North Carolina Post-game Notes
August 31, 2002 | Football
Aug. 31, 2002
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* Five true freshmen saw playing time in the season-opener for the Tar Heels -- Tommy Richardson, Derrele Mitchell, Michael Gilmore, Cedrick Holt and Kendall High. Richardson, Mitchell and Gilmore were in the game for the opening kickoff on special teams.
* A total of 16 players saw their first action as Tar Heels -- Derrele Mitchell, Jarwarski Pollock, C.J.Stephens, Dan Orner, Cedrick Holt, Topher Roberts, Danny Rumley, Tommy Richardson, Ronnie Bryant, Michael Gilmore, John DeShields, Leon Scroggins, Tommy Davis, Bobby Blizzard, Carl Smalls and Kendall High.
* Carolina committed nine turnovers against Miami, its most in a game since turning it over seven times at Maryland in 1999. The nine turnovers (six fumbles and 3 INTs) tied an ACC record for most turnovers in a game.
* With today's loss, the Tar Heels have lost their second consecutive season-opener and their fourth in the last five years (including 1998 against Miami (OH)).
* Sam Aiken's 174 yards receiving are a career high and the fourth highest single game total in UNC history. He also had a career-high eight catches.
* Darian Durant's 279 yards passing is his third-highest single game passing total. He tied his career highs in completions (24) and attempts (37). He did throw a career-high three interceptions.
* Bobby Blizzard caught his first TD pass as a Tar Heel, with a nine-yard pass from Durant in the fourth quarter.
* Senior DeFonte Coleman, who began his career as a wide receiver before moving to safety as a sophomore, switched to linebacker late in preseason camp and earned a start at LB against Miami.
