Observations from State-Carolina (a week later)

Mike Sturdivant:

• Despite the records, respective win loss streaks, and injury reports, this was finally a game where the matchups went in the Pack's favor. Overshadowed by its pourous defense, the Wolfpack's offense is second to none in the ACC. In the Tar Heels offense, the gradually improving Pack defense finally found a group that it could potentially slow down.
• The Heels came into the game with an impressive 8-3 record, but the last two of those wins were the result of multiple defensive touchdowns. While multiple defensive touchdowns is an indication of a strong defense, it is not a reliable source for scoring long term - it can't last forever, and it didn't.
• The difference in the game was Tom O'Brien. With long time OC Dana Bible in the hospital, TOB took on the play calling duties for the first time since being the OC at Virginia 13 years ago. I'm not sure who make the defensive calls for the Heels, but TOB made him look silly. STOP BLITZING. The heels brought constant pressure throughout the game, and although this resulted in a number of tackles for loss in the run game, it also left Carolina's corners exposed by Owen Spencer and Jarvis Williams in man coverage. The Heels cover guys are talented players, but not talented enough to stay with Spender and Williams, especially when the Pack o-line did a decent job of limiting the rush and giving Wilson a chance to hit his guys. This started early in the game, and the Carolina defensive staff never made an adjustment. As Joe Susan once yelled across the field - GIVE YOUR KIDS A CHANCE!
• Kudos to the young and injury decimated Pack defense for its second half play. Playing with only 35% of its scholarship players, and most of these injuries on D, the Pack still got beat deep in the zone three times in the first half. But losing starting LB D. Maddox and another freshman corner during the game (to be replaced by another walkon), the Pack held the Heels to 3 second half points for the win.