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.

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!!