The eyes said it all.
In his post-game news conference, Carolina Coach John Bunting had the look of a linebacker. Maybe if the coach could have suited up, the Heels would have fared better against the Rutgers running game.
Bunting gave his defense an earful after Ray Rice ran for 201 yards against a defense that was "supposed" to be better.
Maybe we underestimated how the loss of Tommy Richardson, Chase Page et. al would hurt the front seven. Carolina missed tackles and played undisciplined defense.
That won't cut it for the former Tar Heel and Eagles linebacker, John Bunting … "They ran the ball right down our throats. Right where we ended the season last year against Virginia Tech and it disgusts me. I told the defense, I told the team, I told our defensive captain Larry Edwards just that. It will be a long, long season if we don't play better run defense than that."
So, guess who's coming to town now? Yep, that Hokie team that Bunting referred to. Sure, it'll be a different group operating the offense, but they'll bring the same plan ... run it right at Carolina. It should be an interesting week of practice for the Carolina defense.
Offensively, QB Joe Dailey did pretty well in his debut. Although Carolina's two-minute offense just before the half consisted of more running plays than passing, it did produce a Conner Barth field goal but didn't show a lot of confidence in Dailey.
The second half was much better with Dailey hooking up with sophomore Brooks Foster. He hauled in 11 passes for 120 yards. Ronnie McGill broke off a beautiful, pinball 48-yard run but seemed to tire at times. All in all, an OK day for the offense but two interceptions by Dailey were costly.
It all adds up to another opening day loss under John Bunting. He is now 1-5 in season openers. This wasn't a loss to Georgia Tech, Florida State or Oklahoma … it's Rutgers for goodness sakes. I know they are a solid football team, but Carolina needs to get to a point where they NEVER lose to the Scarlett Knights.
Till next week …
Jeff
