North Carolina Notes

Sept. 28, 2002

With today's loss, Carolina has won just one of its last five ACC openers since 1998 (GT in 1998, Virginia in 1999, Maryland in 2001 and today against Tech). UNC's lone win came at Wake Forest in 2000.

Carolina has now lost five straight games to Georgia Tech, UNC's longest losing streak in the series. Carolina had lost four games in a row twice previously to Tech.

Carolina has now lost three games in a row at home for the first time since losing four straight in 1999 at Kenan Stadium.

A Number of Firsts:
- Clarence Gaddy registered his first career sack when he dropped Damarius Bilbo for a 14-yard loss in the second quarter.
- Zach Hilton caught his first TD pass of the season with a 19-yard grab from Darian Durant in the second quarter that gave the Tar Heels a 10-7 lead. Hilton had the first two touchdown catches of his career last year.
- Malcolm Stewart had his first career interception. He picked off Bilbo in the second quarter and returned it 31 yards. The Tar Heels answered with a field goal to go ahead 13-7.
- True freshman Michael Gilmore saw his first action of the season at wide receiver. Gilmore had one catch for seven yards.

With three catches today, Sam Aiken is just three catches shy of becoming the 10th player in UNC history with 100 career receptions.

Darian Durant's 60-yard completion to Bobby Blizzard in the third quarter (that ended with a fumble into the end zone) was Carolina's longest pass play of the season. It was also the longest catch of Blizzard's career (including Kentucky).

Three of Carolina's four opponents in 2002 have had a 100-yard rusher, including Georgia Tech's Ajenavi Eziemefe with 136 yards today. Miami's Cal Murray rushed for 101 yards in the season opener and Texas tailback Cedric Benson had 208 yards against the Tar Heels on Sept. 14.

Since 1995, Carolina has posted a 6-6 record following a bye week, including a 1-2 record under head coach John Bunting.

John Lafferty's 58-yard punt in the third quarter was his longest of the season and the third longest of his career. Lafferty booted a 64-yard punt last year versus Virginia.

Carolina wore its all blue uniform for the first time in 2002 against the Yellow Jackets. Last year, UNC wore blue pants and blue jerseys against East Carolina. Prior to last year, the Tar Heels had not worn all blue since 1992 against NC State.

Scoreboard Slider

University of North Carolina Athletics

Players Mentioned

Sam Aiken

Bobby Blizzard

Darian Durant

Clarence Gaddy

Michael Gilmore

Zach Hilton

John Lafferty

Malcolm Stewart

Related Videos