Tar Heels Football M.A.S.H. Unit Injuries are Adding Up

by Derrick Clyburn

Much prayer is needed for this Tar Heels football team. They have added 3 more players to the 9 potential starters who were already considered out for this game due to injuries. Austin Proehl broke his left clavicle and Tyler Powell and Rontavius Groves had lower leg injuries. The troops must rally to salvage this injury-plagued season.

The Tar Heels still had a chance to win this game against Duke, but poor play calling kept the offense behind the sticks. Surratt made a poor decision, which led to a pick-six that helped determine the outcome, The defense played respectably, keeping Carolina ahead for most of the 2nd half.

Game Stats

UNC Total Offense – 377 Yards

Rushing 118 yards, Passing 259 yards

UNC Passing: Chazz Surratt 17-32-259yds 1 TD 1 Int

UNC Receiving: Anthony Ratliff-Williams 5-125 yds 1 TD

UNC Rushing: Chaz Surratt 17-77yds 1 TD

Duke Total Offense – 389 Yards

Duke Passing: Daniel Jones 18-34-202yds 1 TD

Duke Rushing: Brittain Brown 10-90yds, Shaun Wilson 18-56yds 1 TD

Duke Receiving: T.J. Rahming 6-73yds, Davis Koppenhaver 2-31yds  1 TD

Bright Spots

Chazz Surratt was efficient with 17-32-259yds 1 TD and rushing for 1 TD.

Anthony Ratliff-Williams had a career-high  5-125 yds 1 TD

The defense held Duke in check keeping them out of the end zone for most of the game.

Needs Work

The offensive coordinator was too conservative on 1st downs. He needs to open it up more using his talented TE’s or bring the WR’s on slant routes. Fedora needs to get the team under control. The players need to show more discipline. Carolina has been called multiple personal fouls every game this season. Surratt has to make better decisions under pressure. Throw the ball away rather than trying to shuffle pass it, which led to a pick six.

Final Observations

It’s going to be a very tough season with all of the injuries that have taken place, but it’s next man up. The games still have to be played. The players need to show pride and continue to take it one game at a time. A lot of young players will get a chance to get valuable playing time. Question? Why did OC Chris Kapilovic not call for all pass plays to be thrown into the end zone on the last drive of the game? When the Tar Heels were in the red zone with less than a minute remaining?