On a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Chapel Hill, Carolina fans were treated to a thoroughly enjoyable homecoming game. Coming off their bye week, the #21 Tar Heels were sharp from the outset, running up a 10-0 lead in the first 7 minutes of the game. Georgia Tech was competitive for much of the first half but the Heels never relinquished their lead, slamming the door shut in the third quarter. Everyone for the Heels played well Saturday with Elijah Hood and Bug Howard complementing another strong performance by quarterback Mitch Trubisky.
First Half:
The Heels’ offense hit the ground running on Saturday against Georgia Tech. Carolina’s first drive only took 5 plays, going 75 yards in 1:45. The offense never looked back from there. Georgia Tech went three and out on their first possession and the Heels marched right back down the field for a field goal to put Carolina up 10-0 with 8:23 left in the first quarter. The Yellow Jackets’ resolve improved after that, forcing the Heels to punt before Clinton Lynch caught an 83 yard pass from Justin Thomas to pull Georgia Tech to within 3. The rest of the first half was a back and forth affair until the Heels made a few key plays in the final three minutes of the second quarter. First, Mitch Trubisky fooled the defense with a fake pitch to T.J. Logan, allowing him to find a wide open Bug Howard down the sideline for a 68 yard touchdown with 2:24 left in the half. Then, with 33 seconds left in the half, D.J. Ford blocked a field goal to preserve the 10 point Tar Heel lead at halftime.
Second Half:
The second half appeared as if it would continue the competitive spirit of the first half, but Carolina came out of the gate strong and put the Yellow Jackets away in the third quarter. After a field goal on the first Georgia Tech drive, Carolina responded with a touchdown to stretch their lead to 14. On the ensuing Yellow Jacket drive, Mikey Bart forced a fumble Miles Dorn recovered for the first turnover by either team. Carolina promptly marched down the field and scored to stretch their lead to 21 and effectively end the game. The defense didn’t let up, forcing and recovering another fumble to completely end the Yellow Jacket’s hopes of a comeback. The offense added another touchdown on the resulting drive and the Heels cruised to what would ultimately become a 48-20 win.
Statistical Highlights:
Mitch Trubisky:
20-32 | 329 yards | TD passing
6 carries | 44 yards | TD rushing
1 catch | 8 yards
Elijah Hood:
12 carries | 168 yards | 3 TDs
Bug Howard:
6 catches | 120 yards | TD
Ryan Switzer:
4 catches | 50 yards
T.J. Logan:
10 carries | 36 yards | TD
1 catch | 46 yards
