EXTRA POINTS FOUNDED AND PUBLISHED FROM 1990-93 BY THE GENERAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA Vol. IX, No. 4, Sept. 22, 2003 Tar Heels Badgered On Midwest Road Trip.

MADISON, Wisc. gangsta-rap on the P.A. system pre-game ignited some fire with Michael Waddell and no smoke for the home team to burst returning the opening kick-off 97 yards for a he pungent aroma of grilled bratwursts through en route to the field. As one of the TD and Mike Mason returning another for a and onions wafted down Regent Street visitors from down South astutely observed, score before it was called back. TSaturday morning just after 8 a.m., some “They just run out on the field and go play “It was a game I felt like we could have three hours before Wisconsin and Carolina football.” easily won,” Bunting said Sunday afternoon. would collide in an intersectional football That they do. “Once again, football games come down to game. Here in the Midwest, the Kiwanians The Badgers drove 46 yards or less for two or three or four or five plays. We were in sell brats on game day, as do the Lutherans, three touchdowns and hit the Heels with TD this one for the most part. Our defense played the Shriners, the corner Pantry and even strikes on two key third-down plays in a little better. That was very noticeable on McDonald’s, if you can believe that. Around claiming a 38-27 victory. It was Carolina’s tape. They played harder and tougher. We the corner on Lathrop Street, just one block third loss in three games in 2003 entering its still had some run-gap responsibility errors. from Camp Randall Stadium, the “Offensively, we did not play frat guys were already pounding as well as we had the two the golden nectar that made previous games in terms of nearby Milwaukee famous. finishing plays and making One of the fun things about good decisions. That hurt us.” following Tar Heel football over A first-quarter fumble by the years—and these days you’ve freshman Ronnie McGill at the got to go looking for your fun—is Carolina three and two short feeling the textures of the game in fields after poor punts allowed other parts of the nation. There’s Wisconsin maddeningly easy the beauty of West Point, the touchdown drives of three, 46 callouses of Pittsburgh, the and 35 yards. animals of Texas (a steer) and “Our big thing is, ‘Put the Tallahassee (a horse) and the ball down,’” end Issac Mooring music of Oklahoma (get Boomer said, referring to a rally cry Sooner etched in your noggin and initiated last spring by defensive it’s there for 24 hours at least)—to coordinator Dave Huxtable. mention some of the highlights of “That’s what we say. ‘Put the recent vintage. ball down.’ It doesn’t matter On this weekend the Tar Heels where they get the ball. Our job emerged from the backwash of is to stop them and go out ready Hurricane Isabel in Chapel Hill to to play defense.” travel to Madison, where fall’s LONG DAY FOR HEELS’ OFFENSE—Darian Durant That sounds very nice and it’s already in the air and where they upended on passing down for one of three sacks. commendable that the defense take their football seriously. The takes that attitude, but the fact is Badgers of coach Barry Alvarez draw more annual grudge match with N.C. State, and that three scoring drives totaling 84 yards than 75,000 fans a game to watch a brand of this one offered a contrasting storyline from amounts to giving the store away. ball that’s quintessentially Big 10 and grain- the much-dissected overtime loss to Carolina’s defense forced Wisconsin into belt. No frills, no-nonsense, smash-mouth, Syracuse two weeks ago. four punts, and safety Mahlon Carey made guns ’n bruises. The offensive line’s bound to The Carolina defense, ranked last in two interceptions, one a terrific play where he mutiny here if the coaches get too panty-waist Division I-A entering the game with 535.5 jumped with receiver Lee Evans and wrestled with the play-calling, and they did in fact yards allowed in two games, actually did the ball from the receiver. Wisconsin gained register a complaint Saturday over a pass-call itself proud in some respects Saturday, 402 yards, which is a lot but still is better after at the Tar Heel six yard-line that turned into though a certain cornerback had a particu- the games the Heels played against FSU and an interception. larly nettlesome performance. It was the Syracuse. The defense did enough good “It’s a power game up here,” said Carolina offense that failed to deliver this week, with things as the afternoon progressed that you defensive line coach Brad Lawing, who spent quarterback Darian Durant never finding weren’t left with the feeling that the Tar Heel four years at Michigan State. “When it gets his rhythm and the offensive line struggling offense would have to score every time it cold, it’s hard to throw the ball. You’ve got to to protect Durant against a Wisconsin touched the ball. be able to run the ball in the Big 10.” defense that uncharacteristically rolled the “I felt we played a whole lot better,” Here the student section’s as rowdy as the dice often and with good success. Mooring said. “We didn’t miss as many Cameron Crazies. There’s no video board, no Meanwhile, Carolina’s special teams tackles. We played our assignments better. We

PAGE ONE EXTRA POINTS played real aggressive, we played fast.” “We played hard, we played together, Heels Find Explosive Plays In Kicking Game. we’ve just got to play smarter,” Carey said. “When we put all of that together, we’ll be all ohn Bunting promised better special-teams play in 2003. For the most part, the Tar Heels right.” Jare delivering. Carolina’s coaching staff entered Saturday’s game at Wisconsin believing A busted assignment between the the Tar Heels had an advantage in the kicking game, that they were faster and more athletic linebackers and safeties led to a Wisconsin than the Badgers. They believed they could return a kick-off or a punt for a score and that TD early in the fourth quarter, and they could block a punt. cornerback Derrick Johnson was beaten one- They were almost right on every count. on-one in the second quarter for a score when Michael Waddell returned the opening kick 97 yards for a score and, after Wisconsin the Tar Heels blitzed and couldn’t quite get to started squibbing its kick-offs to help prevent another long return, Waddell fielded the ball at QB Jim Sorgi. the 15 and advanced to midfield, needing only to beat the kicker. In total, Waddell returned “We’re going to take risks and sometimes four for 197 yards. He was also setting sail in the third quarter to notch a potential major there are consequences you’re going to have punt return before falling untouched to the ground with a sprained ankle—all of that despite to pay,” Bunting said. “We’re a young team, the remnants of a turf toe suffered against Syracuse. That injury prevented Waddell from we’re an athletic team, and we’re going to get playing more on defense. Had it not been important to limit his snaps Saturday, perhaps Waddell could have spelled starting cornerback Derrick better. Wisconsin is a big, physical team and Johnson, who struggled in covering ace Badger receiver they like to pound the ball. That’s their Lee Evans. mentality. Sometimes we were able to stand Freshman Mike Mason added a spark as well with up to them, and that’s encouraging.” two kick-off returns for a 35-yard average, one going for a Bunting was asked by a Wisconsin writer TD before being called back. if his defensive background as a player and Meanwhile, Topher Roberts nailed two of his five coach made it particularly difficult to kick-offs into the end zone, and on the other two, the stomach Carolina’s defensive ineptness over Heels limited Wisconsin to returns of 17 and 19 yards. the last year and three games. He was quick Carolina ranks ninth among 117 Division I-A schools to answer. in kick-off returns at nearly 30 yards a pop and is 15th in “Believe me, I take it very personally,” punt returns at 14.6 yards a return. Bunting said. “It kills me. It hurts me “I’m encouraged,” Bunting says. “We’re going to morning, noon and night. I wake up with it. continue to get better. Coach Webster is doing a great job But the encouraging part is, we made some with those kids and they’re giving tremendous effort.” progress today.” Assistant coach James Webster spends 100 percent of Bunting and the defensive staff will his time on the kicking game with help from the rest of wrestle this week with the dual-pronged the staff on certain units. challenge of trying to stop State QB Philip “One thing I like about our players is they are really, Rivers and star running back T.A. really enthusiastic about having a contribution in the kicking game,” Webster says. “They’re excited about their McClendon. And they do so with glaring roles. That’s the first order of business—be excited about problems at cornerback. Waddell has been your job.” Waddell: Off to the races. bothered by a turf toe and now has a Bunting has gotten some static in some circles for not sprained ankle, and fellow senior Johnson playing more freshmen, but in fact the kick-off return team that’s playing so well has five true was picked on often by Wisconsin. Junior freshmen in the starting lineup. They are Kareen Taylor, Fred Sparkman, Larry Edwards, college transfer Lionell Green replaced Melik Brown and Joe Kedra. Johnson for parts of the second half Saturday And of the five front-line players—the ones lined up at mid-field to check for an onside and played better in his third game of kick before retreating to block—three are true freshmen and one a red-shirt freshman. D.J. Division I football after getting beat twice by Walker, Carolina’s special-teams captain, joins Taylor, Sparkman and Edwards along the Syracuse for scores. Green’s specialty is tight, front with veteran Brandon Russell. man-to-man bump coverage, but the Tar “Every kick is a learning experience with that group,” Webster says. “They’ll get better as Heels have to be careful how much they use the year goes along.” that risky coverage on the wideouts because “It shows the athleticism and speed we have,” Bunting says. “That’s what special teams they’re not generating much pass rush. Green are all about—playing in space.” is still learning to play zone coverage; it was The second wall of four players lining up across the field in front of the two return men in zone that he got caught for one of the long features Brown, Kedra and Madison Hedgecock at all times, with the fourth being either scores against Syracuse. James Gibson or Ronnie Bryant, depending on the return call. When Waddell, a senior, was “That’s a position we’re going to have to injured Saturday, the return men were sophomore Wallace Wright and Mason. devote considerable discussion to this week,” That’s a lot of freshmen and sophomores with outstanding athletic ability who one day Bunting said. will take those skills more prominently to offense or defense. “A point I make over and over to them is that if they do a good job on special teams, The Tar Heel offense was hamstrung most they’ll be a better position player when the opportunity comes,” says Webster. of the day by never developing any continu- Webster had a stunt installed Saturday to hopefully break Walker free on a punt rush. The ity. Procedure and motion penalties dogged gimmick worked and Walker came within a whisker of blocking the punt. Fortunately for the Heels more than in the Florida State or Wisconsin, its personal protector lunged at Walker and grabbed him by the arm. Syracuse games. The Badgers controlled the The weak link so far has been the Tar Heel punt team. It’s protected well and for the most ball for 36 minutes and ran 70 offensive snaps part covered well if it’s had a quality punt to cover. But first-team punter John Lafferty had a to Carolina’s 56. Carolina struggled convert- poor game at Wisconsin, hitting three punts for an average of 32.7 yards. The Badgers started ing third downs, making only three of 11, their ensuing drives at the Tar Heel 46, their own 39 and at midfield. and it gave up the year’s first three sacks on “We averaged about 32 yards a punt and three yards a return,” Webster said. “That’s a net Durant. Trailing by 15 points early in the of 29 yards. That’s not acceptable. We have competition at punter with Lafferty and David fourth quarter, Carolina drove to the Wooldridge. We’re going to have to evaluate that this week and make a decision.” Wisconsin four, but an offensive pass interference call, a sack and a missed field

PAGE TWO EXTRA POINTS goal sent the Heels away empty. Wisconsin football, the Tar Heels are back to Lumberton, Greensboro, Winston-Salem and “We had some freakin’ inexcusable red- familiar territory this week in Raleigh, with Charlotte areas on Time Warner digital cable zone mistakes,” tackle Jeb Terry said. “We two rival games to follow—at home against pay-per-view. Cost is $9.95 in advance, $12.95 need to put points on the board whenever Virginia and on the road at East Carolina. the day of the game. Jefferson-Pilot, which we’re that close.” “We’ve got to find a way to win one of produces the regional ACC package, has in Carolina has been two games without the these things,” Bunting said. “Maybe it will be recent years pared back its schedule so as not services of all-star candidate Bobby Blizzard next week. There would not be a finer place to begin until October. ABC, which shows an at tight end. Blizzard was diagnosed with a to do it other than Raleigh. It will be an ACC game each week at 3:30 p.m., decided viral infection the morning of the Syracuse intense week of practice and an intense that Wake Forest vs. Virginia was the better game and has not taken the field since. football game.” game given Carolina’s poor start. ESPN did Bunting hopes he might get back in uniform not pick the game up for either its primary this week, but his recovery could be slow as SQUIB KICKS – Four Tar Heels were on channel or ESPN2. he could have no conditionng training Sunday’s injury list and will be evaluated as
Lewis was flown to Madison in a during his illness. Blizzard had developed the week progresses. Waddell has a sprained private jet Friday night along with more than into a good run blocker, and his speed and right ankle. Running back Jacque Lewis has a dozen pieces of luggage belonging to the size provided a mismatch in the passing a sprained left foot. Reserve offensive tackle Tar Heel traveling party that had been game against the slower linebackers and Brian Chacos has a sprained left ankle. misplaced at Raleigh-Durham International smaller safeties who had to cover him. Linebacker Victor Worsley suffered a Airport earlier in the day. Lewis was allowed Blizzard’s loss has been a major dagger to the concussion.
Freshman linebackers Larry extra time to visit with family members Heels’ offensive plans. That leaves them with Edwards and Fred Sparkman played at least following the death of his grandfather on two offensive positions, tight end and one series on defense each as Bunting and Thursday. Lewis was Carolina’s leading fullback, where they don’t have established staff gradually introduce them to the speed of rusher, notching 82 yards on six carries, scholarship players. the game. “We’ll keep playing them a little including a 56-yarder.
Wisconsin’s all-star Durant wasn’t as sharp Saturday as we’ve more each week,” Bunting said. “They’re tailback, Anthony Davis, missed the game come to expect, completing just 12 passes for going to be extremely good linebackers— with a high-ankle sprain, but the Badgers 139 yards, no scores and one interception. when they learn how to play. They’re still have good backup talent to run the ball. “We didn’t do our part on offense,” learning. It’s a little unfair, but they’re not That’s not surprising since the ground game Durant said. “The defense gave us some going to learn sitting on the sideline.” is their stock-in-trade. “It’s the trademark of turnovers and special teams played great. It
The Carolina-State game will not be on our program,” offensive coordinator Brian comes back to us.” network TV for the first time since 1990 but White said. So after this interesting diversion into will be available in the Triangle, Fayetteville, — LEE PACE

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PAGE THREE EXTRA POINTS DIGEST Carolina’s 2003 Schedule Aug. 30 Florida State 0-37 Wisconsin 38, Carolina 27 ACC Standings Sept. 6 Syracuse 47-49 (3OT) Sept. 13 Open Carolina UW ACC Overall Sept. 20 Wisconsin 27-38 First Downs 16 22 Florida State 3-0 4-0 Sept. 27 N.C. State Raleigh, 2 p.m. Rushing 5 11 Clemson 1-0 3-1 Oct. 4 Virginia Chapel Hill Passing 10 10 Wake Forest 1-0 3-1 Oct. 11 East Carolina Greenville Penalty 1 1 Virginia 1-0 2-1 Oct. 18 Arizona State Chapel Hill Rushing Attempts 25 50 N.C. State 0-1 2-2 Oct. 25 Clemson Clemson, S.C. Yards Gained Rushing 147 224 Duke 0-1 2-2 Nov. 1 Maryland College Park, Md. Yards Lost Rushing 37 15 Maryland 0-1 2-2 Nov. 8 Wake Forest Chapel Hill Net Yards Rushing 110 209 Carolina 0-1 0-3 Nov. 15 Georgia Tech Atlanta, Ga. Net Yards Passing 199 193 Georgia Tech 0-2 1-3 Nov. 22 Duke Chapel Hill Passes Attempted 31 20 Passes Completed 16 12 Last Saturday’s Results Had Intercepted 1 2 Carolina Open Total Offensive Plays 56 70 Ohio State 44, N.C. State 38 (3 OT) Total Net Yards 309 402 Purdue 16, Wake Forest 10 Average Gain Per Play 5.5 5.7 Virginia 59, Western Michigan 16 Fumbles: No.-Lost 2-2 2-0 Clemson 37, Middle Tennessee State 14 Penalties: No.-Yards 9-73 5-45 Maryland 61, The Citadel 0 Punts-Ave. 3-32.7 4-45 Duke 27, Rice 24 (OT) Punt Returns: No.-Yards 1-3 3-11 Florida State 14, Georgia Tech 13 Kick-Off Returns: No.-Yards 6-246 3-42 Saturday’s Results Interceptions: No. -Yards 2-0 1-54 Wisconsin 38, Carolina 27 Fumble Returns:No.-Yards 0-0 0-0 Northwestern 28, Duke 10 EXTRA POINTS Possession Time 24:10 35:50 Florida State 47, Colorado 7 Third-Down Conversions 3-11 7-13 Maryland 34, West Virginia 7 The only publication devoted Fourth-Down Conversions 1-1 1-1 Clemson 39, Georgia Tech 3 exclusively to Tar Heel football. Sacks By 1-2 3-26 NC State 49, Texas Tech 21 Wake Forest 34, East Carolina 16 Carolina 7 10 3 7 27 Lee Pace Wisconsin 14 7 7 10 38 Next Saturday’s Games Carolina at N.C. State, 2 p.m. Carolina ‘79 UNC—Michael Waddell 97 kick-off return (Dan Orner Wake Forest at Virginia, 3:30 p.m. (ABC) Editor & Publisher kick), 14:47 1st qtr. Maryland at Eastern Michigan, 6 p.m. UW—Booker Stanley 5 run (Mike Allen kick), 6:26. 104 Jones Street UW—Stanley 1 run (Allen kick), 1:20. Florida State at Duke, 7 p.m. Georgia Tech at Vanderbilt, 7 p.m. Chapel Hill 27516 UNC—Darian Durant 1 run (Orner kick), 13:51 2nd 919/933-2082 qtr. [email protected] UW—Lee Evans 44 pass from Jim Sorgi (Allen kick), 0-60, 1 TD; UW: Sorgi 20-12-2-193, 2 TD. 10:59. Receiving—UNC: Pollock 5-67, Russell 2-54, UNC—Orner 25 FG, 5:14. Bowman 2-19, Mitchell 2-12, Holley 1-26 and 1 TD, Scott Extra Points will be published at least UW—Stanley 2 run (Allen kick), 8:48 3rd qtr. 1-15, Mason 1-4, Parker 1-3, Lewis 1-(-1); UW: Evans 5- 15 times during the 2003-04 subscrip- UNC—Orner 51 FG, 4:47. 80 and 1 TD, Williams 3-60, Charles 2-21 and 1 TD. UW—Darrin Charles 17 pass from Sorgi (Allen kick), Returns—UNC: Waddell 4 kick-offs for 176 yards tion cycle—on the Mondays following 13:38 4th qtr. and 1 TD, 1 punt for 3; Mason 2 kick-offs for 38. 12 regular-season games, in addition UW—Allen 20 FG, 1:30. Defense—Tackles: Carey 14, Reid 13, Page 6, to pre-season, recruiting and spring- UNC—Jesse Holley 26 pass from C.J. Stephens Johnson 5, Justice 5, Bullard 5, Longhany 4, Brown 4, practice issues and a potential bowl- (Orner kick), 0:00. Thomas 3, Roberson 3, Hedgecock 3, Mitchell 2, Holt 2, A—77,439 Gaddy 2, Dumas 2, Edwards 2, Mooring 2, Mason 1, game edition. Subscriptions are $30 Individual Leaders Durant 1, Lewis 1, Warren 1, Harris 1, Seawright 1, per year, payable by check, money Rushing—UNC: Lewis 6-82, Parker 5-18, Durant 11- Kedra 1, Scott 1, Sparkman 1, Wright 1, Walker 1. TFL: order or Visa/MC. The newsletter is 7, McGill 2-3, Scott 1-0. UW: Stanley 28-119, Smith 15- Page 2-7, Reid 1-1, Justice 1-0, Bullard 1-1, Brown 1-1, available in its entirety each week at 73, Bernstein 4-16, Sorgi 3-1. Hedgecock 1-1. FF: Thomas. Int: Carey 2. BrUp: Reid, Passing—UNC: Durant 24-12-1-139, Stephens 7-4- Sacks: Page 1-1, Bullard 1-1. QB Hurries: Hedgecock. no charge at www.Tarheelblue.com.

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