This time, no slow start for UNC

North Carolina Tar Heels running back Giovani Bernard (26) in for the TD.North Carolina defeats Idaho Vandals 66-0 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill North Carolina.

By Ken Medlin
Sep 30, 2012

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Slow starts have plagued North Carolina for the past three weeks.

But that's nothing Idaho couldn't fix.

Carolina's first quarter against the Vandals was nothing short of dominant – the Heels scored four touchdowns, and they could have scored more. Carolina turned the ball over twice deep in Idaho territory.

When a team wins as convincingly as this, there's always the question of: What have they really accomplished? I mean, let's face it: Idaho played like an 0-5 team in this game.

But a few things come to mind:

1) From an execution standpoint, the Heels are "getting it" on offense. There seems to be less indecision pre-snap, and the concept of "playing fast" has taken hold. Larry Fedora commented on this in his postgame interview, saying the real proof lies in the fact that his players are no longer aware they're "playing fast." They're no longer in a hurry, so to speak.

2) Limiting mistakes: They did turn the ball over twice, but Carolina only committed five penalties for a total of 40 yards. That's not bad considering the number of snaps in this game.

3) The defense: Since the first-half meltdown at Louisville, these guys have not allowed a touchdown in 10 quarters. That speaks for itself, regardless of the competition.

4) Depth: Six players scored touchdowns. Nine players caught passes. Three running backs (and one quarterback) each rushed for at least sixty yards. And a lot of players who don't normally see the field got in this game.

It's a blowout win, so a lot of things will look good. But dominating a team as thoroughly as UNC thrashed Idaho has to give a team a major boost. Now, let's see if it carries over to next week, when Virginia Tech comes to town.

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RE: This time, no slow start for UNC

The Heels will get a dose of reality next week when Virginia Tech comes to town.
- Posted by PanthersFan45

news flash.... Va Tech is not very good......
- Posted by kmor2012

Exactly, they are a young team with no experience and a very overrated QB so all this talk about "they always bring it" or "they've had their wakeup call" doesn't apply unless they're getting some guys back from the NFL before Saturday.

RE: This time, no slow start for UNC

The Heels will get a dose of reality next week when Virginia Tech comes to town.
- Posted by PanthersFan45

news flash.... Va Tech is not very good......

RE: This time, no slow start for UNC

I expect a close game again between UNC and VT as they usually are. Unfortunately, VPI seems to always have our #.

Anyway, regarding the fast start (for those fans who are obviously either aggie red rager and abc fans), I will take it any day. Obviously UNC was prepared to play from the first whistle til the end of the game, unlike your team the other day in S. Florida. Perhaps your team and coach should take note!

Go Heels! Beat the Turkeys!!!

RE: This time, no slow start for UNC

Fedora better have the team VERY well prepared this week, I can guarantee Beamer will have the Hokies ready. Not going to be easy facing VT coming off a loss. Heels are going to have to limit turnovers and win the TOP battle to win.

RE: This time, no slow start for UNC

I think VT will give the Heels all they can handle, and then some. VT has had its "dose of reality" already and will be well prepared to play when they come to Kenan. I'm surprised that the Heels are 3.5 point favorites as well, considering they lost to Louisville and Wake.

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Ken Medlin