UNC Tar Heels Football Team Lose In Six Overtimes
by Derrick Clyburn
The North Carolina football team gave a great and valiant effort against Va. Tech. You just can’t let the home team get that many chances to win. It seemed like the week off made the Tar Heels a little sluggish. They weren’t sharp on offense or defense.
North Carolina scored enough points to win the game but the defense with a plethora of injuries in the secondary was exposed all day. Getting beat on man coverage most of the day. The freshman DBs didn’t make a play on the ball which made an easy pitch and catch for Va. Tech.
UNC fought hard to take it to six overtimes but couldn’t make any plays to seal the game away.
UNC Game Stats
UNC Total Offense – 491 Yards
Rushing 148 Passing 348
UNC Passing: Sam Howell 26-49-348yds 5TD’s
UNC Rushing: Michael Carter 13-91yds
UNC Receiving: Dazz Newsome 9-112yds 2TDs, Beau Corrales 5-48yds 1TD, Rontavius Groves 3-27yds 1TD, Antoine Green 1-68yds 1TD
VT Total Offense – 490 Yards
VT Passing: Hendon Hooker 8-12-127yds 1TD, Ryan Willis 3-3-55yds 1TD
VT Rushing: Quincy Patterson II 21-122yds, 1TD
VT Receiving: Tre Turner 5-106yds 1TD, Damon Hazelton 3-43yds 2TDs
UNC Bright Spots
Sam Howell had a career-high 5 touchdowns on 26 of 49 attempts.
Dazz Newsome had 9 catches for 122 yards and 2 TDs.
Needs Work
Sam Howell needs to learn to throw the ball away when nothing is available instead of taking the sack. He needs to realize that he is not a great runner and get rid of the ball.
The offensive play-calling needs to be more aggressive and consistent throughout the game. Too many 3 and outs.
The offensive line needs to be more disciplined and cut down on penalties.
Final Observations
UNC had their chances to win the game. The officials didn’t give the Tar Heels any breaks on calls. The delay of game penalty when North Carolina hit the field goal to win in the 4th overtime was very fishy. That gave Va. Tech new life. Mack Brown must get the team focused and ready for the next game and keep on moving.