Darian Durant Better times ahead.
Game Stats

Chapel Hill _  I predicted a quarterback shootout.  Well, the quarterbacks did determine the outcome.  I just didn't expect our offense to self-destruct:  time of possession 21:43 to 38:17, interceptions 3 to 0, fumbles lost 6 to 2.

"I can't even tell you what I'd like to say about that," UNC coach John Bunting said. "I mean, I really am furious about not allowing us to win a football game. ... Anybody that knows anything, even a little bit, about this game knows that you can't do this kind of thing and have a chance."

I predicted a Carolina victory, 41 - 30.  We came away about 9 turnovers shy of the extra 20 points.  And what's so freaky is that the Heels had 447 yards for the day.  One would think that kind of yardage would have done the job.

Oddly enough, the Heels came close at the end of having a chance.  With only a few minutes remaining, C. J. Stephens comes in and throws his first college pass and goes 4 of 9 with a 37 yard touchdown pass.  The game ended with us being a play or two away from a victory.  I was wondering why C. J. didn't get his chance midway through a snake-bit 3rd quarter.  Stay tuned.

I was proud of our defense.  Yes, we're soft in the middle.  The RedHawks proved that with 175 rushing yards, most effective up the middle.  But it's hard to expect a young, inexperienced defense to be on the field for 38:17 and not get tired... not to have some breakdowns.  On the upside, they got plenty of experience today.

Some teams practice with loud music playing to emulate crowd noise.  I wonder if our offense will practice with the sprinkling system and fire hoses on?  Sometimes a joke and laugh can help with the pain of defeat.  I hope the Heels will quickly put this game in the back of their minds and focus on preping for Syracuse.  I know I'm preparing for our Syracuse Road Party.  See you in the Carrier Dome next weekend.

Go Heels!