University of North Carolina Athletics
Tar Heel Football Edged By Cavaliers, 20-17
September 4, 1999 | Football
Sept. 4, 1999
The Tar Heels opened their 1999 football season with a close loss to Virginia, in front of 59,000 in Kenan Stadium. A 50-yard Cavalier field goal with 27 seconds remaining was the deciding factor in the contest.
Despite some first-game jitters, the Carolina offense ran smoothly. The Tar Heels were led by quarterback Ronald Curry, who threw for 147 yards and a touchdown. Curry headed the offensive attack, which amassed 292 yards on the day. Sophomore tailback Anthony Sanders caught an 18 yard pass from Curry which tied the game in the fourth quarter. Kicker Josh McGee made a 39 yard field goal but missed from 44 yards early in the third quarter.
Defensively, the Tar Heels benefitted from solid play by Billy-Dee Greenwood, Errol Hood and Brandon Spoon. Safety Antwan Black returned an interception 89 yards for a touchdown, giving the Tar Heels the lead going into the half. Linebacker Merceda Perry led the defense with 8 tackles and 5 assists.
Virginia was led by Thomas Jones, who rushed for 153 yards on 53 carries. Quarterback Dan Ellis was 10 for 25 with 3 interceptions, but the Tar Heels only capitalized on one Cavalier turnover. Todd Braverman had two field goals for the Cavaliers, including his career-long 50 yard game winner.
North Carolina continues their season next Saturday at Indiana.
