Full disclosure: I did not watch the Carolina game in it's entirety until yesterday (Sunday) morning. A wedding full of yard work/concrete work, a Bar Mitzvah and a wedding of a close friend sorta took precedence.
Carolina boasted in the off-season about how this past year was sort of the effect of many unfortunate causes. However, what many of us watched this past weekend, seemed to be the same ol' thing, just in another season. While I worked to pull myself of the wreckage that came from watching two not very good football teams battle in front of what many in the Southeast and Midwest would deem as a "meh" crowd, I struggled to put this one to bed Saturday night. I fear that this program has fallen off of a cliff since their brief peak in 2015. But, instead of getting all worked up about yesterday, it's time to at least focus on the positives and the areas needing improvement to not let this season spiral.
What Went Well
The defense was not awful
- Linebacker play looked like the best it's been since 2015. I really liked what i saw out of Dominique Ross. While he didn't wow you on the stat chart, he made crucial stops in situations Carolina needed to give them a shot at a comeback. I also loved how he was always around the ball when a tackle was made. The kid flows great from sideline to sideline and was tremendous in coverage.
- At Defensive Line, the levees didn't break. Time and time last year and in 2016, it seemed like the DL would be gassed from being on the field the entire game and our opponent would put Carolina away with a big play late. Despite numerous opportunities in the second half for Cal to blow the game wide open, they couldn't get it done. The front four provided pressure all game and I'm hopeful this front seven can carry this team. Malik Carney is a Grown Ass Man.
- No Quit. Last year, we watched the fire exit the team mid game. Didn't happen in Berkeley. Carolina roared back in the second half after being down 3 scores only to have a botched call prevent them from a shot at tying the ball game. This team will have to fight all year long.
Special Teams
- This may end up being our best unit for the year. Punt coverage was tremendous and the return men showed signs of being able to break on big. Freeman Jones showed he can split the uprights from 40 yards plus and that he's got a pretty good leg for onside kicks. Special teams play will win us a game this fall.
What Didn't
Quarterback Play
- Definitely the "uhhhhh ya think" take for this thread, Nathan Elliot was dreadful Saturday. He never looked comfortable, made the wrong reads on run/pass option time and time again, and play scared and timid. While he didn't get much help from his offensive line, he never looked like he was in control of the offense. This is certainly a cause for concern because rumors were we was the favorite to start over Surratt, even before the suspension.
Offensive Line Play
- We got whipped up front schematically and at the point of attack. Whether in pass pro or in run fits, the offensive line struggled to block the undersized 3-4 base attack from the Cal Bears. This is exceptionally concerning given that their defense is really nothing to write home about. Some of the vets and youngsters that make up this unit need to grow up fast.
The "Smart" part of Smart, Fast, Physical
- Bad turnovers, poor play calling and a plethora of turnovers seem to be the big takeways from Saturdays ball game. Carolina hit that trifecta with ease in a season opener where we were promised otherwise. It's one thing to take a penalty and to take it making a a play or being aggressive in pursuit. However, when the the penalty yards pile up (13 penalties for 124 yards) for procedures and late hits, that's on the coaching.
Where does Carolina Football go from here?
Literally only one result is acceptable next week: Beat ECU. A loss sets this team and program back, and Larry will be looking for a new job in 2019.
As always, Go Heels.
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