The streak now stands at one. Carolina won for the first time in Charlottesville since 1981. UNC’s quarterback T.J. Yates threw for 249 yards in the first half alone, as he finished the game 17/22 with three TD’s and 325 yards. All three of Yates’ TD’s were tossed in the first half, the first one a 81-yard strike on the first offensive play of the game.
Marc Verica was benched early in the third quarter after throwing three ugly interceptions. It just might be the last time we see him step on the field as a Virginia football player, as Coach Mike London might choose to play for the future. Verica finished the game 15/23 for 139 yards and no touchdowns. Keith Payne was the leading rusher for the Hoos and he gained 114 yards on 23 carries. Perry Jones also ran for 53 yards on 11 attempts with a long run of nine yards.
After Verica was benched, backup redshirt freshman Ross Metheny was also ineffectual going 3/8 for 45 yards and one interception. Metheny really seemed to struggle with the quarterback/center exchange. Next up for the Hoos was true freshman signal caller Michael Rocco, and he did not fare any better as he was 3/8 with no TD’s and one INT.
Carolina’s defense was led by Quinton Coples who was credited with 11 tackles including four for a loss. Zach Brown also had a great day for Butch Davis’ Heels with 10 tackles and an interception. UNC’s wide-out Dwight Jones had a huge day with seven catches for 198 yards and two scores.
Defensively, Virginia looked asleep out there against Carolina. Corey Mosely led all Virginia tacklers with eight including two for a loss, and also a forced fumble which was recovered by Virginia.
As the 4th quarter began most Virginia fans had already left Scott Stadium to drown their sorrows in the parking lot. I cannot remember a Carolina beat-down at home more painful than this one in all my years as a Virginia football fan. Butch Davis earned his first win against Virginia as the Heels’ coach.
Next week Virginia returns to action again at home hosting Eastern Michigan with another six o’clock start-time. Virginia is now 2-4 on the season, and has not beaten a single FBS opponent yet this year. Wow, the Hoos are also now on a three game losing streak. EMU is coming off their first win of the season, a thrilling comeback win on the road against Ball State. Go Hoos!