Tar Heels Fear the Turtle.

Conference opponents Maryland Terrapins defeated the University of North Carolina Tar Heels today 82-80, giving Carolina its first loss this season. ACC Football might have been less than desired this past season, but there is no question ACC Basketball is in a class by itself. Congrats to the Terps for beating the unbeatable. From this Pack fan's perspective, its always a good day when UNC takes a loss... even if it does come at the hands of someone else.

Don't Throw The Record Books Out Yet.

After starting as a defensive contest with the score 9-9, the North Carolina Tar Heels went on to score 34 more points before the half, while State missed 18 straight shots and only put up an additional 4 points before the break. So much for throwing the record books out for this rivalry match, NC State couldn't hit a shot and didn't play much like a team. The second half proved better, in-part because of adjustments made by Coach Sidney Lowe, but probably also due to the large lead and lack of urgency felt by Carolina.

State went on to score 49 in the second half, but Carolina scored 50, so the 30 point margin from half was actually increased by 1 at the final buzzer.

Its time for the red coat to go back in the closet for a while and for Coach Lowe and the boys to regroup. I certainly hope we make a better game of it when the Heels come to Raleigh... it can't be much worse.

Tobacco Road: The Red Coat Returns.

Whether you believe the rivalry has renewed or never left, you can't question that its in full force now. The last time rivals NC State and North Carolina met was last year's ACC Tournament. As happened then, you can throw records and stats out the window... these two rivals play each other hard, with the winner often determined by heart as much as ability.

Today State heads to the Dean Dome (or Smith Center for all my Tar Heel friends). And even Jones Angell will have to admit that this first ACC contest is a big game. We might be out matched on paper, and we might not be wearing dark blue like your other Tobacco Road rivals, but we're going to put up a fight until the last whistle blows.

Forget UNC's 16-0 start... this is a historic battle. Its the 212th meeting between the Wolfpack and Tarheels, and like the 211 contests before, it will be a good one. Tip-off is at noon.

Go Pack!

In other Tar Heel News: 3 UNC Football Players Assaulted (by Women)

Its almost too disturbing and weird to recap, so I'll just link to the N&O article here. Definitely not your typical story of college athletes in trouble. Its sad, really.

Are the Tarheels Vulnerable?

Last night, Carolina improved their record to 9 -0. They beat Nicholls State 88 - 78. Nichols State was able to keep the game much closer than it should have been because they were able to make shots from behind the three point line. Carolina was not! Nicholls State shot a combined 14 of 28 from behind the three point line, whereas Carolina only made 3 of 12. I know that I am stating the obvious, but until Carolina is able to capitalize from behind the arc, they will continue to be vulnerable to a consistent three point shooting team.