UNC Tar Heels Football Team Fell Short inThe Waning Moments

by Derrick Clyburn

The Tar Heels football team fought hard through a lot of adversity trying to overcome four interceptions and had a chance to tie the game in the final minutes against Cal.  A questionable reversal call of the Tar Heels successful onside kick sealed their fate. The North Carolina offense struggled mightily with quarterback Nathan Elliott running the show. They only had one first down in the first half.

Game Stats

UNC Total Offense – 309 Yards

Rushing 165, Passing 144

UNC Passing: Nathan Elliott 15-35-277yds 1 TD 4 Ints

UNC Rushing: Nathan Elliott 10-58yds, Antonio Williams 7-47yds

UNC Receiving: Anthony Ratliff-Williams 3-62 yds 1 TD,

Cal Total Offense – 281 Yards

Cal Passing: Chase Garbers 7-13-54 yds 1 TD

Cal Rushing: Patrick Laird 29-95yds 1 TD

Cal Receiving:  Patrick Laird 4-14yds 1 TD

Bright Spots

Anthony Ratliff-Williams had 3 rec for 62 yds and 1 TD. The UNC defense. They only allowed one touchdown that wasn’t set up by an interception.

Needs Work

The offensive and defensive coordinators need to help their players be in better positions to win. On offense, the Tar Heels had too many 3 and outs. You can’t play effectively when you are always behind the sticks. Nathan Elliott overthrew too many passes and struggled with both the short and mid-range game. The quarterback position is certainly unsettled at the moment.

Final Observations

Despite the four interceptions and the anemic offense through three quarters. The Tar Heels still had a chance to tie the game with a recovered onside kick that was overturned with a minute left in the game. I like the fight that I saw in the 4th quarter, but the offense needs much work. The defense was on the field entirely too long with all of the 3 and outs. Hopefully, Fedora and his staff can make the adjustments needed to turn things around quickly.