EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — North Carolina needed to make a big defensive stop, and wound up getting some help from Connecticut’s Dan Ryan.
The Huskies’ senior tackle was flagged for holding defensive end Robert Quinn in the end zone with 1:32 left in the game Saturday, giving the No. 19 Tar Heels a safety and a 12-10 comeback win over the Huskies.
"I had him beat around the corner," Quinn said. "I was just out there trying to make a play, and then I saw the flag."
The play capped a 12-point fourth quarter for North Carolina (2-0). Casey Barth started the comeback with a 22-yard field goal, and T.J. Yates led the team on a 13-play drive that ended with his 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Zack Pianalto with 2:36 left.
Pianalto hurt his leg jumping up and down after the score and had to be taken from the field in an air cast, another bizarre moment from a game that ended in crazy fashion.
After the safety, UConn recovered the onside kick but couldn’t get into field-goal range.
"I told the chancellor, 'That’s why you don't see any 100-year-old football coaches,' " said North Carolina coach Butch Davis.
The Tar Heels are 3-0 against the Huskies, while UConn has just one win in 14 games against Top 25 opponents.
UConn (1-1) was playing without its best defensive player, injured linebacker Scott Lutrus, and lost starting quarterback Zack Frazer to a knee injury late in the third quarter.
The Huskies’ stifling defense held North Carolina scoreless and with just 134 yards of offense through three quarters. They sacked Yates six times and intercepted him twice.
A 47-yard field goal from Dave Teggart at the halftime buzzer gave UConn a 3-0 lead. The Huskies seemed poised for an upset after cornerback Robert McClain batted Yates’ pass into the hands of Twyon Martin at the Tar Heels 26 late in the third quarter.
UConn tailback Jordan Todman dragged several defenders the final four yards for the score, putting the Huskies up 10-0.
"We slugged it out for the whole game," said UConn coach Randy Edsall. "We just couldn’t make that play when we needed to, and that’s the bottom line."
Yates, who completed 23 of 32 passes for 233 yards and two interceptions, found his groove in the fourth quarter. He led the Tar Heels on a 78-yard drive that ended with Barth’s field goal, and when UNC got the ball back, he marched 78-yards again, eating up 6:36 before finding Pianalto in the end zone from 2-yards out.
“We were just making adjustments on the run, throwing formations we hadn't even practiced all week,” Yates said. “(We’d) pick things up, draw something in the dirt, see if that works, try something new out and see if that works. Once that was working, we just kept at it and kept at it and moved the ball down the field.”
The Huskies held North Carolina to just 65 yards in the first half, and pressured Yates all day, sacking him six times. But North Carolina’s defense held UConn to 196 yards, and dominated the Huskies in the fourth quarter.
UConn got the ball at the 20 after the tying touchdown, but a snap over backup quarterback Cody Endres’ head on second down put the ball at the 8-yard line.
Endres scrambled away from the pass rush on third down, and completed a 16-yard pass to Todman that would have given the Huskies a fourth-and-6. But there was the flag in the end zone, and the safety that gave North Carolina the lead.
Later Saturday, North Carolina said that Pianalto suffered a dislocated right foot after landing on a defender’s foot and will need an MRI to determine how long he is out.
Eric Frederick is the managing editor of newsobserver.com. Contact him at
Comments
Pianalto
Sun, 09/13/2009 - 10:05 — JPDOhioThat is the most bizarre TD celebration injury since Ted Ginn got hurt in the pileup after his kickoff return TD against Fla in the BCS National Championship game. I do hope that Pianalto can return quickly. No one should miss time over something as random as that.
Good news/bad news
Mon, 09/14/2009 - 10:12 — heelsno1The good news is that the Heels escaped with a win, and the bad news is plainly evident:
1. Pianlto will be sorely missed from our group of receivers; and
2. If UNC's offensive line does not get better fast, it is going to be a long season.
I wonder what can be done..
Sun, 09/13/2009 - 16:30 — UNC1998for a dislocated bone in the foot? Is it a quick remedy? For UNC's offense's sake I certainly hope so. Although, as for next week, ECU's secondary should give the wr's opportunities.
as a state fan...
Sun, 09/13/2009 - 09:53 — izzykareemlet's be honest, i thought UNCCH would win, and it would be close, but to win the game like that, on a play i have NEVER EVER seen in major college or pro football (holding in the end zone for a safety, and then it causes you to essentially win the game), i just can't enjoy the wolfpack victory properly. I thought the game would go to OT, and UNCCH would still win, but it wouldn't be because of probably the worst penaly you can ever have called on you.
TJ Yates et al have shown really no improvement over 3 years. Ryan Houston "found holes" because the UCONN defense looked like in between series they run marathons; dog-tired. And all of that you have to credit UNCCH defense. They kept the UCONN offense, who was moving the ball with their starting QB in, off the field and that D just wore out.
The problem, for UNCCH, if i may be objective, is that as the season goes on, and you guys face better QBs and Offenses, your D will get really tired. I honestly thought the UNCCH 'D' was gonna buckle once it got 10-0 because they also had been on the field a long time, but they've just got alot of bodies.
Actually izzykareem, the
Mon, 09/14/2009 - 11:05 — WNCMikeActually izzykareem, the call was a pretty easy one to make if you saw the play. The holding was several yards back into the end zone and so egregious that he ultimately pulled the Carolina player down to the ground. A classic hold.
I can't believe you've never seen that if you've watched much football....did you see this year's Super Bowl? Arizona got a safety when Pittsburgh center Justin Hartwig was called for holding in the end zone (a much less obvious one than in the UNC game...never the less a proper call) with 2:58 left in the game...when the outcome too was very much in doubt.
heels fans...
Sun, 09/13/2009 - 18:52 — izzykareemyes i agree, its called depth, that's what i meant.
The one int that went thru the receivers hands was not the only drive, the drive before that where todman/dixon fumbled was also a good drive, they were moving the ball. The next drive, if i recall correctly is where they kicked a field goal.
And i just don't know about Yates...he stares receivers down, he should not be doing that after all these years, and this led to both of those interceptions because the 2nd one he threw into good coverage.
How about Highsmith? Where did that guy come from? I didn't see him drop a single pass and he was huge on that 3rd and 18.
Can someone explain to me why Shaugn Draughn and Greg Little have huge huge attitude problems? I don't get it.
Draugn and Little
Sun, 09/13/2009 - 18:58 — Heels20It was a physical game and they were both playing with a lot of emotion. They aren't ruining team chemistry and they weren't picking up 15 yarders. In my mind, they were just playing hard-nosed football and weren't going to take crap from anybody.
Highsmith is one of those young guys who is very talented. I believe he was only a 2-star, but as I've said many times before, receiver is the easiest position to adjust to. Work hard, learn the playbook, read the defense to find the open space, and sell the cuts on your routes. All the guys have the speed and size. It's the discipline that makes the difference.
I think..
Sun, 09/13/2009 - 19:32 — UNC1998Highsmith is a redshirt freshman. Coach Davis spoke highly of him out of spring and fall camp. I could see him in place of #3. When Jones comes back it will probably be him and Little.
Agreed on most points...
Sun, 09/13/2009 - 12:40 — Heels20except for a couple things. First, when I saw the flag was thrown, I knew exactly what the call was and what the result would be. It was a blatant hold, but I was still surprised a flag would be thrown in that situation. Props to the referee for calling it how he saw it, rather than keeping his whistle loose because of the circumstances. The first time I saw that call was NC State vs FSU in 2002. I believe the final score of that one was 17-7, so obviously it didn't make the difference in the game, but the was the first time I had ever seen that.
As far as Yates goes, he has definitely improved. He went from having a TD:INT ratio of 14:18 his freshman year to 11:4 last year and the best passer rating in the conference. He didn't wake up yesterday until the 4th quarter, but as gville said, he recognized that a 5 yard pass is the same as a 5 yard run, and I think that's the most effective way to move the ball right now considering how big our receivers are. He obviously struggled in the beginning, but he stepped up in the 4th quarter when it mattered most and that was a great example of how expereince has helped him out.
Finally, I'm not worried at all about our defense getting tired. Not only are they a much better and deeper than last year, but our coaches have a better feel for who is capable of what. The end of the game yesterday is a great example of how BD is not a bad coach. Granted, it was UConn, but we learned from mistakes last year and didn't drop back in a prevent defense when UConn was making their final drive. We stayed agressive and that made the difference. I think better QBs definitely be tougher because guys like Charles Brown go for the big play every play (Trimane Goddard, AJ Davis come to mind?). Overall, better to win ugly than to lose pretty.
TJ Yates
Sun, 09/13/2009 - 15:37 — mad_maxI honestly don't know about Yates. I mean, he's not bad, don't get me wrong, but idk if he's good enough to help UNC compete for an ACC title. TD/Int ratio as you pointed out; 14:18, 11:4, and 3:3 so far this year without playing in a game they are not favored in yet. Your point about the 5 yard passes being equal to 5 yard rushes is valid, but I don't think Yates deserves credit for that enlightenment in the UConn game, but rather the UNC play-calling by the coaches. Anyways, we will see as the season unfolds I guess, and when UNC plays their big games. I think next week is when it starts. Yates needs a good performance against the Pirates.
Re: TJ Yates
Sun, 09/13/2009 - 15:53 — Heels20I think he'll be fine. He looked bad yesterday, but the INT stat is somewhat misleading because his second pick was just a ball deflected toward a guy who was in the right place at the right time. I don't think of him as an All-ACC QB, but he's definitely many steps above the Sexton/Daly combo in 2006 (Glad that Sexton was able to erase some of those bad memories). You are right, though. He will need to step up if we're going to compete for an ACC title. 2-0 feels good, but we've gotta get better.
my thoughts
Sun, 09/13/2009 - 10:37 — gvillegatrI thought the UCant back-up QB looked better, at times, than did the starter. He was faster and threw a decent football. The dteriment was when he was not ready for the hiked ball in shotgun that went over his head that ultimatley set up the safety.
Alot of bodies is the objective on defense is it not?? it is called depth. something you guys (nc state) sorely lack on both sides of the ball. The offense is lacking, no question, but the Heels do have an All American defense which is why I brought up 96 and 97 in the first post.
UConn WAS NOT moving the ball with the first team QB, so you need to get over that. The only scorind TD drive they had was due to the carromed int and short field.
It appears ECU is the medicine UNC needs next week b/c Pinkney is terrible and the Pirate secondary is in shambles. both of those things bode well for the Heels.
Perhaps my thoughts..
Sun, 09/13/2009 - 10:03 — UNC1998are a bit simple. "but they've got a lot of bodies"....isn't that depth? While you may never have seen the penalty that gave UNC the safety, it is a part of the rule book. After the fact I looked it up, and it's there in plain english. As for UNC's offense, it stunk..for 3 quarters. Getting the defense tired is a part of football. The 4th quarter is a part of the game. UNC has had their turn at losing these close games. It's about time the team wins a few.
huh?
Sun, 09/13/2009 - 00:10 — redgsoup to that point Connecticut had shut down a "proficient offensive attack"? Are you kidding!? How were they proficient? Hope this is this guys' first and last article - wait - you may have a shot at writing Obama speeches
Wow. Scary game for the
Sat, 09/12/2009 - 22:39 — mad_maxWow. Scary game for the Heels. I would be a bit worried. We saw exactly what I thought we would from UConn's offense. I thought UNC would win, but not like that.
turn heels
Sat, 09/12/2009 - 21:46 — MrSenenenmthose husky boys just couldn't handle draughns vaseline arms today.
Offensive Offense
Sat, 09/12/2009 - 20:59 — unc1dmoWhat "C" school they got next......hopefully the Cavaliers because this offense is going to have a very lonnnnnnnng season......
Who wrote this?
Sat, 09/12/2009 - 20:51 — SouthernerThis isn't a story, it's notes. Who does Dan Ryan play for? Who does Cody Endres play for? Which team is Zach Fraser on? I assume they're all UConn players, but that should have been made clear in the "story." Did a copy editor see this story before it was posted?
And who is Tyler Yates?
Sat, 09/12/2009 - 21:31 — HeelsforeverAnd who is Tyler Yates?
For the record . . .
Sun, 09/13/2009 - 00:39 — melvinfurdT.J. Yates = Taylor Jonathon Yates, so I guess there's no way to claim T.J. = Tyler.
Tyler Yates
Sun, 09/13/2009 - 00:34 — melvinfurdTyler Yates is a RHP for the Pittsburgh Pirates. In five seasons with the Mets, Braves & Pirates his W-L record is 12-17 with an ERA of 5.12, With those stats it's no wonder you haven't heard of him!
Yikes
Sat, 09/12/2009 - 19:55 — RipskinnyWhen a supposed Top 20 team struggles with the likes of UConn, needing the Huskies to give away the game, it's the sort of 'victory' that can very well lead to a drop right out of the Top 20.
THANK GOODNESS
Sat, 09/12/2009 - 19:26 — PercyKutionThank Goodness for Ref's that understand the importance of home-cooking!!!! And it only cost a couple $100 apiece too!!!!
Lots of areas need
Sat, 09/12/2009 - 18:41 — Heels20Lots of areas need improvement, but I was extremely pleased with the defense. The offense stepped up when it mattered most, but needs to start playing 4 quarters. I'm also excited about our receivers, as they improved a lot between Week 1 and Week 2. Time to get ready for the Pirates...
The holding call was correct...
Sat, 09/12/2009 - 18:21 — UNC1998the lesson learned is do not cheat. UNC's offense woke up and together with a very impressive defense snatched a victory from what may have been a devastating defeat. The game was quite unimpressive on the offensive side for both teams. UNC's defense basically controlled the game along with UConn's defense (and UNC's insistance on running between the tackles with the starting fb at home with swine flu). Fortunately, UNC found out a 5 yard pass equals a 5 yard run. Also, Houston found holes that weren't there the first 3 quarters. In any event, if UNC deserved to lose, their win is even more impressive.
"Cody Endres completed a
Sat, 09/12/2009 - 17:52 — gvillegatr"Cody Endres completed a 16-yard pass on 3rd-and-22, throwing the pass from the end zone. A flag was thrown on Ryan for holding a rusher, resulting in a safety for a 12-10 North Carolina lead."
If I was one of the many misfortunate souls who still paid for TW Cable, my educated guess would leave me to believe this was not really a safety. it was clearly a safety. a terrible way to lose a football game but none the less, the correct call. #73 was a solid yard into the endzone when he held. c'mon guy, write a better blog than this.
I'm just glad the Heels woke up after going down 10. The defense played awesome, though. right at or just below 200 total yards allowed. only TD allowed was after the carrom int which gave UCant the short field.
The UCant defense was as advertiesd. tough as nails against the run. stingy on the pass. still, though, UNC performed rather poorly. Where do you draw the line on this call??? all we need to really know is UNC stepped it up when they had to.
offense still has to make some hay. the defense is on point. anybody remember the 96 or 97 season ...