UNC Game Notes

Turnover battle
Turnovers were clearly the story of this game. The two teams combined for 10 turnovers in the game (Boston College had six). North Carolina was able to capitalize with two defensive scores and 151 total yards in interception returns. BC also had some key interceptions to keep them in the game, including a pick in the end zone by Roderick Rollins.

Shinskie struggles
Shinskie clearly struggled throughout this game. He was responsible for five turnovers (4 interceptions) and he even had another pick called back by a UNC penalty, although in his defense the pass to Pantale that went through his hands should have been caught. He completed just 43 percent of his passes for 101 yards. He struggled to handle UNC’s pressure and often simply chucked the ball up into coverage. He said following the game, “you just have to try and find where the pressure is coming from and try to avoid it… it seemed like every time I tried to go around or step up there was another guy there.” I actually felt the offensive line played pretty well in the second half although Shinskie’s indecision cost him as he held on to the ball too long on several occasions.

Third down woes
BC’s offense was 0-13 on third down conversions. Yikes. This boils down to the lack of passing game despite repeated attempts by Gary Tranquill to try and establish some type of momentum.

Bowman shines on senior day
Bowman has been stellar all season and really played himself into possible all-conference candidacy. On his final home game at Alumni he recorded 10 tackles and an interception. He has a well-deserved reputation as a hard hitter but if he proves he can defend the pass consistently as well he could have a future in the NFL.

Kuechly sets personal mark
By this point I can just pencil in a spot for Kuechly every week in this column. He continues to wow everyone with his extraordinary play. He made a career high 19 tackles against North Carolina. It will be scary to see how good he will be next year after another year of tutelage from Mark Herzlich.