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Carolina
vs. Wake Forest prediction
Raleigh__ Another away game and a chance for the Tar Heels to be Road Warriors? But unlike the Virginia game and with more fans closer to Winston-Salem, the Carolina fans have a chance to make this a home away from home game in Groves Stadium. Traditionally, Carolina fans can just walk up to the ticket window on game day and get a ticket at Groves Stadium. With a record of 2 - 5, how will our fan base respond? A good turnout by Carolina fans could help the Tar Heels in the confidence department. With all the talk about Stephens getting the starting opportunity at quarterback due to Slinger's injury, I think another player's game on Saturday could prove to be a major key for success. Last week freshman tailback Mahlon Carey made his debut wearing Carolina blue. Were you excited or what? His first two runs were for 5 and 3 yards. Bam, bam... and just like that the Heels were third and short. As we know, he went on to have an impressive first game rushing for 67 yards on 15 carries, an average of 4.5 yards. Carey walks the walk and doesn't have to talk. He's doing it on the field - nice hole recognition, in-run adjustments, just enough of a cut here and there. Explosive speed and power when necessary, waits on the play otherwise. It's a runners savvy we haven't had in a while. The line liked that and will begin to open the lanes more consistently. "I think our offensive line enjoyed blocking for him," Bunting said. (Due to injuries) we were kind of forced into the situation of playing Mahlon, but he was a very pleasant surprise. He's strong, he's tough and he drags some tacklers a couple of extra yards. For a freshman, he really saw things well for a guy playing his first Division I game. Since Lewis was limited to some special teams' play due to being banged up in the NC State game, Carey provided a well-needed spark. With Lewis back in action against Wake Forest, I'm betting that we'll see a nice one-two punch with our ground game. With C.J. Stephens getting his first start, a good running attack would hold off the dogs. And the guys in the trenches will need to continue to show improvements in blocking and protection. Otherwise Wake Forest will focus on trying to pressure and rattle our quarterback. I have this feeling that we'd be a lot more successful on offense with a better running game. Offensive coordinator Tranquill has been doing a good job with the game plans and a good mix of run and pass. Unfortunately the execution has been lacking at times along with untimely penalties and mental mistakes. But heading into our 8th game this season, it's high time to focus and execute. "I was never sure how or when the opportunity would come but now that it is here I am ready to make every bit the most of it," Stephens said.. I'm really hoping like hell that C.J. can begin to relax within 2 or 3 series, and have a break-out game. We pretty much know he has the tools and head for the game, but we'll see if he truly has the heart and can play at this speed next Saturday for 60 minutes. My second key to the game involves Special Teams - going both ways. With a new quarterback and a hopeful continuation of Carey's first-game production, the offense will need all the help they can get with field position. The Heels need a shorter field and we damn sure need to have the Deacs backed up as often as possible. Roberts will do his job. The coverage on kick-off and punt must get better and limit the returns. Wake Forest is averaging an eye-opening 250 yards per game rushing. And Carolina has been giving up 212 yards per game so far this season. Will this change Saturday? I don't expect so. Without our best warrior, Will Chapman, in the trenches, that's probably a safe bet. Our defense will need to play a smarter, mistake free game with a lot of heart. I'm hoping for improvements. In time of possession, our opponents are averaging 31:10. The Deacs are at 31:49 per game with their brutal running attack. If the game plan calls for C.J. to go vertical and air it out, we very well may score quickly. But then we are playing right into the Deacs' game plan and what they do best. We must win the clock, and keep our defense off the field and rested. So there it is. We must have an effective ground game with a short field and take our time scoring. Let C.J. use the pass to keep the defense honest. We need to keep Wake Forest backed up and starting deep in their territory all day. They will enjoy success in their ability to run and we'll let them do it. Let's make them run longer and tire themselves out. They score less in the 4th quarter. Against Virginia I thought Doug Justice began to find his niche as a possible missing link for our defense. At least I thought I noticed the other players on the front 7 look to him for direction and acceptance on the field. Is the Ram Man just near-sighted? Or will our freshman middle linebacker become a leader on defense? Dexter Reid's a motivator, but Justice has the makings of a leader. OK, time for me to put on my Carolina blue glasses. I think Tranquill will continue a familiar package mixing it up with run and pass. If the Lewis-Carey ground game can get established, I think we'll ride these guys until they drop. Given our defense won't get bigger, stronger or faster, I think after 7 games that the 'trials by fire' will begin to pay off with the mental aspects of the game. If our Special Teams will step up to the plate and Orner is accurate, Carolina fans will enjoy the day... Carolina 30 - Wake Forest 28. Go Heels!
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