WRAL Sports Fan

North Carolina

UNC players, coaches relish Va. Tech win

By Ken Medlin

Oct 30, 2009

North Carolina players and coaches were in a jubilant mood Friday after a stunning victory at Virginia Tech.

The Tar Heels had suffered a crushing defeat the Thursday before against Florida State. Carolina led by 18 points in the third quarter before losing, 30-27.

At Virginia Tech, however, UNC responded with a 20-17 victory on Casey Barth’s 21-yard field goal on the final play.

Barth’s kick was reminiscent of his brother Connor’s 42-yardkick that beat No. 4 Miami 31-28 in 2004.

But Casey Bart said his older brother’s kick was bigger – longer kick and a higher-ranked opponent.

UNC’s Deunta Williams, who recovered a critical fumble lat e in the game, was still wishing he’d returned that for a touchdown. He was tackled at the Hokies’ 24-yard line.

“It looked like the Red Sea parted,” Williams said.

Williams’ fumble recovery set up Barth’s winning kick.

The players also joked with coach Butch Davis, who took a hit along the sideline. Davis said the players gave him a hard time about being bowled over, saying he’d never keep his scholarship that way.