling will affect a potential bowl appearance this season.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
First Impressions- Louisville
This game may have redefined "winning ugly". 17 total plays in the first half for a net total of 62 yards. The 'Heels only crossed the 50-yard line one time and on that play Gio Bernard fumbled the ball trying to fight for extra yardage. The defense utilized their "bend but don't break" philosophy to the fullest as Louisville missed two medium range but very makeable field goals and Zach Brown intercepted a pass inside the 20 yard line. The crowd was flat and had no energy and so were the Tarheels.
The second half was a little bit better as Gio Bernard opened the scoring with a 3 yard run and Dwight Jones followed that a little bit later with a 43 yard TD catch that was pretty much all Dwight Jones. The defense broke on Louisville's final series and allowed a TD pass thanks to a three man pass rush and everyone playing in a prevent-type deep zone. The 'Heels defense made that TD drive easier than a drive on NCAA Football 12.
This was one of those games that the 'Heels won but probably shouldn't have. They improve to 5-1 and don't get me wrong, I'll take it. At some point and time, I believe they are going to have to turn Bryn Renner loose and see what he can do thru the air. This may be the best running game they have had in years as Gio Bernard is a real talent but the 'Heels also have a couple of studs on the offensive line in Jonathan Cooper and James Hurst.
The second half was a little bit better as Gio Bernard opened the scoring with a 3 yard run and Dwight Jones followed that a little bit later with a 43 yard TD catch that was pretty much all Dwight Jones. The defense broke on Louisville's final series and allowed a TD pass thanks to a three man pass rush and everyone playing in a prevent-type deep zone. The 'Heels defense made that TD drive easier than a drive on NCAA Football 12.
This was one of those games that the 'Heels won but probably shouldn't have. They improve to 5-1 and don't get me wrong, I'll take it. At some point and time, I believe they are going to have to turn Bryn Renner loose and see what he can do thru the air. This may be the best running game they have had in years as Gio Bernard is a real talent but the 'Heels also have a couple of studs on the offensive line in Jonathan Cooper and James Hurst.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
First Impressions- East Carolina
Games like this always make me nervous. Its a game North Carolina should win, but against a motivated, fired up team on the road, alot of bad things can happen. The Tarheels went from an opponent in Georgia Tech that featured the triple option and rushed for over 300 yards to going against pass happy East Carolina that threw the ball 58 times and had over 400 yards passing.
On offense, the Tarheels achieved an almost Monk-like balance with 230 yards passing and 226 yards rushing with four of their five touchdowns coming thru the air. The Tarheels did not turn the ball over while forcing 4 East Carolina turnovers, all of those coming in the first half.
Several plays stood out. Dwight Jones two acrobatic touchdown catches, the athleticism that Defensive Tackle Sylvester Williams displayed on his interception at the end of the first half, and the pinpoint accuracy of Bryn Renner on his long TD pass to Eric Highsmith as well as the fourth down completion to Tight End Nelson Hurst that helped put the game away.
The gameplan that the Tarheels put together was a bit conservative but they utilized their strength and that was their massive offensive line. They outweighed East Carolina's defensive line by an average of almost 50 pounds a man and they continually blasted holes open for Gio Bernard, especially in the first half. They also did not allow Bryn Renner to be sacked. Offensive lineman Travis Bond also had his first career reception on a batted pass. He lost 7 yards on the play but at least he had the athletic ability to catch the ball.
The 'Heels improve to 4-1 on the season and only need two more wins to become bowl eligible in Interim Head Coach Everett Withers first season as coach. That is, if the NCAA allows them to go to a bowl game.
On offense, the Tarheels achieved an almost Monk-like balance with 230 yards passing and 226 yards rushing with four of their five touchdowns coming thru the air. The Tarheels did not turn the ball over while forcing 4 East Carolina turnovers, all of those coming in the first half.
Several plays stood out. Dwight Jones two acrobatic touchdown catches, the athleticism that Defensive Tackle Sylvester Williams displayed on his interception at the end of the first half, and the pinpoint accuracy of Bryn Renner on his long TD pass to Eric Highsmith as well as the fourth down completion to Tight End Nelson Hurst that helped put the game away.
The gameplan that the Tarheels put together was a bit conservative but they utilized their strength and that was their massive offensive line. They outweighed East Carolina's defensive line by an average of almost 50 pounds a man and they continually blasted holes open for Gio Bernard, especially in the first half. They also did not allow Bryn Renner to be sacked. Offensive lineman Travis Bond also had his first career reception on a batted pass. He lost 7 yards on the play but at least he had the athletic ability to catch the ball.
The 'Heels improve to 4-1 on the season and only need two more wins to become bowl eligible in Interim Head Coach Everett Withers first season as coach. That is, if the NCAA allows them to go to a bowl game.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Versus Georgia Tech- The Defense
There is not alot to say about the Tarheels defensive effort against Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets high powered triple option offense rolled up 312 yards rushing and had several long sustained drives that was the ultimate backbreaker for the 'Heels. They also had about 200 yards passing. I think the effort was there but the Yellow Jackets execution trumped that effort.
Tre Boston is turning into a playmaker for the North Carolina Tarheels defense. He recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass in this game and the 'Heels need to be able to turn defense into offense to be a contender this year.
Tre Boston is turning into a playmaker for the North Carolina Tarheels defense. He recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass in this game and the 'Heels need to be able to turn defense into offense to be a contender this year.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)