Carolina’s 37-13 Win over Virginia
After licking the wounds from the disappointing loss to Georgia Tech, the Tar Heels had to regroup to take on Virginia on a short week. Due to North Carolina’s bowl ineligibility some folks thought the Tar Heels wouldn’t respond how they did; but surprisingly enough they did. The Cavs, on the other hand, were looking to keep its bowl eligibility hopes alive; but instead they died in the, 37-13, thrashing courtesy of North Carolina getting off to a strong start.
UNC (7-4, 4-3 ACC) capitalized on the many mistakes Virginia (4-7, 2-5 ACC) made defensively. Bryn Renner, who had an identifiable and memorable contribution completing an impressive 19 of his 23 attempts for 201 yards in the first half alone. He eventually finished going 24-of-35 for a whopping 315 yards, and three touchdowns. Giovani Bernard had only 57 yards on 15 carries; but showcased his versatility by catching a touchdown along with Erik Highsmith’s two touchdown catches, as well.
Freshman, Quinshad Davis, had a coming out party hauling in 15 catches for 174 yards, 10 of which was in the 1st half. The impressive game by Davis set a record for all UNC freshmen; and essentially adding on to the secret weapons of UNC’s air-attack arsenal.
Defensively, the Tar Heels had a chip on their shoulders, and rightfully so. Its been no secret about the ongoing scrutiny Carolina’s defense has been under allowing more than 500 yards in three consecutive games. The statement that was intending on being made came out throughout the game. Honestly,Virginia never really seemed to be in sync thanks to the defense not allowing Michael Ricco to get the passing game going or Kevin Parks in the running lanes only gaining 53 on 12 carries.
If there was any defense play that put Carolina’s defensive coordinator, Vic Koenning, over the top it was the 1 yard stand right before half that would’ve made the score, 20-16, in hind sight it was the pivtal play that change the course of the game for good.
North Carolina bumped their conference record over .500 to 4-3 in the ACC with the win. Next opponent on the schedule is the young yet up & coming Maryland Terrapins.
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