Post-game Notes

Oct. 18, 2008

Carolina falls to 5-2 overall and 1-2 in the ACC Coastal Division. The Tar Heels have lost two games this season by a total of six points (20-17 to Virginia Tech and 16-13 to Virginia). Dating back to last season, UNC's last four losses have been by a total of 12 points.

UNC is now minus 5 in the turnover margin in its two losses (-2 vs. Virginia Tech and -3 today at Virginia). The Tar Heels came into today's game #1 in the nation in turnover margin (plus 1.83 per game), but had two interceptions and a lost fumble against the Cavaliers.

Today marked the first time in seven games this season the Tar Heel defense did not force a turnover and the first time the opponents did not throw at least one interception.

Carolina had more yards (332-275), more first downs (19-15), more time of possession (34:13 to 25:47).

Carolina held the Cavaliers to 58 rushing yards (on 27 attempts). The Tar Heels have allowed only 147 rushing yards in the last two games (89 vs. Notre Dame).

Carolina is now 2-4 in overtime games. This was the first overtime game of the season and the first since the 2007 season-ending win over Duke.

Overtime
1998 - UNC 37, NC State 34
1999 - Georgia Tech 31, UNC 24
2003 - Syracuse 49, UNC 47 (3OT)
2005 - Maryland 33, UNC 30
2007 - UNC 20, Duke 14
2008 - Virginia 16, UNC 13

Sophomore tailback Shaun Draughn made his first career start and rushed for a career-high 138 yards on 30 carries. He becomes the first Tar Heel to post two 100-yard rushing games in a season since Ronnie McGill had three in 2006.

Draughn is the first Tar Heel to rush at least 30 times in a game since Jonathan Linton had 36 vs. Duke in 1997.

Draughn's 138 yards are the most by a Tar Heel since Greg Little had 154 vs. Duke last year.

Hakeem Nicks had six receptions for 90 yards. He moved past Leon Johnson (151) and Sam Aiken (146) into fourth place in school history with 152 career receptions. Nicks also passed Aiken for third place in career receiving yards with 2,261.

Sophomore linebacker Bruce Carter blocked his fifth kick of the year by blocking a third quarter UVA field goal attempt. Earlier this year, Carter blocked one punt at Miami and three punts vs. Connecticut.

In the first quarter, North Carolina rushed for 133 yards as Draughn had 80 yards on 13 attempts. Carolina outgained the Cavaliers on the ground, 133-18 in the opening quarter.

Carolina marched 83 yards and scored on a 1-yard touchdown run by Ryan Houston on its first possession of the game. It was the first time the Tar Heels scored a touchdown on their opening drive this season. Draughn rushed for 48 yards on the drive.

Sophomore Kendric Burney made his debut today as a punt returner in place of Brandon Tate, who was injured last week vs. Notre Dame. Burney had two returns for five yards.

True freshman TE Christian Wilson made his first career start today as the Tar Heels opened the game in a two tight end set.

Sophomore linebacker Quan Sturdivant registered double-digit tackles for the third game in a row as he made a career-high 13 hits (previous high was 11 twice).

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Players Mentioned

Sam Aiken

Kendric Burney

Shaun Draughn

Ryan Houston

Greg Little

Ronnie McGill

Hakeem Nicks

Quan Sturdivant

Brandon Tate

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