UNC RECORD: 6-4 (2-4 ACC) (L 13-0 against North Carolina State Univ.)
VT RECORD: 9-1 (5-1 ACC) (W 37-26 against (21) Georgia Tech)
SCORE: (8) VT 24 – UNC 21
GAME SUMMARY: Early on in this Thursday night tilt in Blacksburg, it looked as if Tech would lose its loftiest ranking in years to a Tarheel outfit coming off perhaps its most embarrassing loss in recent memory. On the first play from scrimmage, Tech QB Logan Thomas fumbled, setting up UNC with prime field positioning. Three plays later, RB Gionavi Bernard dazzled with a PlayStation-esque juke and spin move into the end zone to put the Tarheels up 7-0. Tech responded with a 69-yard drive, but came away empty-handed after failing to convert on fourth and short from the UNC 26. On the following drive, Carolina marched down the filed, but on first and goal, Ryan Houston fumbled. 95 yards later, Thomas found Chris Drager to tie it up, and Cody Journell would add a field goal on the next Hokie possession. The true turning point of the game came on the drive after Journell’s FG, when Bernard was injured in big collision with CB Jayron Hosley, removing the ‘Heels most effective offensive weapon. Two touchdowns in the third quarter gave Tech a commanding 24-7 lead heading in the last quarter, but UNC rallied behind the inspired play of QB Brynn Renner (and some interesting coaching decisions by the Hokies) to pull within 3 points with 2:30 left. The Hokies recovered the ensuing onside kick, and held on for a nerve-wracking win.
LOCK IT IN THE LUNCHPAIL: Let’s face it, UNC has always been a tough matchup, but there was little reason for this game to end as close as it did. There was a lot to worry about moving forward: a number of lines the offensive line looked overwhelmed by UNC’s front seven; Jayron Hosley played one of the worst games of his career (at least in the first half); EVERYONE put the ball on the ground; there were a couple of questionable play calls on fourth down; and most worrisome, it seemed like the Hokie defense mailed it in the fourth quarter, inexcusably almost allowing the Tarheels to come back and win. It should not matter how large the lead is, the defense cannot have breakdowns like the ones that allowed Renner to hit a wide-open Erik Highsmith for 65 yards. There were some hgihlights, including Jarrett Boykin’s career-high 10 receptions and Antoine Exum’s play in the secondary, but it was difficult to come away from this game feeling positive. Then again, it is said that good teams find ways to win even when not performing at its best. The Hokies won, securing an eight straight 10+ win season, and pretty much locked up the ACC Coastal and a berth in the ACCCG. Cause we all knew that UVA had no chance of beating to Seminoles in Tallahassee on Saturday…right?
UNC SEASON RECORD: 7-6 (3-5 ACC), 5th ACC Coastal.
UNC SEASON SUMMARY: Life without Butch Davis proved to be a tale of two seasons. In mid-October, UNC sat at 5-1, with the only loss coming against a ranked Georgia Tech squad. The outcome was in doubt until the very end, as the Tarheels rallied from 14 points down to tie the game at 28 with seven minutes remaining. The ‘Heels early season victories included an 11-point win against a UVA team that finished the regular season with eight wins, and a home victory over Big East co-champion Lousiville. The came the start of conference play…and, well, maybe Everett Withers was in a little over his head. UNC went 2-4 in the second half of the season. In two of three road losses – at Clemson and at Virginia Tech – there were moments when both opponents were on the verge of routes; the Tigers did, dropping 59 on UNC, while the questionable playcalling and defensive carelessness by the Hokies allowed the Tarheels to rally. There are no words to describe the shutout loss in Raleigh, during which the Wolfpack held UNC to three yards rushing. But hey, at least they beat Wake and Duke, setting up the possibility of (another) 8-5 finish.
OFFENSIVE MVP: RB Giovani Bernard. 1222 RYDS – 14 TTDs (reg. season).
Forced to redshirt last year because of injury, the freshman had an incredible season, leading the nation in frosh rushing with 102 yard per game. The 2011 Piccolo Award winner and 1st team ALL ACC selection eclipsed 100+ yards rushing seven times in 2011, including a season high 155 yards against Georgia Tech. Bernard also had a three-touchdown performance against Wake Forest, and exploded for 222 total yards against Duke.
DEFENSIVE MVP: LB Zach Brown. 91 TK – 11.5 TFL – 5.5 SK – 2 INT – 1 FR – 3 FF (reg. season).
In a defensive front seven that may see all of its member playing on Sundays, Brown stood out. The 1st team ALL ACC selection lead the team in tackles, and collected two sacks against Clemson. He saved his best for last, collecting a season-high 14 tackles and an interception against Missouri.
POSTSEASON: Independence Bowl L 41-24 vs. Missouri 8-5 (5-4 Big 12), 5th Big 12.
