Short version:
Let me clarify my remarks about the game.
Bottom line: NC blew 3 scoring opportunities ... 2 of them end zone pics!
• We blew 1.
• End result: NC left between 3-17 pts on the field. How much of that did we cause? It's really too early in the season to tell yet.
• We left 3-7 pts on the field.
• NC's decision to take their stud RB out and pass on 3rd and 4th down inside the 10 was insane.
• Were the pics forced by the rush? Maybe. I credit our guys for being in the right place, but let's face it, the NC QB made 3 horrendous throws and there was no reason why they should not have been intercepted.
• This was a very "loseable" game, but our guys executed better especially when the game was on the line, and I am proud of the way we fought.
• If we can get our passing game going more, this could be an interesting season.
• We'll know more after the GA game.
Long version:
• Both teams should have had a pic-6
• Neither team could convert a 4th down when it meant something.
• SC did not capitalize on offense after NC's 1st failed 4th down which was a gamble early in the 2nd half (if I recall). Ultimately it did not hurt them.
• SC's failed attempt in the 4th qtr. could have possibly led to a TD that would have iced the game. Because SC did not convert, they left the door open for NC to score.
• As a result, it took a defensive stand,inside the 10 yard line, to save the game .
• The last 2 plays NC ran (both passes) on 3rd and 4th down at the end of the game totally baffle me. NC took their stud RB (who got them down the field) out of the game. Why he didn't get the ball at least on the 3rd down play is a head scratcher. It reminded me of Bobo's decision NOT to give the ball to Gurly on the goal line in last year's GA game. I also had visions of Spurrier deciding to pass on 1st and 2nd down in OT vs TN last year resulting in 2 sacs when only a FG would have gotten us a tie and forced a 2nd OT.
• Our pass rush was strong compared to last year.
• Our running game looked pretty good for the most part.
• Kicking game was strong.
• Were the pics forced by the rush? Maybe. I credit our guys for being in the right place, but let's face it, the NC QB made 3 horrendous throws and there was no reason why they should not have been intercepted.
• Bottom line: NC blew 3 scoring opportunities ... 2 of them end zone pics!
• We blew 1.
• End result: NC left between 3-17 pts on the field. How much of that did we cause? It's really too early in the season to tell yet.
• We left 3-7 pts on the field.
• This was a very "loseable" game, but our guys executed better especially when the game was on the line, and I am proud of the way we fought.
• If we can get our passing game going more, this could be an interesting season.
• We'll know more after the GA game.