Kory Bailey Do it again!

The Wahoos of Virginia are coming to the Hill Saturday for a serious ass kicking, period.  These are the guys who are our longest, most hated rival.  And the Beast will have us ready!

Defense
The defense will have to prepare for a two quarterback rotation from Virginia.  So, what's new?  They do that everyday at practice with Durant and Curry.  And that's a good thing.

I don't really see anything that the Hoos could offer as a challenge to Peppers and Company.  First of all, Pep will be pissed.  And he will lead a hungry surge that will be snacking at the quarterback spot.  And don't be surprised to see David Thornton have a big game.

Our D backs will be prepared.  Early season this group may have been considered the weak link on defense.  I think they've arrived.  There's been a number of big plays here, but I want to share one in particular with you... from a friend who goes by Big Ike.  The following, about Derrick Johnson during the EZU game, was a message board post that I couldn't resist.

DJ's walkdown...one of the greatest hustle plays...
I've watched the DJ walkdown of Brown probably 15 times. I've watched full speed, slo-mo, even frame by frame. The play speaks volumes on a number of levels.

First thing that I look at is the fact of it being a crunch time play, 4th qtr. ECU scores, purples go nuts. The ECU guy clearly got tired, he was losing speed. DJ accelerated over the last 10 yards...  walked him down. He then had the presence of mind to go for the strip. I've seen many a kid on every level give up on similar plays, or at best dive at his feet and trip him up. But DJ never gave up on the play, you can see him on the tape chasing this guy for 50 yards. He was determined to make a play. It was truly one of the GREATEST hustle plays I've have ever seen. Zach Hilton was another kid that stepped up and made a play.

The staff obviously has these kids mentally sharp, well prepared and in excellent condition.  Most importantly JB, Web and the staff has these guys doing what it takes to win, making the big play!

Big Ike has it dead-balls on!  The Tar Heels will play some serious smash-mouth defense against the (boo) Hoos.  I can't wait to see their tears.

Offense
This is still my big question mark.  We will do the 2 quarterback rotation again this Saturday.  It seems to be a mainstay for now.  I think Carolina can score enough points to beat Virginia with this arrangement, but at some point the Heels will need continuity at the QB spot to beat better opponents.

Darian Durant Take control...

Personally, I don't have a favorite between Ron Curry and Darian Durant.  But I definitely want Carolina to win.  And to win consistently, we need the best players on the field.  Coach said something similar to this early season... "I will put the best players on the field."  I don't really question the Beast, but I'm getting nervous.

For this premise, I simply watch the games to see who is doing the job.  To date Slinger Durrant has saved our butts by putting points on the board and winning games.  But Curry is not a total bust.  To me, this is still a "team effort".  Ron starts the game, and takes the initial adrenaline flow from the opposing defense.  He has the game experience and scrambling ability.

But looking at the big picture, I think we need one quarterback to take control.  We can't consider the first three games because Slinger Durant didn't come into the game until it was out of control.  The past three games, they've had equal series within the rotation.  But Durrant has had more snaps because he's had more long drives.  Tag me if I'm wrong.  But Slinger is a gamer who moves the chains.

What's my point?  I think against stiffer competition, like Clemson and Georgia Tech at their place, we'll lose field position with the rotation.  And that will lose the games.  At some point, one of these QBs needs to take control of the game.  Haven't seen it yet, but I think Slinger will step forward.  He's ready.

With that said, I think the offensive line will bounce back this week.  And the receivers should be getting some great throws, regardless of who's quarterbacking.  I think we'll see more receiving yards.  We'll need them too.  Why?

Special Teams
Virginia has Mike Abrams, Punter.  Against Maryland he had 5 punts for 232 yards, a 46.4 yard average.  His long punt was 60 yards and he nailed 2 punts inside the 20.  This guy has a foot.  And we will have to battle for field position.  I see this as a major key to this game.

Last week the Pirates had some kick returns that made the coverage look very porous.  The Heels need to eat their Wheaties Saturday morning and bring the heart.  Did EZU have great returners, or did the Heels lose the focus and intensity on coverage that we saw against FSU?

Prediction
I think the Hoos will get some points, but not much.  Well, it depends on field position.  Will we win the kicking game?  I say yes, or at least enough to kick their ass.  It's time for some payback come game day.  "the Beast" Bunting, Webster and crew will have the team pumped.

Look for a lot of green for the Carolina drives.  But the Heels will rack up the yards and look impressive doing it.  I predict one of our best games this season.  FSU laid down, but Virginia will battle.  The beat goes on and Carolina fans will smile Saturday night....  Carolina 27 - Virginia 13.