PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB Michael Carter has ignited the running game for North Carolina, but his big night in the loss to Virginia Tech last week was spoiled when he fumbled late on first down at Tech’s one-yard line. The Hokies took advantage of the turnover, recovering at the two-yard line and then driving 98 yards for the decisive touchdown. “There’s no doubt in my mind that Michael Carter will bounce back,” coach Larry Fedora said. Carter has rushed for 268 yards in just three games since recovering from a broken wrist.
–WR Dazz Newsome has a team-high 18 receptions for 181, second on the team to WR Anthony Ratliff-Williams’ 275 yards. He had five receptions for 53 yards against Virginia Tech but also had a key drop on a long pass that could have been a touchdown for the Tar Heels.
–DE Malik Carney had two sacks among his seven tackles in the loss to Virginia Tech. He has a team-high 5.5 sacks for the season despite being limited to three games because of a suspension for selling school-issue shoes in violation of NCAA rules. “It ultimately depends on what the NCAA says,” Fedora said of Carney’s status.
–DT Jason Strowbridge also registered two sacks against the Hokies, giving him 2.5 for the season. He has 14 tackles overall and been credited with two quarterback hurries and a blocked kick.
SERIES HISTORY: North Carolina and Syracuse are tied 2-2. Syracuse won the last meeting 49-47 in three overtimes in 2003.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “We played really well in so many different areas. We really did some great thing throughout the game in all three phases. But we didn’t make enough plays to win the football game. They made one more than we did.” — Coach Larry Fedora after evaluating video of the loss to Virginia Tech.
