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Turnovers frustrate Davis
CHAPEL HILL — To say that coach Butch Davis was unhappy with North Carolina’s two lost fumbles during its 20-17 loss to Virginia Tech on Saturday is an understatement.
“Any skill player, whether it’s a receiver, tight end, quarterback or running back, the No. 1 criteria to be a good player is ball security,’’ he said. “I don’t care whether you run a 4.2 or if you run for 200 yards, if you put the ball on the ground, you can’t play. That’s the bottom line.”
In all, the Tar Heels — who finished without a turnover during last week’s win at Rutgers — had four against the Hokies, leading to 10 points for Virginia Tech (a field goal off Shaun Draughn’s fumble in the second quarter, and a touchdown off Greg Little’s fumble in the second half). In addition, three of the turnovers came inside Carolina’s 35-yard line (fumble at the 8, fumble at the 32, interception at the 30).
“If you turn the ball over four times, it’s almost impossible to win games when you do that,’’ Davis said.
Added Little: “That’s what we always talk about – taking care of the ball, securing the ball, that we want to end every series with a kick, whether it be an extra point or a field goal. And that’s what we didn’t capitalize on in the second half, and let them back into the game.”
UNC entered the game with a plus-2 turnover margin, but hasn't finished a season with a positive turnover margin since 1999.
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Robbi Pickeral
Robbi Pickeral has covered ACC sports for The News & Observer since 2003. She can be reached at robbi.pickeral@newsobserver.com.
Comments
men in striped sirts
Thu, 09/25/2008 - 21:53 — melroy52 (not verified)I never come down on the officials because they have a hard job. Sure- they miss a call, now and then. But did anyone witness the UNC vs VaTech game? I was there and I have never seen calls such as the ones during that game. UNC was leading 17-3 and were playing like their hair was on fire. Their defense was rock solid. Suddenly , the officials began calling everything that they saw or didn't see. There was one drive where Va.Tech had the ball and they proceeded to move down the field on penalties. Another instance was where VaTech quarterback threw a ball to the receiver at the goal line and the defender was not near him and called interferance. I was there at the 5 yard line. You could feel unc's heart being pulled out of them. It was a shame- because UNC deserved to win that game, but it was taken away from them by the Mr. Magoos on the field. Each ref should be fired- never to call another game- ever.
izzy, do you feel NCSU quit
Sun, 09/21/2008 - 17:36 — gvillegatrizzy,
do you feel NCSU quit at USC when Wislon got hurt?
gville
Mon, 09/22/2008 - 01:07 — izzykareemUSC is in California. "Carolina" is the one you must be referring to, cuz all the other "Carolinas" are directional schools, like UNC-C, UNC-CH, etc. (i kid).
That is a totally fair question. I'm gonna say "no". I think they looked awfully confused, primarily because, for whatever reason, Daniel Evans doesn't/can't run the offense that they have developed for this year. So Daniel Evans did what he has been known for, (throws lots of interceptions, Harrison Beck has done the same thing). That'd be the only reason i'd say they didn't quit. they played like i would expect them to play. I think Nicks and Tate for sure didn't quit, guys like Mark Paschal etc. but overall they just looked so defeated. Watching it, i think that's the only thing that really shocked me, because i didn't expect to see that body language.
And in all fairness, Wilsons injury was a bit more serious. What I liked about seeing Paulus look lost was all those cocky comments he made before he got to UNC about their recruiting class. Same reason I'm hard on Greg Little, i hate their attitude. Nicks and Tate are different guys though, i can stomach them and that's saying alot.
gvillegatr is a poor loser
Sun, 09/21/2008 - 18:10 — heelhater........ (not verified)Dude........your team lost and is now headed for uncertainty. We will all see what kind of players they are. Either they get better or look silly, their choice! Not like they have any hard opponents! You wont get better blaming the refs! Put the blame where it should go..................to your poorly conditioned defense and inadequate offense.
quitters
Sun, 09/21/2008 - 16:00 — izzykareemI generally love being harsh on UNC-CH, but in all honesty, the last two possessions UNC-CH had the football and the VT possession sandwiched between them, their body language just looked like they quit. Being tired is one thing, you can see that, but quitting is easy to spot to.
Your'e right, Anonymous
Sun, 09/21/2008 - 08:29 — UNCAlumnusThe Heels are good enough, but must realize it. It's no wonder the defense tired out in the game. They had such a short field to deal with some of the times they took the field. UNC shot themselves in the foot on both sides of the ball. It's simple to me, mistakes (fumbles, int's.) and penalties cost them the game. If they can eliminate them, they'll play well enough to win some games against decent teams
Can't finish
Sat, 09/20/2008 - 21:35 — Anonymous (not verified)When you have as many penalty yards as rushing yards, turn the ball over 4 times and put your defense in bad position when you turn it over; is there any wonder why the heels lost this game. They have the talent and ability. The problem is between the ears now. They have got to learn how to finish. Let's face it, VA Tech is really not a very good team this year and when the heels were up 17-3 they should have put their foot on Tech's throat to finish them off and they couldn't. I give Tech credit for taking advantage of the Heel miscues.