The Tarheels beat Duke today 37-21 to finish 7-5 on the season in what was probably Everett Withers last regular season game as UNC's coach. It was too much Bryn Renner, Dwight Jones, and Gio Bernard for Duke.
The game wasn't as close as the final score as the 'Heels pretty much dominated the game from the start. Duke only had one sustained drive the entire game with the other two scores coming on long touchdowns. The 'Heels were methodical on offense with a combination of Renners passing, Bernard's running, and Dwight Jones receiving. The 'Heels were opportunistic on defense causing four turnovers and they were led by Zach Brown's 10 tackles and Quinton Coples 2 sacks.
There was a little bit of gamesmanship at the end of the game which I was glad to see. Duke called an unnecessary timeout with 1:22 to go in the game so on the first play after the timeout, backup QB Braden Hanson completed a 47 yard bomb to TE Eric Ebron. It was a beautiful pass by Hanson and he has a big league arm.
There were only two bowl games that the 'Heels seemed to be headed for and that was the Independence Bowl and the Military Bowl but I am sure at this point, UNC will take whatever is offered to them.
Showing posts with label Dwight Jones. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dwight Jones. Show all posts
Saturday, November 26, 2011
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.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Versus Georgia Tech- The Offense
The offense came alive in the second half after a forgettable first half against Georgia Tech. It seemed that Offensive Coordinator John Shoop was more concerned about holding the ball and playing keep away from Georgia Tech in the first half than he was running his offense. He did not put QB Bryn Renner in a position to be successful. Third-and-Long is a difficult position to put any QB in on just about every series.
So far this season North Carolina seems to perform at a higher level when they are using the pass to set up the run. After the first game, the teams they have played seemed determined to make Bryn Renner beat them. As was the case against Georgia Tech, interceptions have been his problem this season.
Gio Bernard seems to get better and better with every game and his play has relegated Senior Ryan Houston into being a non-factor. Gio had a scintillating 55-yard run for a TD against Georgia Tech and is well on his way to being a 1,000 yard rusher, averaging over 100 yards a game now.
The Tarheel receiving corps has been almost all Dwight Jones with a little bit of Erik Highsmith thrown in. The rest of the receivers have been non-existent. Jones had 8 more catches against Georgia Tech, Freshman Sean Tapley got his first career start and had one catch for 18 yards, and Jheranie Boyd had one catch for 4 yards. The Tight Ends had more drops than they had catches although Nelson Hurst did have his first career TD reception.
So far this season North Carolina seems to perform at a higher level when they are using the pass to set up the run. After the first game, the teams they have played seemed determined to make Bryn Renner beat them. As was the case against Georgia Tech, interceptions have been his problem this season.
Gio Bernard seems to get better and better with every game and his play has relegated Senior Ryan Houston into being a non-factor. Gio had a scintillating 55-yard run for a TD against Georgia Tech and is well on his way to being a 1,000 yard rusher, averaging over 100 yards a game now.
The Tarheel receiving corps has been almost all Dwight Jones with a little bit of Erik Highsmith thrown in. The rest of the receivers have been non-existent. Jones had 8 more catches against Georgia Tech, Freshman Sean Tapley got his first career start and had one catch for 18 yards, and Jheranie Boyd had one catch for 4 yards. The Tight Ends had more drops than they had catches although Nelson Hurst did have his first career TD reception.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Versus Virginia- The Offense
The offense was much more balanced against Virginia and it looks like a third running back is emerging in the Tarheels backfield rotation. Gio Bernard led the way with 102 yards on 12 carries and got some nice gains early in the third quarter, Ryan Houston only had 17 yards on 9 attempts but scored 2 touchdowns, and A.J. Blue logged some meaningful attempts in the second half, gaining 40 yards on 9 attempts.
I was glad to see Jheranie Boyd finally get some passes thrown his way as he caught his first TD reception of the season and also got a touch on an end around. I wouldn't let speed like that go to waste. Gio Bernard has also shown his value catching the ball out of the backfield but I do believe the 'Heels ran the screen pass one time to many.
I really liked John Shoop's offensive game plan. There were several end arounds that helped keep the defense honest, a halfback pass, and a wide receiver pass that was completed for 36 yards from Reggie Wilkins to Dwight Jones.
Bryn Renner played a solid game but this was more of a case of game management than it was putting up big numbers although he still threw for 2 TD's. He completed over 70 % of his passes and his completion percentage still went down on the season.
I was glad to see Jheranie Boyd finally get some passes thrown his way as he caught his first TD reception of the season and also got a touch on an end around. I wouldn't let speed like that go to waste. Gio Bernard has also shown his value catching the ball out of the backfield but I do believe the 'Heels ran the screen pass one time to many.
I really liked John Shoop's offensive game plan. There were several end arounds that helped keep the defense honest, a halfback pass, and a wide receiver pass that was completed for 36 yards from Reggie Wilkins to Dwight Jones.
Bryn Renner played a solid game but this was more of a case of game management than it was putting up big numbers although he still threw for 2 TD's. He completed over 70 % of his passes and his completion percentage still went down on the season.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
First Impressions- Virginia
As a diehard Tarheel fan, I should be ecstatic to be 3-0. I should be thrilled beyond belief that we won our ACC opener against Virginia, a traditional thorn in the Tarheel foot. It was also the first ACC opener they had won in 11 seasons. The thing that bothers me the most is that they should have put Rutgers and Virginia away early in the second half but didn't.
They showed vast improvement over the Rutgers game in three areas. They didn't commit any bad penalties, they forced a few turnovers, and they only put the ball on the ground once. The fumble came at a crucial time as they could have gone up at a minimum 31-10. Instead they let Virginia hang around.
Offensive Coordinator John Shoop's playcalling really stood out in this game. He opened up the playbook like he never has before. Eight different players had rushing attempts in the game. The 'Heels had a halfback option (I don't care what anyone says, A.J. Blue has the strongest arm on the team) and Freshman Wide Receiver Reggie Wilkins completed a pass to Dwight Jones. Jones made a one handed catch while being mauled on the other end of that pass.
They showed vast improvement over the Rutgers game in three areas. They didn't commit any bad penalties, they forced a few turnovers, and they only put the ball on the ground once. The fumble came at a crucial time as they could have gone up at a minimum 31-10. Instead they let Virginia hang around.
Offensive Coordinator John Shoop's playcalling really stood out in this game. He opened up the playbook like he never has before. Eight different players had rushing attempts in the game. The 'Heels had a halfback option (I don't care what anyone says, A.J. Blue has the strongest arm on the team) and Freshman Wide Receiver Reggie Wilkins completed a pass to Dwight Jones. Jones made a one handed catch while being mauled on the other end of that pass.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Growing Pains
Todays 24-22 win over Rutgers was about as ugly a win as you can possibly get. 5 Tarheel turnovers, 3 interceptions thrown by Bryn Renner and 2 fumbles by wide receivers after the catch. the 'Heels put at least 4 other balls on the ground, the last one of those occurred when they were just trying to kneel on the ball. Yes they still have alot of work to do.
The first series of the game the Tarheels looked like an offensive juggernaut when Renner hit Dwight Jones with a 66 yard TD pass. With the exception of three or four runs, their run game was anemic. They only had a single yard rushing after the First Quarter. However, every time Giovani Bernard touches the ball, you can't help but feel something exciting is going to happen. He got the start today over Ryan Houston. The 60 yard TD run of his was a thing of beauty.
The defense has helped sustain drives by their opponents in the first two games by taking bad penalties on a couple of third and longs. Granted Rutgers had a short field to work on several of their offensive series but the 'Heel defense helped them out on several occasions. They allowed Rutgers to convert several third-and-longs. They also should have had two interceptions, one by Matt Merletti and the other by Freshman MLB Tommy Heffernan, but the balls were dropped.
The Tarheels improved to 2-0 but the offense left alot of points out on the field and I guess you could say that the defense did too. Everette Withers, in the post game interview I saw, realizes that he was lucky to get out of there with a win and that the coaching staff has alot of correctable material to work with.
The first series of the game the Tarheels looked like an offensive juggernaut when Renner hit Dwight Jones with a 66 yard TD pass. With the exception of three or four runs, their run game was anemic. They only had a single yard rushing after the First Quarter. However, every time Giovani Bernard touches the ball, you can't help but feel something exciting is going to happen. He got the start today over Ryan Houston. The 60 yard TD run of his was a thing of beauty.
The defense has helped sustain drives by their opponents in the first two games by taking bad penalties on a couple of third and longs. Granted Rutgers had a short field to work on several of their offensive series but the 'Heel defense helped them out on several occasions. They allowed Rutgers to convert several third-and-longs. They also should have had two interceptions, one by Matt Merletti and the other by Freshman MLB Tommy Heffernan, but the balls were dropped.
The Tarheels improved to 2-0 but the offense left alot of points out on the field and I guess you could say that the defense did too. Everette Withers, in the post game interview I saw, realizes that he was lucky to get out of there with a win and that the coaching staff has alot of correctable material to work with.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
James Madison Part I
I am excited about the potential of the 2011 North Carolina Tarheels football team. The biggest question for me heading into the opening game against James Madison was starting QB Bryn Renner. He only attempted two passes last year and a player can be an All-American in practice but not perform well in games. Bryn Renner answered my question with an exclamation point. His stat line read 22-23 for 277 yards, 2 TDs, 1 Int (so technically none of his passes hit the ground), and 1 rushing TD.
I thought Offensive Coordinator John Shoop called an excellent game. He called a balanced game, set Renner up with several easy throws at the beginning of the game to help get him into the flow, and helped build his confidence. I believe you have to set your players up to be successful and Shoop did a good job of that.
The offensive line was one of the Tarheels strengths heading into this season and they went out and showed that it was not just hype against James Madison. Bryn Renner wasn't hardly touched the entire game and had time to make his throws. Tackle James Hurst led the way on many of the sweeps and outside runs and it is hard to believe that he is only a sophomore.
Dwight Jones also had a great game. 9 receptions, 116 yards, and 2 TDs is setting setting the table for a record-breaking senior season. I don't think he will make anyone forget Hakeem Nicks but he is carving is own niche.
I thought Offensive Coordinator John Shoop called an excellent game. He called a balanced game, set Renner up with several easy throws at the beginning of the game to help get him into the flow, and helped build his confidence. I believe you have to set your players up to be successful and Shoop did a good job of that.
The offensive line was one of the Tarheels strengths heading into this season and they went out and showed that it was not just hype against James Madison. Bryn Renner wasn't hardly touched the entire game and had time to make his throws. Tackle James Hurst led the way on many of the sweeps and outside runs and it is hard to believe that he is only a sophomore.
Dwight Jones also had a great game. 9 receptions, 116 yards, and 2 TDs is setting setting the table for a record-breaking senior season. I don't think he will make anyone forget Hakeem Nicks but he is carving is own niche.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
The Spring Football Game-Offense
A new Quarterback is set to take the reigns for the Tarheels for the first time in 4 years with the graduation of T.J. Yates and it looks to be red-shirt Sophomore Bryn Renner's job to lose. He looked great in last years spring game and I thought he outplayed T.J. Yates. He had another solid spring game this year. Spring games really aren't worth much as far as evaluating talent goes or a good predictor of regular season success.
All of the QB's on the roster are untested with like a total of 6 or 7 career passes attempted so finding a backup is going to be just as important. Braden Hanson, A.J. Blue, and all-everything Freshman Marquise Williams are the candidates and my guess is they will red-shirt Williams. Williams did have a nice 43 yard run on a scramble in the spring game. Blue has the versatility to play running back and operated out of the wildcat formation in his brief playing experience a couple of years ago.
The running game is going to need some of the young players to step up, especially in light of the fact that incumbent starter Ryan Houston broke his clavicle during the game. He had surgery on it today. Red-shirt Freshman Giovanni Bernard was held out of the game for precautionary reasons. The others listed on the depth chart are rarely used Junior Hunter Furr (although he did have some important carries in the Florida State victory last year) and true Freshman Travis Riley who enrolled in January. Fullback is being held down by returning Senior Devon Ramsay.
The offensive line is supposed to be one of the strengths of the team. They average over 300 pounds across the front with quite a bit of experience returning. Several red-shirt Freshmen and walk-ons are listed on the depth chart but some impressive recruits such as Kiaro Holts are coming in to back them up in the fall.
One of the other other positions that brings alot of experience is Wide Receiver. Dwight Jones, Erik Highsmith, and Jheranie Boyd are poised to have solid years. Jhay Boyd is the "X Factor" here. He virtually disappeared after the LSU game last year and the emergence of Dwight Jones. Red-Shirt Freshmen Reggie Wilkins and Sean Tapley have a chance to step up.
Junior transfer Nelson Hurst is the only returning Tight End with a minimal amount of playing time until the Freshmen Eric Ebron and Jack Tabb arrive on the scene. Hurst is backed up by red-shirt Freshman Sean Fitzpatrick. The H-Back position is being manned by Senior Christian Wilson.
I believe the 'Heels will be more of a running team this upcoming season and rely less on the passing game because the offensive line is built to run block. That is where the horses are and Ryan Houston is a big, strong back and if the surgery is successful, he is geared to be the 'Heels first thousand yard rusher since Jonathan Linton in 1997.
All of the QB's on the roster are untested with like a total of 6 or 7 career passes attempted so finding a backup is going to be just as important. Braden Hanson, A.J. Blue, and all-everything Freshman Marquise Williams are the candidates and my guess is they will red-shirt Williams. Williams did have a nice 43 yard run on a scramble in the spring game. Blue has the versatility to play running back and operated out of the wildcat formation in his brief playing experience a couple of years ago.
The running game is going to need some of the young players to step up, especially in light of the fact that incumbent starter Ryan Houston broke his clavicle during the game. He had surgery on it today. Red-shirt Freshman Giovanni Bernard was held out of the game for precautionary reasons. The others listed on the depth chart are rarely used Junior Hunter Furr (although he did have some important carries in the Florida State victory last year) and true Freshman Travis Riley who enrolled in January. Fullback is being held down by returning Senior Devon Ramsay.
The offensive line is supposed to be one of the strengths of the team. They average over 300 pounds across the front with quite a bit of experience returning. Several red-shirt Freshmen and walk-ons are listed on the depth chart but some impressive recruits such as Kiaro Holts are coming in to back them up in the fall.
One of the other other positions that brings alot of experience is Wide Receiver. Dwight Jones, Erik Highsmith, and Jheranie Boyd are poised to have solid years. Jhay Boyd is the "X Factor" here. He virtually disappeared after the LSU game last year and the emergence of Dwight Jones. Red-Shirt Freshmen Reggie Wilkins and Sean Tapley have a chance to step up.
Junior transfer Nelson Hurst is the only returning Tight End with a minimal amount of playing time until the Freshmen Eric Ebron and Jack Tabb arrive on the scene. Hurst is backed up by red-shirt Freshman Sean Fitzpatrick. The H-Back position is being manned by Senior Christian Wilson.
I believe the 'Heels will be more of a running team this upcoming season and rely less on the passing game because the offensive line is built to run block. That is where the horses are and Ryan Houston is a big, strong back and if the surgery is successful, he is geared to be the 'Heels first thousand yard rusher since Jonathan Linton in 1997.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
A 7-5 Regular Season
The Tarheels held off Duke yesterday in the final game of the regular season to give them a final record of 7-5 and guaranteeing them a winning record for the third year in a row. I can't help but think it could have been so much more but that is all in the past.
The Tarheels racked up over 500 yards of offense yesterday but left too many points on the field. They had a good combination of rushing and passing, had several long drives but one ended with a field goal and another ended in a missed field goal, both were very short attempts.
The 'Heels got contributions from quite a few people that have not appeared too much in the boxscores this year. Tight Ends Nelson Hurst and Christian Wilson made contributions both blocking and receiving, reserve Linebacker Herman Davidson had a key second half sack, and Wide Receiver Jheranie Boyd made a guest appearance with a catch and two rushes for 41 yards although he did drop a sure touchdown pass. It might be because they haven't thrown to him in so long but that might be the reason why they haven't thrown to him.
The Tarheels stars played solid games as well. TJ Yates had another solid game with 264 yards and a touchdown to Wide Receiver Joshua Adams, Wide Receiver Dwight Jones had 11 catches for 121 yards and has become the "go to guy", senior Anthony Elzy had one of the best games of his career with 116 yards rushing and a touchdown.
The bowl destination has yet to be decided but I have heard speculation that it might be the Music City Bowl in Nashville against possibly Tennessee, Georgia, or Kentucky. Those would be good but very difficult matchups for the 'Heels especially Tennessee. Todd Bray, the Freshman QB has really been throwing the ball around with quite a bit of success. Any of those matchups would be popular in the South as well.
The Tarheels racked up over 500 yards of offense yesterday but left too many points on the field. They had a good combination of rushing and passing, had several long drives but one ended with a field goal and another ended in a missed field goal, both were very short attempts.
The 'Heels got contributions from quite a few people that have not appeared too much in the boxscores this year. Tight Ends Nelson Hurst and Christian Wilson made contributions both blocking and receiving, reserve Linebacker Herman Davidson had a key second half sack, and Wide Receiver Jheranie Boyd made a guest appearance with a catch and two rushes for 41 yards although he did drop a sure touchdown pass. It might be because they haven't thrown to him in so long but that might be the reason why they haven't thrown to him.
The Tarheels stars played solid games as well. TJ Yates had another solid game with 264 yards and a touchdown to Wide Receiver Joshua Adams, Wide Receiver Dwight Jones had 11 catches for 121 yards and has become the "go to guy", senior Anthony Elzy had one of the best games of his career with 116 yards rushing and a touchdown.
The bowl destination has yet to be decided but I have heard speculation that it might be the Music City Bowl in Nashville against possibly Tennessee, Georgia, or Kentucky. Those would be good but very difficult matchups for the 'Heels especially Tennessee. Todd Bray, the Freshman QB has really been throwing the ball around with quite a bit of success. Any of those matchups would be popular in the South as well.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
a tough Tarheel week
This was a tough week in Tarheel sports. The 'Heel football team lost one more time to the NC State Wolfpack. TJ Yates had yet another 400 yard passing game but once again, they left too many points on the field. They had a breakdown on special teams at the wrong time and could not get over that hump. There have been flashes this year from some of the underclassmen that gives you hope for next season but, as a Tarheel fan, I am about the here and now. Donte Paige-Moss finally showed me something against State and he might actually have a chance to live up to the hype of being one of the top ranked prospects when he came out if high school as Dwight Jones is finally beginning to show. The potential is definitely there although the NCAA could still rain on that parade.
It looks like the basketball team is only going to be slightly above average again this year. I have to be honest. Harrison Barnes has really not shown me anything. He is forcing shots, his shooting percentage is very low, and he is making bad decisions. I am probably expecting to much as he is only a Freshman but he is not ready to be the number one draft pick next year. The rest of the team is playing worse. The starting guards are only averaging 12 points a game and I can't remember a Tarheel team ever having a starting shooting guard only averaging 7.4 points a game after five games. They don't have any of the traditional senior leadership and Junior Tyler Zeller looks like he is the only one that comes to play every night. He just doesn't appear to be a vocal leader. As a team the Tarheels are only shooting around 40 percent and they are not getting many easy baskets from their transition game. The fast break is a rarity on this years team. It looks like it may be another long year. When does the Tarheel baseball season start?
It looks like the basketball team is only going to be slightly above average again this year. I have to be honest. Harrison Barnes has really not shown me anything. He is forcing shots, his shooting percentage is very low, and he is making bad decisions. I am probably expecting to much as he is only a Freshman but he is not ready to be the number one draft pick next year. The rest of the team is playing worse. The starting guards are only averaging 12 points a game and I can't remember a Tarheel team ever having a starting shooting guard only averaging 7.4 points a game after five games. They don't have any of the traditional senior leadership and Junior Tyler Zeller looks like he is the only one that comes to play every night. He just doesn't appear to be a vocal leader. As a team the Tarheels are only shooting around 40 percent and they are not getting many easy baskets from their transition game. The fast break is a rarity on this years team. It looks like it may be another long year. When does the Tarheel baseball season start?
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Wide Right Part Whatever
UNC 37, Florida State 35. All I can say is what a game. Going in to the game, I have to admit that I was expecting the worst. Florida State was coming off a tough loss and the 'Heels barely squeaked by FCS William and Mary. It was homecoming at Florida State, they had never won there before, and the deck was stacked against them.
Offensive Coordinator John Shoop came out and did what I have wanted him to do all season long. Open it up, let TJ Yates throw the ball, and rack up some yards. Part of today's plan may have had to do with the fact that they were down to their fourth string running back, Hunter Furr, by the end of the game. He ended up leading the team in rushing (27 yards on 3 carries) but they were the most important rushing yards of the game as they were driving for Casey Barth's game winning field goal. It still took a "wide right" by Florida State to seal the deal but I'll take it. It is about time the football gods smiled on the 'Heels this season.
The real story of the game was TJ Yates and his school record 437 passing yards. Dwight Jones has become "the man" among ACC wide receivers. 8 Catches for 232 yards and a touchdown. Jhay Boyd and Eric Highsmith have all but disappeared for whatever reason. Redshirt Freshman Joshua Adams had some big time catches and his first collegiate touchdown.
The defense took on a "bend but don't break" philosophy and played shut down football in the second half. The only points they scored came off a 1 yard drive as a result of a botched snap to the punter.
What a Game!!
Offensive Coordinator John Shoop came out and did what I have wanted him to do all season long. Open it up, let TJ Yates throw the ball, and rack up some yards. Part of today's plan may have had to do with the fact that they were down to their fourth string running back, Hunter Furr, by the end of the game. He ended up leading the team in rushing (27 yards on 3 carries) but they were the most important rushing yards of the game as they were driving for Casey Barth's game winning field goal. It still took a "wide right" by Florida State to seal the deal but I'll take it. It is about time the football gods smiled on the 'Heels this season.
The real story of the game was TJ Yates and his school record 437 passing yards. Dwight Jones has become "the man" among ACC wide receivers. 8 Catches for 232 yards and a touchdown. Jhay Boyd and Eric Highsmith have all but disappeared for whatever reason. Redshirt Freshman Joshua Adams had some big time catches and his first collegiate touchdown.
The defense took on a "bend but don't break" philosophy and played shut down football in the second half. The only points they scored came off a 1 yard drive as a result of a botched snap to the punter.
What a Game!!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
at least they won
The game against a very good FCS William and Mary team would fall into the category of "at least they won." I watched the game on my trusty Dell laptop on espn3.com and the first half was ugly to watch from both an offensive and defensive standpoint and the second half wasn't much better. They just didn't play with any emotion on either side of the ball so I don't know if they still had a Miami hangover or what. They will end up having to play the team managers and waterboys if they lose any more players. You could feel the absence of Zach Pianalto on T.J. Yates interception on the second series of the game as he and Ryan Taylor just were not on the same page. The Mike Paulus, the QB transfer from North Carolina to William and Mary, we saw in the first half was the player North Carolina recruited in 2006. The Mike Paulus we saw in the second half was the player that played at North Carolina. It helped the the 'Heels defensive line finally got a little bit of pressure on him to the tune of three sacks. It was just a plodding, boring game that I thought could have used some more passing and spreading the field a little bit more. Dwight Jones has started turning into the player that everyone thought he was going to be coming out of high school (8 catches for 104 yards) and Jhay Boyd from Gastonia has all but disappeared after his breakout game against LSU (1 catch for -1 yards)and T.J. Yates seems to have lost the confidence he had earlier in the season. Johnny White had another monster game (160+ yards) and it would be tough for me to imagine what the 'Heels record would be if he had gotten caught up in the NCAA mess in Chapel Hill.
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