First, let me say something to the seniors reading this. I hope you enjoyed watching a win as a student for the last time. My senior night was also a win over UNC -- I have many fun memories from that night, a brief period where I have no memories, then ending with some good memories. OK, enough about me.
A few minutes into the game, I thought to myself, and tweeted, "Why does UNC always play this game like it's their Super Bowl?"
About a minute later, Ryan Houston fumbles, Derrick Hopkins recovers and they show Ryan crying on the sideline. I felt validated. OK, seriously, enough about me. But you get my point, right?
The crazy part is, for some unknown reason, it seemed UNC's intensity caught the guys off guard. We looked flat. (Also, an illegal formation penalty on the first play of the game? How does that happen?)
But what's most important is their short memory and refocus. I was pleased to see them respond in a strong way on offense. Also, when we gave up the second touchdown, did you see how pissed Foster got? I love that.
Lastly, if I'm a UNC fan, I'd be losing my mind about the officiating. However, I'm chalking it up to the ball bouncing our way. With the injuries we've had, I call it even (I know UNC doesn't give a damn, but whatever).
Let's talk about our guys:
1. Antone Exum - Hello, Mr. Exum. I think he gets the game ball on defense. Great display of tackling.
2. Josh Oglesby - He only had 5 carries, but he put together some really nice runs. He's a tough dude.
3. Logan Thomas - This was a pretty big test for Logan. The UNC defense didn't make it easy on the offense, and he still rose above it to put together a 3-touchdown night. The TD pass to Coles, as well as the throw on the run are both very big time. He's led us to a 10-1 season in his first year taking over from Tyrod Taylor. Cra.
4. David Wilson - Well, David was bailed out because I'm pretty sure that was a fumble. Then, he did fumble it and Joey was all over it. He's rather lucky. I really hope this wasn't his last game in Lane. Obviously, he'd be a Heisman candidate and everyone would love him forever, but I do think he can be even better than he is now. I'm sure we'll be talking more about this later.
7. Marcus Davis - Well, he smoked his defender right at the end of the first half, but Logan was tad off target. Missed opportunity. Marcus has 20 grabs this year, which I think is a prelude to a big 2012. It would be nice if he went wild on UVA next week. I think he's due.
8. Dietrick Bonner - So was he was in at whip? If so, I'm not sure that's where he should be lining up. He's been playing a good corner, and I hope he stays there. If he was at corner, then I do not think it was his best night. But it was probably his first off night since Marshall.
9. Cris Hill - I think his man caught that pass near the goal line just before half, but it doesn't matter what I think. Cris had a pretty good senior night, much like the season he's put together.
15. Eddie Whitley - He was turning in a really great game until the long pass in the 4th quarter. In the end, it didn't kill us, and he did a lot of good things. He was busy all night.
17. Kyle Fuller - He opened with a typical Kyle Fuller aggressive tackle and had a pretty good game. He was beat on the 4th down touchdown, but he also had a huge sack on a third down, thus he pilots this week's Sack Drone.
18. D.J. Coles - The touchdown catch was really impressive. This kid's got skills. He's also probably got a sore hip from getting blasted by LT3 at the end of a play.
19. Danny Coale - I hope he got a "Dan-ny Dan-ny" chant or something. GIVE THE KID A CHANT.
20. Jayron Hosely - Man, Jayron was getting schooled early on. I couldn't believe it. He looked out of it at times. However, he made some really impressive plays in big moments down the stretch. I like that 20 much better.
22. Tony Gregory - I noticed him twice: Once for causing a shank and another for covering up a mishandled punt. Special teams game ball.
24. Tariq Edwards - I was surprised to see he only had 7 tackles. He looked like he was locked in on tailbacks all night. I thought he went back to that aggressive athlete against the Heels.
27. Nick Dew - Saw him in here and there. He's due for a big play. I hope it's against UVA.
33. Chris Drager - He looked smooth catching that touchdown. He's been turning in an awesome year.
38. Michael Branthover - Some good, a little bit of meh. Got it inside the 20. Overall, a positive night.
42. J.R. Collins - If I was controlling Gio Bernard and I hit that spin move on JR, I'd be going wild in my living room. Overall, he played a decent game.
45. Joey Phillips - Joey on the spot when Wilson coughed it up. Well done.
48. Justin Myer - He gave it the old college try. It was windy out.
54. Nick Becton - He had a tough assignment. And it showed on a 3rd down when he was smoked by Coples. But, honestly, I think the branding on his arm is one of the most intimidating things I've ever seen. Considering Becton had to stare across at that bicep and only gave up one sack, I say not bad. But he did have his hands full all night.
58. Jack Tyler - You're not as busy when it's not an option attack that hippies used to run, are you, Jack? I wonder if he was bored at all against UNC. But, seriously, he played hard. He can really tattoo guys.
62. Blake DeChristopher - Another nice outing, especially considering the assignment.
66. Tyrel Wilson - Only saw him for a few plays.
67. Michael Via - I'm so used to Michael rotating in at guard, I forgot he doubled at center, as well. It wasn't a banner night, but he was asked to fill some important shoes and he got the job done. I'm sure he's preparing to start on Saturday. Give Mike some extra stuffing and potatoes.
68. Jaymes Brooks - He looked like he had a decent game. He's been playing angrier the last 3-4 games. I used to get that pissed when I'd have to walk across the Drillfield for class in February.
72. Andrew Lanier - I like the idea of bringing him in as a third tackle.
74. Andrew Miller - Well, the first play didn't go well for Mr. Miller. Then I'm pretty sure he missed the blitz on the fourth down. Then, his night is cut short by an ankle. I was talking to a friend on Sunday about how Miller has become a good center. I hope he's back soon.
75. Greg Nosal - I saw him throw a few nice blocks when he pulled.
81. Jarrett Boykin - What a masterful performance on senior night. Remind yourself: He's the all-time leading receiver. I'm going to miss him lining up next year.
86. Eric Martin - Again, another week getting busy in the blocking game.
89. Cody Journell - He's looking good. He just needs to keep doing what he's doing.
92. Luther Maddy - I watched the Houston fumble a few times. Are we sure Luther didn't cause that? Either way, I thought he made the most of the reps he got.
95. Zack McCray - I saw him in for a few plays. He looked somewhat more comfortable.
98. Derrick Hopkins - He's having an All-ACC season, right?
99. James Gayle - I didn't see a lot go his way.
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Thought so...
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"It was windy out"
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Same
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Yes
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