UNC Growing Pains

by Derrick Clyburn

We knew that it would be a day of the unknowns with all of the new players getting extensive time on the field. It was a game that UNC could have won. Really, should have won.

Game Stats

UNC Total Offense – 440 Yards

Rushing 219, Passing 221

UNC Passing: Chazz Surratt 18-28-160yds,  Brandon Harris 7-16-60yds 2 Ints

UNC Rushing: Michael Carter 11-94yds 2 TD’s,  Surratt 16-66yds 1 TD, Jordan Brown 13-54yds

California Total Offense – 469 Yards

Cal Passing: Ross Bowers 24-38-363yds 4 TDs 2 Ints

Bright Spots

Michael Carter 11-94yds 2 TD’s. Carter showed explosion and quickness.

Chazz Surratt 18-28-160yds, 16-66yds 1 TD Rushing. Surratt showed poise under pressure.

Needs Work

No Pass Rush! The Defensive Line must get better. One sack will not do it!

The Safeties allowed too many big plays. They were out of position too many times.

UNC Miscues

2 interceptions, 1 fumble, and the Dalton Personal Foul which led to a bomb by Cal on the next play.

Poor decision by the Defensive Coordinator with 6:15 left in the 4th quarter down 4 points. It was 3rd and 16 and UNC rushed 3 and dropped 8 in coverage. Cal still got the first down. Then they went on to score a TD to put the game away. UNC should have blitzed or at least rushed 4 to put pressure on the QB.

Ref Miscues

The 1st miscue was Cal’s first TD. The ball was bobbled while the WR was falling out of the end zone. No review of the play was made. (PAC 10 officials called the game)

The 2nd miscue was the Umpire gave an unofficial pick of MJ Stewart knocking him to the ground while Cal WR Vic Wharton ran a slant that went for 25 yards putting them on the 4-yard line. They scored a few plays later putting Cal up 35-24.

Final Observations

It is the first game of the season and there is a lot of room for improvements on both sides of the ball. Is there a QB controversy? Surratt has the inside edge right now. Hopefully, Harris can bounce back. Both QBs will be needed. The defense has to get off the field on 3rd and longs. The coaches have to help this young inexperienced team be in better position to close out and win games taking it one series at a time. Cutting down on turnovers is a must. It doesn’t get easier. Louisville is up next week.