First And Last Impressions Versus Georgia Tech

The 28-20 loss to Georgia Tech was tough to take. The defense played well enough but couldn't hold down a 20-7 lead but that was primarily because the offense could not sustain any drives in the second half and the defense eventually wore down. The defense has been the big focus but they have shown improvement over the first three games. Larry Fedora's high powered offense has not lived up to its potential and the running game has been a big problem. They have been trying to use the three running backs of Romar Morris, A.J. Blue, and True Freshman Khris Francis. I believe they need to settle on one and give him as many reps as possible so they can develop some consistency and get a feel for what the Offensive line is doing. Tight End Eric Ebron had a career game against Georgia Tech with over 100 yards receiving and a highlight reel one handed catch in the end zone. He has really stepped up his game and now the rest of the receiving corps needs to do the same. There have been far too many drops in the seasons first three games to develop any consistency in the passing game. One thing that has been missing from the passing game is the screen pass thrown to the running backs. This is was where they are really missing Gio Bernard. Romar Morris and A.J. Blue only have a combined total of 72 yards receiving on 10 catches in the first three games. Coach Larry Fedora and his staff have their work cut out for them on the offensive side of the ball. On the defensive side of the ball, the play has been much better but they are still giving up 25 points a game. Big plays and interior depth have been a problem. I am still not a big fan of the 4-2-5 but hybrid Linebackers Jeff Schoettmer, Norkeithus Otis, and Darius Lipford have developed a better feel for the system and are able to react to plays rather than think about what they are doing. Norkeithus Otis leads the team with 4 1/2 tacles for loss and 3 sacks and Darius Lipford after missing a full year and then some due to injury, is not far behind with 3 tackles for loss and 2 sacks. Jeff Schoettmer leads the team with 23 tackles.

NFL Draft 2013

The 2012 North Carolina Tarheels are faring pretty well in this years NFL Draft. Offensive Lineman Jonathan Cooper went #7 to the Arizona Cardinals, Defensive Tackle Sylvester Williams went #28 to the Denver Broncos which I think is a real steal, and Running Back Gio Bernard went in the Second Round, #37 overall to the Cincinnati Bengals and also the first Running Back taken in this years draft. Offensive Lineman Brennan Williams went later on in the Third Round to the Houston Texans. I believe the Cincinnati Bengals also got a steal in Gio Bernard and his real value lies in his versatility. His ability to return kicks and punts, catching the ball out of the backfield, and his patience in running the ball make him a natural third down specialist coming out of the backfield. He is also the most natural punt returner I have ever seen especially since he only did it for one season in college. I cannot wait to see what he can do in professional football.

2012 Review- Special Teams

Special Teams is an often overlooked facet of football, but new football coach Larry Fedora puts an emphasis on this phase of the game and I believe it showed in 2012. Most coaches will tell you that as a Freshman, the best way to get on the field is by being a Special Teams demon. Redshirt Senior Casey Barth came back for his final season going 15-19 with a long of 48 yards. He also broke his brother Connor's career records at UNC before injury took him out of the last couple of games and ended his career. Punter Tommy Hibbard had an excellent season averaging 43.0 yards a punt and dropping 19 of his 50 punts inside the 20 yard line. Hibbard also took on the important role of holder for extra points and field goals. He had the disgression, depending on how the defense was lined up, of trying to throw for the two point conversion which he successfully did several times. He also ran a fake punt for 10 yards. The MVP of Special Teams was Pete Mangum. He was always the first one down the field on kickoff and punt coverage. He even logged some quality time at the Ram position totalling 30 tackles on the season, recovering a fumble, and blocking a punt. He was probably my favorite player to watch during the season. The punt return team as a whole averaged 14.5 yards a return and Gio Bernard returned 2 of his 16 for TDs and an overall average of 16.4. Even though he repeatedly was quoted as saying he had not returned punts since high school, Gio might be the most natural punt returner I have ever seen. He has tremendous patience and knows how to set up and follow his blocks. When T.J. Thorpe was lost for the season that hurt the Tarheel kick return team and Sean Tapley and Romar Morris only combined to average a little over 23 yards a return. The coverage units were inconsistent on the kickoffs as they allowed 3 returns for TDs but only 23 yards a return whereas the punt coverage units, due in large part to the punting of Tommy Hibbard, only allowed 5 yards a return on 17 returns.

Gio Bernard For The Heisman

The 74 yard punt return for a touchdown to win the game was one of those season defining moments that seals the deal and clinches the Heisman Trophy for Gio Bernard except that it will not happen. The punt return is the stuff of that legends are made of. He inserted himself into the game at that point in spite of the fact that that he had tweaked his ankle earlier in the game. I do not know if the "circumstances" at UNC are dictating that he is getting no national recognition even though he is leading the nation in all purpose yardage per game. He had 304 against NC State's highly rated defense. He will miss out on getting to play on the national stage due to the fact the 'Heels cannot play in the ACC Championship or a bowl game but the Heisman Trophy has already been handed out by then. I do not believe you should punish a player for something he had no part in. Cam Newton is still displaying his Heisman Trophy with pride, bought and paid for my Auburn University. He also escaped free of charge and was given the trophy with a huge smile on his face. I believe that Gio Bernard is the best all-around back in college football and it is a shame he will not be allowed to claim the trophy.