UNC started off so well against Clemson yesterday afternoon that Tigers fans started clearing the stands to go blow off some steam. Fortunately for them, things got much better for them in the second half, which ultimately led to the extension of UNC’s losing streak to the boys in purple and gold. Despite the issues that Billy Edwards Jr. had operating the offense, Benjamin Hall was a stud against Clemson’s defense, which is why we’re giving him Player of the Game.
Hall finished his day with 18 carries
for 130 yards. He wasn’t able to punch it in for a touchdown during his tirade, but he was still a large reason why the Heels’ offense had any teeth. The offensive line also deserves some credit, because they were giving Hall some really good lanes to run through. When given the chance, Hall ended up on the second and third level of Clemson’s offense a good amount. Averaging 7.2 yards per carry is something that we haven’t seen in quite some time from a running back in a Carolina uniform, and the hope is that he has unlocked something that will be sustainable throughout the season.
If we were to name any kind of runner-up, Demon June would be next in line. He finished his day with 12 carries for 57 yards and a touchdown. While he wasn’t as impactful as Hall was, he wasn’t really a negative for the offense either . That’s all you can ask for when Hall needs to take a breather.
As disappointing as yesterday was, Hall’s performance should give Carolina fans some optimism going into the stretch that follows their second bye week. He’ll unfortunately face his biggest test yet, though, when Notre Dame comes to town. Hopefully the quarterback situation gets figured out by then so that he’s not having to carry the team on his back again.
