The Tar Heels got a huge win over Minnesota on Saturday!
North Carolina played a complete game against Minnesota. The Golden Gophers, known for their physicality, pressured Drake Maye quite a bit but could not get things going on offense. North Carolina capitalized on this and was able to keep a lead throughout the game. This was a solid win for a Tar Heel team that has tested itself early in the season.
Pregame
There was a buzz in Chapel Hill before the game started. The weather was nice, people were all over campus, and tailgates were scattered throughout. Unbeknownst to many was how well Minnesota fans traveled. They had a couple of thousand fans at the game, which was very impressive considering the distance. When the game began, the stadium was mostly full, with North Carolina fans making up about 80 to 85 percent of the stadium.
Gametime
North Carolina jumped out to an early lead, never looking back. Drake Maye and Nate McCollum connected multiple times, showing that this may be UNC’s best connection this season. The Tar Heels led by 14 after the first quarter.
Minnesota got a field goal in the second, but North Carolina was able to withstand turnover problems and push the lead to 21-3 late. Then, right before halftime, penalty issues kept a Minnesota drive alive, and they were able to score to make it 21 to 1o heaing to halftime.
The Gophers got the ball to start the third, making it a one-score game. This was the most frustrating part of the game for the crowd, it seemed, as UNC could easily be winning by four or more touchdowns. Other than a late field goal in the third by the Tar Heels to make it 24-13, not much else happened.
The fourth quarter was another defensive back-and-forth, with the only points being a UNC rush on the goal line to make it 31-13 with five minutes left. The only complaint for the crowd I have is many fans leaving at this point. With just a few minutes left and an impending victory, why not cheer the guys on until the clock hits zero? The players played a very solid game and deserve that. The crowd cheered well for the team throughout the game (minus the last five minutes). If you did leave, you missed an opportunity to be a part of the “Free Tez Walker” chant. It was a fantastic moment where Walker was put on the big screen smiling as his teammates played a long to hype the crowd!
Post Game
Morale was high as UNC won to get their record to 3-0. This was a good test against a Big 10 opponent that could win its division. ACC play starts next week, and going to Pittsburgh has not been easy for the Heels. Although they seem to be down, it is a night game against a former division rival.
UNC will look to keep its momentum when it plays at Pittsburgh on Saturday night.
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