They shouldn’t win, but this is the type of job-saver Al Groh makes his living from. Rattling T.J. Yates early with pressure is the best way to create a short field for the offense, and getting Sewell and Hall involved both running and throwing will make it tough for Carolina’s D to adjust. Fearless Prediction Carolina 20, Virginia 13: Simply put, this is the type of game this program shouldn’t lose at this point. With the motivation of last year’s failure to finish (with a trip to Tampa on the line, no less) and last week’s embarrassment at Georgia Tech, the Heels should come out like a house of fire. Around the ACC Overall: 27-11, last week: a disappointing 4-4. Of note is the fact that I came within 4 points of calling Duke’s win over N.C. Central exactly right. We all have to hang our hats on something. #6 Virginia Tech 44, Duke 6: I was at this game 4 years ago, when the Hokies scored more points (45) than the Dukies had total yards (41). For some reason, that sticks out in my mind and I expect much of the same. Clemson 34, Maryland 10: Maryland’s exploits at this point are just, well, funny. I don’t think home field advantage really plays a role in this one unless Da’Rel Scott can get it going early. N.C. State 34, Wake Forest 28: I think Wake Forest does enough offensively to establish that State’s top-ranked defense (in total yards allowed) is a smokescreen. That being said, Russell Wilson may be turning an ACC player of the year campaign into a darkhorse Heisman candidacy. As a Carolina fan, it pains me to say that, but you heard it here first. Boston College 21, Florida State 17: Still have no clue as to why Gameday is going to Chestnut Hill, but I think the Eagles can catch the Jekyll-and-Hyde Seminoles on another downer. #25 Georgia Tech 28, Mississippi State 19: I’ll admit, I was impressed with Tech’s performance against my Heels last week coming off of a tough 6 quarters of football. If they really have it going, the Bulldogs D will have a long day ahead. All this being said, I’m probably overselling the Jackets due to my Carolina blue blinders. MSU did give LSU quite a game last weekend. #8 Oklahoma 38, #17 Miami 20: Another big nonconference game for the ACC that I simply don’t see us winning. While Landry Jones may not be Sam Bradford, he is absolutely getting the job done for the Sooners, who are still very much in the national title race.
Ouch. UNC/UVA recap October 4, 2009 I’m afraid of this quote’s implications, especially considering that it comes from our best player. “It’s very frustrating,” he said. “[The offense is] going three-and-out and we’re back on the field, or they’re turning the ball over and we’re back on the field. It’s a team game. I’m not trying to play the blame game, but the offense has got to help us some.” That was Robert Quinn after Carolina’s 16-3 loss to a previously winless Virginia team who had no business beating the Heels at home. Quinn was absolutely right in his assessment, as the offense was held well under 200 total yards for the second straight week. Is it stubborn playcalling by offensive coordinator John Shoop? It would be hard to argue after he came out on the first three drives (again) trying to establish the run, and again going three-
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