by Derrick Clyburn

We knew that this would be a year that Tar Heels football would have many unexpected twists to its season, due to a number of players going to the NFL and graduation. We knew that the team would be young and inexperienced at many positions on offense. But we didn’t foresee so many players being lost to injury at one time.

This team must stay together and fight each week, taking it one game at a time. The youth movement is in full effect. Hopefully, this adversity will pay dividends later in the season and beyond.

Game Stats

UNC Total Offense – 247 Yards

Rushing 106 yards, Passing 141 yards

UNC Passing: Chazz Surratt 18-30-141yds 1 Int

UNC Receiving: Jordon Brown 9-57yds

UNC Rushing: Jordon Brown 8-41yds 1 TD

GT Total Offense – 456 Yards

GT Passing: TaQuon Marshall 5-10-53yds 1 TD

GT Rushing: TaQuon Marshall 27-137yds 1 TD, KirVonte Benson 18-130yds 1 TD

GT Receiving: Ricky Jeune 4-37yds 1 TD

Bright Spots

Jordon Brown had 41 yards rushing and 57 yards receiving with 1 TD.

The defense held GT’s powerful rushing attack to 10 points in the first half.

Needs Work

The offensive coordinator was too conservative on 1st downs again. He can’t keep putting this young offense behind the sticks. He needs to open it up more using his talented TE’s or bring the WR’s on slant routes. Surratt is showing his inexperience with his decision-making.

Final Observations

The coaches need to keep this team focused and together for the remainder of this season. These young players are dealing with a lot of adversity due to the injuries and losses mounting. They must find an identity that they can hang their hats on both offensively and defensively.

There are many young players getting playing time. Hopefully, this will help build depth for the future.