University of North Carolina Athletics
Gameday Blog: Miami
October 6, 2007 | Football
Oct. 6, 2007
Fans are encouraged to send questions, comments and observations to uncblog@gmail.com.
A tale of two halves
Posted at 3:39 pm, end of game, 33-27, UNC
The Tar Heels got off to a tremendous start to this game, then withstood a furious Miami rally to beat the Hurricanes. Butch Davis embraces old friend Randy Shannon at midfield, and the Heels go to 2-4 on the season.
The Tar Heels put together a win, hard-fought over a 1-A opponent, something they had not had yet this season. They'll take it.
Thanks for reading the Gameday blog and join us next time. Next Saturday, the Tar Heels host Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks at 3:30 p.m.
Miami within six
Posted at 3:37 pm, 1:17 fourth quarter, 33-27, UNC
Javarris James ran in for the score, and now Miami will attempt an onsides kick. Hakeem Nicks is in the right place at the right time, this time on special teams, and the Heels have it at the Miami 45.
82 seconds to go
Posted at 3:32 pm, 1:22 fourth quarter, 33-20, UNC
First and goal at the 1, Hilee Taylor denies Wright scrambling toward the end zone with a big stop. Miami just used their final timeout.
A defensive stand
Posted at 3:30 pm, 2:32 fourth quarter, 33-20, UNC
E.J. Wilson, with some help from Kentwan Balmer on initial pressure, took Wright back five yards on a sack, bring up 2nd and 25 (after a holding penalty). Kenan Stadium is LOUD. The fans are hungery for a win, anxious for the next 2:32 to run off the clock.
A pretty punt negated
Posted at 3:26 pm, 2:54 fourth quarter, 33-20, UNC
Darnell Jenkins took a lateral from Cooper and brought the ball back to the 11. Terrence Brown's 56 yard on the punt was erased with a 68 yard return.
Milk that clock
Posted at 3:21 pm, 3:22 fourth quarter, 33-20, UNC
Johnny White replaced Elzy for a couple of carries on this drive, as the Heels attempt to milk to clock. Miami stopped Elzy on 3rd and 1, though, and Carolinla will be forced to punt.. Elzy has 25 carries for 95 yards.
You're a good man, Charlie Brown
Posted at 3:16 pm, 6:15 fourth quarter, 33-20, UNC
After giving up 4th and 1, the Tar Heels get a big play from Charles Brown, who picked off Kyle Wright across the middle at the 3 yard line. The clock is ticking...
Hurricanes driving
Posted at 3:12 pm, 8:28 fourth quarter, 33-20, UNC
Consecutive offsides penalties and short passes have put Miami down to the UNC 19.
Barth gets his fourth FG
Posted at 3:07 pm, 10:55 fourth quarter, 33-20, UNC
T.J. got eight yards on a scramble, but not the ten he needed. Connor Barth set his own record with his fourth field goal of the game, this one from 20. Connor has tied Clint Gwaltney with 43 career field goals.
We would have licked to have gotten six points on that drive given the generous field position, but three on this drive and three on the onee prior makes six. And that's the value of a kicker.
Who's seeing action today? A lot of players. We've mentioned Charles Brown, Tavorris Jolly and Quan Sturdivant, but there's also six guys that have carried the ball (Houston and White have come in at time for Elzy, along with Tate and Little from the receiver position).
Timeout, Heels
Posted at 3:02 pm, 11:09 fourth quarter, 30-20, UNC
As we have a break, we're considering a quandary. Seems just last night we were at an N.C. State facility, cheering hard for Carolina, and cheering hard for the Hurricanes. Only it was the Carolina Hurricanes as they hosted the Pittsburgh Penguins in the RBC Center.
The things you think about during a timeout...
Quan-tifying a turnover
Posted at 2:56 pm, 13:35 fourth quarter, 30-20, UNC
Quan Sturdivant, freshman linebacker, tipped and picked off Kyle Wright and gave the Heels the Ball at the Miami 41. It's time now to use that field position and effort by the defense to score.
Please pardon the pun.
Barth adds three
Posted at 2:52 pm, 14:12 fourth quarter, 30-20, UNC
Connor Barth put it through from 35, into the Tar Pit, to give the Heels a 10 point advantage. He then forced a touchback on the kickoff. That's not as easy as it used to be, as the kickoff has been moved back to the 30 yard line, making kickers boot the ball 70 yards to get to the end zone.
A look back
Posted at 2:48 pm, 15:00 fourth quarter, 27-20, UNC
Miami is 5-5 against North Carolina. The last time they played in Kenan Stadium, it was Connor Barth's 42-yard field goal that clinched a 31-28 win for the Tar Heels in 2004. The score after three quarters of that game was 21-21. The teams are very different in 2007, with 3/4's of the teams' rosters and both coaching staffs having changed. But Carolina fans have fond memories of the goal post coming down following that game.
Third quarter ends
Posted at 2:45 pm, 15:00 fourth quarter, 27-20, UNC
The Tar Heels have 3rd and 2 at the Miami 19, as the 'Hells Bells' video plays. The Tar Pit is doing a nice job of pumping their four fingers to the music.
Brandon Tate took a short pass from Yates 49 yards. Tate lost his shoe on the initial hit (or juked himself out of it). He made something from nothing and put the Heels down to the Miami 17.
Miami stalled
Posted at 2:42 pm, 1:40 third quarter, 27-20, UNC
Double-teaming on right end Hilee Taylor is giving Kyle Wirhgt time to find his receivers. Therefore, the pressure must come from the defensive tackles like Marvin Austin and Kentwan Balmer. Miami is being very methodical, moving the ball upfield on short pass plays and runs, then gouging the Heels deep. As we say that about Taylor, Darrius Massenburg comes around from the left end for good pressure on Wright, forcing an incompletion. Then Taylor beats the blocks to sack Wright for a 13-yard loss. Hopefully the Heels take something good from this stop.
Another three and out for the offense
Posted at 2:35 pm, 4:22 third quarter, 27-20, UNC
A hot start to the half has given the Hurricanes life, and they're not looking back. A 27-point deficit has been shaved to a single touchdown in less than 11 minutes. That's not good news to the Heels. They aren't exactly used to playing ahead, but they need to turn the heat up.
Canes connect for 97 yards
Posted at 2:35 pm, 4:22 third quarter, 27-20, UNC
The "TAR" "HEELS" chant and a lick of Guns N' Roses' 'Welcome to the Jungle' had the crowd into it, but Kyle Wright found Darnell Jenkins deep. Jenkins beat Tavorris Jolly at midfield, then took it the rest of the way for the score.
Stop the bleeding, boys.
Offense denied, but nice coverage
Posted at 2:28 pm, 4:52 third quarter, 27-13, UNC
Despite a nice third-down conversion on an Elzy reception, the drive stalls at the Tar Heel 45, and Terrence Brown punts to Graig Cooper. Quinton Person makes up for a false start on the punt and stops Cooper at the Miami 3, for a punt return of minus-4 yards. Brown's punt? 53 yards, 11 beyond his average of 42.
Hurricanes add 6 more
Posted at 2:22 pm, 8:06 third quarter, 27-13, UNC
Kyle Wright found Sam Shields in the end zone on a 4th and 3 from the four yard line. The extra point attempt by Zampogna hit the right upright.
An Anthony Elzy fumble gave the Hurricanes the ball at the Tar Heel 30. Defensive holding by Tavorris Jolly moved the ball to the 11 for 1st and 10. On that same play, Deunta Williams caught what would have been his second interception of the game, but the penalty negated the pass attempt.
The turnover put the Tar Heel defense in a tough position. They don't need to be put in tough spots field-position wise. On that drive, the Hurricanes only need to go 30 yards for the touchdown.
Miami has now scored 13 straight points. To make a statement and keep the comeback attempt at bay, the Heels need to make something happen on this drive.
Hurricanes on the board
Posted at 2:10 pm, 12:38 third quarter, 27-7, UNC
The Hurricanes came out in the second half clicking, and Kyle Wright punched it in from one yard out. It was a methodical drive, seven plays for 68 yards. Did they catch the Heels asleep? Let's hope not. Randy Shannon had to have lit a fire under his charges, and they wanted to make a statement and not wilt early in the second half.
First half numbers
Posted at 2:00 pm, halftime, 27-0, UNC
Some nice stats that point to the Heels' halftime edge:
Nice first half from the Heels
Posted at 1:45 pm, halftime, 27-0, UNC
The Tar Heels put up some good numbers both offensively and defensively enroute to a 27-point margin at halftime. Six players have now rushed the ball (add White to the list). Deunta Williams added his third INT of the season toward the end of the half. We'll have some numbers for you shortly. In close games, Woody tells fans to "go where you go." If you've been there for the first half, it's been working to "be where you've been."
Some different options carrying the ball
Posted at 1:38 pm, 1:58 second quarter, 27-0, UNC
Five players have rushed the ball today. We've told you about Tate, Yates and Elzy. Johnny White was just in the backfield on a fourth down attempt, but he has not touched the ball yet.
Greg Little got a first down on his first career carry, and Ryan Houston has been spelling Elzy late in the second quarter.
From the Mailbag
Posted at 1:30 pm, 5:20 second quarter, 27-0, UNC
Lee writes in - Hey there...has Connor shaved off his smooth moustache? I can't tell from my vantage point...whatever his facial hair configuration, it's working.
Good question, Lee. Last time we saw Connor, the mustache was gone. Connor tried out a "faux-hawk" at least through Monday, but that was shaved down evenly by later in the week. But you're right, it is working, whate ver he's doing, as he's 2-2 on the day on field goals, and 2-2 also on extra points.
Interception from Durell Mapp
Posted at 1:25 pm, 6:00 second quarter, 27-0, UNC
Just when the Canes had a drive going, Durell Mapp picks off Kyle Wright at the Tar Heel 39. That will be Mapp's first career interception, and the Tar Heels' 4th of the season. Deunta Williams has two and Trimane Goddard one.
After their second third-down conversion on this drive, the Hurricanes are now 2-7 on the day.
Anthony Elzy has 154 yards rushing through those three quarters.With the first half today and the fourth quarter at Virginia Tech,
Heels scoring, Canes dancing?
Posted at 1:15 pm, 9:59 second quarter, 27-0, UNC
Brandon Tate took an end-around for 54 yards to the end zone, with some help from Hakeem Nicks blocking downfield.
During a coach's challenge, the Miami defense took the opportunity to 'get down' to the music over the PA system. They then gave up 54 yards to Tate on the very next play. Isn't this the same defense that has 'gotten down' by giving up three touchdowns and two field goals in the first 20 minutes? Just checking.
Defense now 3 for 3 stopping third down
Posted at 1:10 pm, 10:18 second quarter, 20-0, UNC
Another three and out forced by the Tar Heel defense, who have given up just one first down so far.
Yates sneaks it in
Posted at 1:02 pm, 11:25 second quarter, 20-0, UNC
T.J. Yates got his first career rushing touchdown after special teams helped him out with some great field position. Barth then tacked on the point after. This team looks like they have finally put it all together. They are dominating time of possession and total offense. We'll have some hard numbers for you at halftime. That particular drive? Five plays in 2:05 for 11 yards.
Knock on wood
Posted at 12:59 pm, 11:43 second quarter, 13-0, UNC
We talked about the different 'teams' helping each other, with defense putting offense in good position, and vice versa. This time, it's special teams. Quan Sturdivant blocked a Matt Bosher punt, and Da'Norris Searcy picked the ball up, taking it down to the 11 yard line. Yates then converted on 4th and inches to put the Tar Heels at the 1. The Tar Heels have converted two of two 4th-down attempts thus far.
Off to a good start
Posted at 12:50 pm, 15:00 second quarter, 13-0, UNC
One down, three to go. The Tar Heels are playing with abandon today, outgaining the Canes 133-39, and outrushing them 70-6. The ground game appears to have arrived today.
Barth true from 51 yards
Posted at 12:41 pm, 0:27 first quarter, 13-0, UNC
Well, it crept across. Connor Barth hit from 51, his fourth career 50+ yarder. Connor now has 17 straight field goals.
Elzy, in the first quarter, already has the most yards by a Carolina back this season. He broke his own mark of 74 yards, set last week.
Miami wide right
Posted at 12:37 pm, 2:15 first quarter
This defense came to play. The Hurricanes' Francesco Zampogna missed the field goal. If not for the Heels giving up 47 yards on the kickoff return, the Canes likely don't get an attempt. Connor Barth held up Ryan Hill just enough for Matt Merletti to save the touchdown.
The Heels have used Charles Brown in the nickel formation. Jermaine Strong started in place of Kendric Williams, who tore his ACL in his left knee at Virginia Tech and is lost for the season.
Barth sets a UNC record
Posted at 12:30 pm, 4:23 first quarter, 10-0 UNC
Connor Barth is now alone atop UNC's consecutive-field goals made chart. He's hit 16 in a row, just nailing a 33-yarder to put the Heels up 10-0. He's currently tied with Michael Braunstein of Ohio University for longest current streak of field goals made.
On this drive, T.J. Yates again took one for the team on a roughing the passer penalty. That's a costly 15-yards that keep the drive going.
The Tar Heels converted on 4th and three on a four yard pass to Brandon Tate, then Yates just missed Tate on a play-action to the end zone. The Tar Heels are now 4-9 on fourth down conversions.
Anthony Elzy is being featured in the offense today. He has nine carries for 68 yards in the first ten minutes and change.
Another solid defensive showing
Posted at 12:21 pm, 8:40 first quarter
Tackles from Deunta Williams and Kentwan Balmer forced a punt, and the Heels start inside Miami territory.
Freshman Jonathan Smith did a great job on kickoff coverage to stop Lee Chambers at the Miami 8.
Elzy gets in on the ground
Posted at 12:16 pm, 10:33 first quarter
Joe Dailey made his first career catch, converting an 18-yard pass on 3rd and 9 to keep this drive going. Elzy then moved the chains on a 12-yard gain, before scrambling 39 yards for the first score of the game. Elzy broke a tackle attempt from Carlos Armour on his way to the end zone. It is the longest run from scrimmage of the season, and Elzy's fourth TD.
Now, the defense must use the momentum gained from both the scoring drive and their original three and out to get off the field again. It's nice to see the offense and defense help each other out, putting their teammates in good position to make things happen.
A better start for the defense
Posted at 12:08 pm, 12:10 first quarter
Well, the Tar Heel defense responded with a three and out, ending that streak we were just talking about. Tate called for a fair catch at the 30, so the Heels have nothing ventured, nothing gained after three minutes of game time. Still, it's nice that the defense was able to get off the field after only three plays. Now, it's up to the offense to sustain a drive and keep those defensive legs fresh.
Three and out for the offense
Posted at 12:05 pm, 13:00 first quarter
Anthony Elzy gave the Tar Heels 3rd and 2 on a nice run, but the line was unable to stop Teraz McCray, who go into the backfield to sack T.J. Yates.
Elzy made the start at tailback, and former quarterback Joe Dailey started at wide receiver in place of Brooks Foster. Lowell Dyer started at center, again for Scott Lenahan. Lenahan is expected to play today. Brandon Tate gave the Heels a starting position at the Tar Heel 36.
Game time
Posted at noon
Carolina has won the coin toss and elected to receive. This could be a good omen. The Tar Heel defense has allowed opening scoring drives in their last four games, going back to the ECU game.
Good news to mascot fans: Sebastian the Ibis is in the house.
10 minutes to kickoff
Posted at 11:50 am
The band is on the field for the pregame festivities and the team has returned to the locker room. We know the Heels are 1-4, but this feels like a big game. There is a strong contingent of Miami faithful lining the sideline and in the northeast corner of the stadium.
Temporary bleachers have been erected in the east end zone to accomodate 1,000 more Tar Heel fans. Time for the Star-Spangled Banner.
The Tar Pit, the student section in the west end zone, is full of students outfitted in navy blue Tar Pit t-shirts. It is our hope that the Tar Pit will become an intimidating sight this season and in years to come.
3 and a half hours to kickoff
Posted at 8:30 am
The Tar Heels and Hurricanes kick off at noon. The game is available on ESPN2, but you can also follow along on this page as we update from the press box. Check back for live updates and refresh the page often. Don't hesitate to email us with your questions and other thoughts at uncblog@gmail.com.
There is a lot going on in Chapel Hill today. Victory Village, an expansion of Tar Heel Town, opens at 9 am near the Bell Tower. The celebration will feature the Countdown to Kickoff show, McCall's Bar-B-Que for $8 a plate, and a chance to meet former Tar Heel standouts Jason Stanicek, Natrone Means, William Fuller, Don McCauley and former head coach Bill Dooley.
