Ouch.

This was bound to happen at some point this year given the injuries and everything that has been surrounding this team from the beginning of training camp, but it still stings nonetheless. UNC was out-classed by Georgia Tech in every facet of the game. Offensively, the Heels couldn't move the ball even if they wanted to, didn't score a TD until 12:30 left in the 4th quarter, and finished with less than 20 rushing yards as a team. Defensively, Carolina simply did not tackle well, allowed GT to convert 10 of 19 third downs (coming in they were only allowing opponents 22% on third down), and the Yellow Jackets rushed for over 300 yards in a game that wasn't ever in doubt for Tech.

This is not a "back-to-the-drawing-board" moment, but it's as close as Carolina will get all season. This team is young and inexperienced along the offensive line and it showed in a tough environment in Atlanta. Offensive line coach Sam Pittman is going to have to do the best coaching job of his career if this offense is going to get back on track. Though the defense gave up a ton of points and yards yesterday I thought they played pretty well. They kept Carolina in the game, and it was only 10-0 heading into the start of the 4th quarter. If the defense improves their tackling technique and the offense can find ANY WAY to move the ball on the ground, they should bounce back nicely against Virginia, who hasn't won a game yet this season.

Bottom line here: Carolina was definitely overmatched against GT, but they simply cannot let that stop them from destroying UVA. The UNC-UVA rivalry may not get as much publicity as UNC-Dook or UNC-NC State, but you can be sure that both teams really want to win this one for reasons outside the current state of the season. For UNC, it's a chance to get back on track and have a chance to go 5-1 to start the season if they can beat the Cavs and FCS opponent Georgia Southern. For UVA, it's a chance to save Al Groh's job and to finally break into the win column this season. Carolina will almost certainly be favored in this game, and they need to play like they are the superior team and go into this game expecting to win. If they can do that, along with better execution in all facets of the game, then I think the Heels will come out on top.