FanHouse http://www.fanhouse.com FanHouse http://www.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif FanHouse http://www.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ UNC to Introduce Butch Davis Monday http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/22/unc-to-introduce-butch-davis-monday/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/22/unc-to-introduce-butch-davis-monday/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/22/unc-to-introduce-butch-davis-monday/#comments James Conklinby James Conklin

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North Carolina football coach John Bunting coaches his final game for UNC Saturday as the Tar Heels travel to Durham to face the Duke Blue Devils.

It will be an intense rivalry between two ACC cellar dwellers. But, win or lose, John Bunting's coaching career at UNC will come to an end once the clock strikes 0:00.

And although this chapter in UNC football will come to a close, the program will continue to move forward as Butch Davis will be announced as the new head coach for UNC just 48 hours later.

UNC will hold a press conference on Monday at 3:00 PM to formally introduce Butch Davis as North Carolina's new head football coach.

With this hiring comes a renewed hope for the UNC team and its followers, but it won't be without its challenges. Davis has been out of the college game for several years and will be far removed from the fertile recruiting grounds of Florida where he assembled the roster that won Miami's Larry Coker a national championship.

Davis must also assemble a top-notch staff capable of restoring confidence to the returning players, retain current verbal commitments, and upgrade the level of incoming talent on an annual basis. Oh, and then there are always the X's and O's of football to consider.

It's no easy job, to be sure. But if anyone seems capable of the challenge, it's Butch Davis.

 

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]]> James Conklin james-conklin 2006-11-22T11:41:00 00:00 Time for Wolfpack Fans to Eat Their Words http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/19/time-for-wolfpack-fans-to-eat-their-words/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/19/time-for-wolfpack-fans-to-eat-their-words/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/19/time-for-wolfpack-fans-to-eat-their-words/#comments James Conklinby James Conklin

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UNC wide receiver Brooks FosterNC State fans were talking trash about the Tar Heels even before the season began. And after Saturday's 23-9 whipping of the Wolfpack at the hands of UNC, it's time to look back at some of their pre-season remarks and make them eat their words.

Here's a rundown of some of the message board mumbo-jumbo overheard earlier in the year regarding their thoughts on the team that would smack them around Saturday:

 

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]]> James Conklin james-conklin 2006-11-19T02:49:00 00:00 Bunting Whips Amato in Final Home Game http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/19/bunting-whips-amato-in-final-home-game/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/19/bunting-whips-amato-in-final-home-game/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/19/bunting-whips-amato-in-final-home-game/#comments James Conklinby James Conklin

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UNC running back Ronnie McGillAfter four years as a UNC linebacker and six as their coach, Tar Heel coach John Bunting ended his ten year career at Kenan stadium by whipping rival NC State 23-9 Saturday.

The Heels looked impressive from their opening possession as UNC running back Ronnie McGill rushed for 80 yards in the first quarter alone.

The UNC defense looked equally impressive, keeping the Pack from even sniffing the end zone, allowing just three field goals, intercepting three passes, and scoring a touchdown of their own to clinch the deal.

The victory was a bitter-sweet one for Bunting, who will be replaced by new coach Butch Davis after next week's game against Duke.
"I won't forget some of the locker room experiences that I just went through with guys like Jesse Holley, Melik Brown, Brian Rackley, Larry Edwards, those guys. It was an emotional locker room in there."
Bunting ends his coaching career against the Wolfpack with a 4-2 record, placing NC State coach Chuck Amato squarely on the hot seat to start next season, if not sooner.

 

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]]> James Conklin james-conklin 2006-11-19T02:19:00 00:00 UNC-NC State Huge for Both Coaches http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/18/unc-nc-state-huge-for-both-coaches/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/18/unc-nc-state-huge-for-both-coaches/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/18/unc-nc-state-huge-for-both-coaches/#comments James Conklinby James Conklin

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UNC coach John BuntingToday's game between rivals North Carolina and NC State may not look that appealing on paper given the two teams' combined twelve game losing streak, but don't tell that to the two coaches on the sidelines.

This game is huge for both UNC coach John Bunting and NC State coach Chuck Amato for very different reasons.

Bunting, a former Tar Heel linebacker and team captain, is coaching his final game in Kenan stadium as UNC's head coach, having been replaced by Butch Davis effective at the end of the season.

This will be a very emotional game for both Bunting and his players, who undoubtedly will be playing to win one for their coach.

Neither Bunting nor his team have anything to lose in this matchup, and that makes them a very dangerous opponent for the Wolfpack and coach Chuck Amato, who will find his coaching seat very hot if he drops a third straight game to his rival.

NC State may have an advantage in overall team talent, but they also have little to play for the remainder of the season. So, give the talent edge to NC State and the motivational edge to UNC.

 

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]]> James Conklin james-conklin 2006-11-18T09:35:00 00:00 Butch Davis Not Yet Officially Tar Heels' New Coach http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/17/butch-davis-not-yet-officially-tar-heels-new-coach/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/17/butch-davis-not-yet-officially-tar-heels-new-coach/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/17/butch-davis-not-yet-officially-tar-heels-new-coach/#comments James Conklinby James Conklin

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Although the University of North Carolina has announced the hiring of Butch Davis as their new football coach effective at the end of this season, his appointment is not yet official.

There are two "small" hurdles UNC will have to clear before the deal is officially done. First, Davis must actually sign the contract. Second, the contract must be approved by UNC's Board of Trustees.

Each of these items should be addressed in "a matter of days" according to Nelson Schwab III, who also stated that the UNC system Board of Governors has approved certain exceptions in the contract (i.e. Davis' large salary) that allows the University to finalize their negotiations.

My question is why would UNC announce the hiring of a coach who has yet to sign a contract? Especially with such a high profile, highly sought after coach like Davis?

For athletic director Dick Baddour's sake and the sake of the Tar Heel program, I hope this deal is finalized quickly before it has the chance to blow up in UNC's face.

I sure hope no one is counting their chickens before they're hatched or we'll all have egg on our faces.

 

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]]> James Conklin james-conklin 2006-11-17T11:44:00 00:00 Star Recruit Little Chooses Notre Dame Over UNC http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/09/star-recruit-little-chooses-notre-dame-over-unc/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/09/star-recruit-little-chooses-notre-dame-over-unc/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/09/star-recruit-little-chooses-notre-dame-over-unc/#comments James Conklinby James Conklin

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Greg Little, the prized four-star wide receiver from Durham, NC, elected to play football at Notre Dame today rather than his hometown favorite North Carolina.

Little announced the decision at an 11:00 AM press conference Thursday in the lobby of Durham Hillside high school.

He was expected to announce his decision at a press conference several weeks ago, but decided at the last minute to narrow his decision down to the two finalists of UNC and Notre Dame.

Little's decision follows a trip last weekend to South Bend where he watched the Irish defeat the Heels.

Tar Heel fans were hoping that recent reports of Butch Davis becoming North Carolina's new football coach would have caused him to lean towards UNC, but that wasn't the case.

At any rate, it speaks highly of what the North Carolina program has to offer in that choosing between UNC and a traditional football power like Notre Dame was such a difficult choice for the young man. Best of luck to him.

From a North Carolina fan's perspective, I've heard nothing but great things about the Notre Dame program and their fans from fellow Tar Heels who made the trip to South Bend.

 

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]]> James Conklin james-conklin 2006-11-09T12:00:00 00:00 Reports Conflicting on Davis to UNC Rumors http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/09/reports-conflicting-on-davis-to-unc-rumors/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/09/reports-conflicting-on-davis-to-unc-rumors/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/09/reports-conflicting-on-davis-to-unc-rumors/#comments James Conklinby James Conklin

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Since my brief article yesterday regarding "Butch Davis to UNC," there have been a slew of conflicting reports on whether Butch Davis has or has not signed a contract at the University of North Carolina.

This looks like one of those cases where you're going to have to pick the source you feel most comfortable believing and go with that until you hear anything different.

The one item that no one is disputing, however, is that there is every indication that Butch Davis will be the next football coach at UNC. It's just a matter of when the contract will be signed (if it hasn't already) and when an announcement will be made.

Here are what some of the important players are saying:

Steve Kirschner, UNC's associate athletic director for communications:
"The reports are wrong. There is no signed contract. There is no new news to report on the UNC football coaching search."

ACC Journalist David Glenn:
"I haven't heard one single word of concern (about getting a deal done) on either side"

Raleigh News & Observer:
UNC General Counsel Leslie Strohm was asked by The N&O via e-mail Wednesday for any "contracts, documents or agreements that have been signed with Paul Hilton "Butch" Davis in regard to the football program at UNC," Strohm responded at 6:48 p.m.: "The University has no documents responsive to this request."

Marvin Demoff, Butch Davis' Agent:
Butch Davis' agent, Marvin Demoff, told The Charlotte Observer that his client had not struck a deal with UNC and that it likely would be next week before anything is "really going to happen."

 

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]]> James Conklin james-conklin 2006-11-09T08:41:00 00:00 Sources: Butch Davis to UNC! http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/08/sources-butch-davis-to-unc/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/08/sources-butch-davis-to-unc/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/08/sources-butch-davis-to-unc/#comments James Conklinby James Conklin

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Several sources close to the UNC coaching search have reported that Butch Davis has signed a contract to become the next head coach at the University of North Carolina.

According to the sources, the only detail remaining to be worked out is when UNC will make an official announcement.

The timing of the announcement is a sticky issue since current coach John Bunting remains at the helm of the UNC program through the end of the season.

More details to come as they are leaked released.

Updates:
The Winston-Salem Journal is now reporting this same information.
Inside Carolina has also gone public with the story.

 

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]]> James Conklin james-conklin 2006-11-08T13:40:00 00:00 UNC LB Edwards Could Return from 'Season Ending' Injury http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/08/unc-lb-edwards-could-return-from-season-ending-injury/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/08/unc-lb-edwards-could-return-from-season-ending-injury/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/08/unc-lb-edwards-could-return-from-season-ending-injury/#comments James Conklinby James Conklin

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North Carolina senior linebacker Larry Edwards is once again proving how tough he is.

Edwards, who broke his collarbone during pre-game warmups against South Florida just over three weeks ago (and played the entire game injured), was deemed lost for the season after his initial diagnosis.

This week he made his return to practice, albeit in limited action. Several media outlets are reporting that he could make his return in time for the NC State game on November 18th. But he may see some reps on special teams as soon as this weekend's Georgia Tech game.

This bodes well for the Heels who have shown some improvement on offense and some more passion on defense since learning of head coach John Bunting's dismissal upon season's end.

The primary problem on defense, however, remains a lack of talent and depth along the front seven. Edwards' return would really help in this regard.

At any rate, it's great news if Edwards can return because seniors deserve to go out on their own terms rather than on doctor's orders. And the Heels can use any positive news they can get during this tough season.

 

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]]> James Conklin james-conklin 2006-11-08T12:01:00 00:00 Joe Dailey Back at QB for Heels http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/06/joe-dailey-back-at-qb-for-heels/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/06/joe-dailey-back-at-qb-for-heels/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/06/joe-dailey-back-at-qb-for-heels/#comments James Conklinby James Conklin

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UNC quarterback Joe DaileyThe quarterback carousel continues for the North Carolina Tar Heels this week as junior transfer Joe Dailey has been named the starter once again for the Georgia Tech game this Saturday.

Dailey has continued to outplay redshirt freshman Cam Sexton over the past couple of games and performed extremely well in the Heels' 45-26 loss at Notre Dame last week.

Against the Irish, Dailey was 14-22 for 213 yards and three touchdowns. He also helped receiver Hakeem Nicks set the UNC freshman receiving record with 171 receiving yards in a single game.

Aside from last week's pressure packed passing performance, Dailey adds another dimension to the game which Sexton has not shown to date: the ability to run when forced out of the pocket.

It will be interesting to watch him go head to head against GT quarterback Reggie Ball. Both are known for their inconsistently hot and cold performances and improvisational play making abilities.

If UNC is going to pull an upset this season, this would be the week since the Heels are undoubtedly confident after holding their own for three quarters in South Bend.

 

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]]> James Conklin james-conklin 2006-11-06T22:42:00 00:00 Heels Lose to Irish in Shootout http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/04/heels-lose-to-irish-in-shootout/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/04/heels-lose-to-irish-in-shootout/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/04/heels-lose-to-irish-in-shootout/#comments James Conklinby James Conklin

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UNC receiver Hakeem NicksThe Tar Heels were nearly a four touchdown underdog to mighty Notre Dame Saturday, but posted some big plays and kept the game close for three quarters before finally succumbing to the Irish 45-26.

UNC's Brandon Tate returned a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown, and true freshman receiver Hakeem Nicks had a career day with 6 catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns. But it was still not enough as Notre Dame quarterback and Heisman trophy candidate Brady Quinn threw for 349 yards and four touchdowns.

This game had all the earmarks of a blowout entering the game. The Irish are having a great season and clearly had more all around talent than the Heels, who are playing under lame duck coach John Bunting.

But North Carolina fought hard to answer each Notre Dame score and trailed by just 12 points early in the fourth quarter. This effort speaks volumes for both the Tar Heels players and coaching staff who have little to play for other than pride and now sit with a season record of 1-8.

The Tar Heels' final three games are against Georgia Tech, NC State, and Duke respectively. And if they play as hard as they did today, they could realistically win two of those three games before John Bunting steps down as coach.

 

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]]> James Conklin james-conklin 2006-11-04T23:52:00 00:00 It's Looking More & More Like Davis to UNC http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/04/its-looking-more-and-more-like-davis-to-unc/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/04/its-looking-more-and-more-like-davis-to-unc/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/04/its-looking-more-and-more-like-davis-to-unc/#comments James Conklinby James Conklin

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Butch DavisButch Davis and the University of North Carolina are into some serious discussions regarding Davis becoming UNC's next football coach.

A number of media outlets that cover the Heels are saying a deal may be close if not imminent.

Of course Butch Davis is throwing out the "no comment" line like there's no tomorrow, and I'd still be surprised to hear any official announcment until after the UNC-Duke game on November 25th. But a big name coach like Davis would be a huge catch for UNC football.

The big question should Davis accept an offer would be how long he'd stay before pursuing other opportunities.

As an added bonus for Tar Heel fans, rival NC State Wolfpack fans are showing signs of serious coach envy on some of the message boards after the Pack lost their fourth straight game Saturday.

 

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]]> James Conklin james-conklin 2006-11-04T23:32:00 00:00 Tar Heel Recruits Beginning to Look Elsewhere http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/03/tar-heel-recruits-beginning-to-look-elsewhere/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/03/tar-heel-recruits-beginning-to-look-elsewhere/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/03/tar-heel-recruits-beginning-to-look-elsewhere/#comments James Conklinby James Conklin

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I've got to head out of town for a wedding this weekend, but before I do I thought I'd log a quick update on the latest Tar Heel recruiting news.

Four star QB commitment Mike Paulus has been very vocal with the media lately. His latest comments indicate that he'll continue his "wait and see" approach before deciding whether to decommit from UNC in the wake of John Bunting's dismissal. That seems like a pretty rational approach that most Tar Heel fans can accept at this point.

On a more depressing note, the Tar Heels have seen three more recruits retract their verbal commitments.

Chris Gray, a two star tackle from South Carolina, is stating that he'll keep his options open.

Miguel Chavis, a two star defensive end from Fayetteville, NC, has also decided to decommit and allow himself to be pursued by the likes of Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia Tech.

The Daily Reflector is also reporting that defensive back Emmanuel Davis from Manteo, NC will be changing his allegiance to East Carolina.

Although this seems like a heap of bad news from the Heels, it's to be expected during a coaching change. Rational fans will also realize that no one recruiting class is greater than the program, and that any new coach worth his salt will be able to either retain these commitments or attract equally talented ones in years to come.

 

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]]> James Conklin james-conklin 2006-11-03T12:01:00 00:00 UNC's Ronnie McGill Wants the Rock http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/02/uncs-ronnie-mcgill-wants-the-rock/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/02/uncs-ronnie-mcgill-wants-the-rock/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/02/uncs-ronnie-mcgill-wants-the-rock/#comments James Conklinby James Conklin

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UNC running back Ronnie McGillNorth Carolina running back Ronnie McGill is pulling a Keyshawn Johnson and saying "give me the da@# ball!"

Against Wake Forest last week, McGill had 29 carries for 117 yards and a touchdown in one of the Heels' better games of the season, albeit in a losing effort.

Hopefully the coaches will listen. McGill is clearly UNC's workhorse in the backfield, and he tends to get stronger as the game goes on. Playing behind ineffective quarterbacks also bolsters his case.

If the Heels hope to have any chance against Notre Dame this week, it's in their best interest to control the ball through the running game and keep Notre Dame's offense of the field.

McGill is doubly important this week due to the fact that his backup, Barrington Edwards, is suspended for the second straight game.

So, the solution sounds pretty simple. McGill wants the ball in his hands, UNC has had turnover problems in the passing game, and a game against Notre Dame will require some serious ball control. Strap 'em on tight, Ronnie, and have a ball in South Bend.

 

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]]> James Conklin james-conklin 2006-11-02T17:08:00 00:00 Tar Heels Backup RB Suspended for Notre Dame Game http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/02/tar-heels-backup-rb-suspended-for-notre-dame-game/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/02/tar-heels-backup-rb-suspended-for-notre-dame-game/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/02/tar-heels-backup-rb-suspended-for-notre-dame-game/#comments James Conklinby James Conklin

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North Carolina backup running back Barrington Edwards has been suspended for a second straight game by head coach John Bunting.

This is not a second suspension, rather an extension of last week's punishment for an unspecified team rule that also caused him to miss the Wake Forest game.

Justin Warren will take Edwards' backup role this week against the Irish, and Bobby Rome will see his first action of the season at tailback as a third reserve.

Rome moves to tailback from the fullback position where he's made a name for himself this season making some great catches out of the backfield. Obviously, the coaching staff wants to get him some more touches to utilize his athleticism, thus the move to tailback.

Bunting has given no reason for Edwards' suspension, but rumors are that the problems involve class attendance (or lack thereof). Again, I'm just spreading rumors here so take it with a big grain of salt. There may be a completely different reason altogether, but what's the use in a good rumor if you don't share it?

 

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]]> James Conklin james-conklin 2006-11-02T00:10:00 00:00 Tar Heels Prepare for Tradition of Notre Dame http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/01/tar-heels-prepare-for-tradition-of-notre-dame/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/01/tar-heels-prepare-for-tradition-of-notre-dame/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/11/01/tar-heels-prepare-for-tradition-of-notre-dame/#comments James Conklinby James Conklin

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UNC coach John BuntingWill it be a game or a field trip? That's the biggest question surrounding Saturday's matchup between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Notre Dame is a huge 27.5 point favorite heading into the contest, and realistic Tar Heel fans are hoping that the Heels just don't get embarrassed.

I'm sure they'll compete just as hard, if not harder, than they did last week against Wake Forest, but the noticeable talent differential will most likely be too much to overcome for the boys in Carolina blue.

To make the most of the trip, however, UNC coach John Bunting has some off-the-field activities planned for his players to explore some of the rich history and tradition behind the Notre Dame program:
"They won't know who (Knute Rockne and George Gip) are, but I've talked about the tradition and will continue to do so. They're going to see and feel it once they get there. Also we'll incorporate a trip to the Hall of Fame with the players. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for them to see something like this."
Hopefully this education in college football history will serve more as inspiration for UNC and less of a distraction.

 

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]]> James Conklin james-conklin 2006-11-01T00:58:00 00:00 A Look Back at 1975: UNC-14 Notre Dame-21 http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/10/31/a-look-back-at-1975-unc-14-notre-dame-21/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/10/31/a-look-back-at-1975-unc-14-notre-dame-21/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/10/31/a-look-back-at-1975-unc-14-notre-dame-21/#comments James Conklinby James Conklin

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With the Tar Heels traveling to South Bend this weekend to take on the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, I thought I'd take a look back at the last time the Heels played the Irish.

These clips are from the 1975 matchup, which the Tar Heels lost 21-14 to the Irish and some freshman quarterback named Joe Montana who was getting his first playing time for Notre Dame.

Part I

Part II

 

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]]> James Conklin james-conklin 2006-10-31T11:46:00 00:00 Gene Chizik on UNC Radar? http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/10/31/gene-chizik-on-unc-radar/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/10/31/gene-chizik-on-unc-radar/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/10/31/gene-chizik-on-unc-radar/#comments James Conklinby James Conklin

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The Fort worth Star-Telegram mentioned Monday that Texas defensive coordinator Gene Chizik may be moving up the list of potential UNC coaching candidates now that Tulsa's Steve Kragthorpe has expressed disinterest in the job.

I'm not sure how good a hire this would be, but Chizik definitely does not fit the major criteria that UNC seems to be targeting. Although he's apparently a great coordinator, he lacks head coaching experience and the track record that UNC administrators are looking for.

Also, UNC's has gone the defensive-minded coach route and it hasn't worked out too well. UNC's last two coaches, Carl Torbush and John Bunting, were both defensive coaches with no head coaching experience and look where that got them.

The most successful coaches who have moved up from the coordinator ranks to become head coaches have traditionally been from the offensive side of the ball. Mark Richt at Georgia is one such name that springs to mind.

Don't get me wrong, Chizik should definitely be considered for the job, but should be about third or fourth on the "hit list" at this time.

 

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]]> James Conklin james-conklin 2006-10-31T00:59:00 00:00 Kragthorpe Disses UNC Rumors http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/10/30/kragthorpe-disses-unc-rumors/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/10/30/kragthorpe-disses-unc-rumors/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/10/30/kragthorpe-disses-unc-rumors/#comments James Conklinby James Conklin

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Kenan StadiumTulsa head coach Steve Kragthorpe remarked Monday that he was in no way interested in becoming the next head coach at the University of North Carolina.

Stated Kragthorpe, "Chapel Hill would be a great place to live. But I'm not interested in being the head coach at the University of North Carolina. I want to be the head coach at Tulsa."

There's not much reading between the lines here. UNC's number one candidate to replace John Bunting appears to mean what he says. Is it time for the Heels to look towards option number two? Hopefully not.

Kragthorpe is everything UNC is looking for in their next coach. He's young, he's a proven winner, he has head coaching experience, and he's affordable. Let's hope for the Tar Heels' sake that he's just playing hard to get, as he would be a great fit for the UNC program.

 

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]]> James Conklin james-conklin 2006-10-30T22:54:00 00:00 Heels Throw Away Victory vs. Wake Forest http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/10/28/heels-throw-away-victory-vs-wake-forest/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/10/28/heels-throw-away-victory-vs-wake-forest/ http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2006/10/28/heels-throw-away-victory-vs-wake-forest/#comments James Conklinby James Conklin

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In North Carolina's first game since the announcement of head coach John Bunting's firing effective at season's end, the Tar Heels played 60 minutes of inspired football but fell short 24-17 against Wake Forest.

UNC's Ronnie McGill ran for 117 yards and a touchdown, and both UNC quarterbacks were fairly effective.

It was turnovers that cost the Heels, however. Wake scored the first touchdown of the game on a blocked punt which was run back, and the Deacs intercepted Joe Dailey in the end zone to end the game as UNC was driving for the tying score.

These types of mistakes have become all too familiar to North Carolina, who falls to 1-7 on the season.

It was eerily similar to the UNC-Rutgers game in which the Heels totaled more yards than their opponent but gave up big plays in the running game, threw costly interceptions, and committed a turnover inside the five yard line that would have won or tied the game.

To make matters worse, the Heels travel to South Bend next week to take on Notre Dame.

 

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]]> James Conklin james-conklin 2006-10-28T22:55:00 00:00