We all know, at this point, that last night’s game was horrid. It was just bad. We got to enjoy about ten minutes of pure bliss, as the offense went straight down the field for a score and then the defense actually held TCU scoreless. Then it went downhill in a hurry and we all realized just the depths that UNC may be looking to climb out of.
There was something good to come out of this game, though — the return of Max Johnson.
This isn’t so much about the stats. By the time he came onto the field
it was already 41-7 and the game was completely lost. The stands were at least half empty, the ESPN crew was digging deep into their bag of anecdotes to have something to talk about, and social media was having the fun that it would normally have. As the score became 41-7, starter Gio Lopez was hurt, and out trotted the man that 369 days ago almost lost his leg to a horrid accident.
Just the fact that Max Johnson was playing period was a win. That TCU played a soft zone defense to the point that Johnson was able to throw the ball and show the reason he was brought to UNC in the first place made it better. That he ultimately scored the only other touchdown that Carolina would enjoy on the game was the cherry on top.
Actually, there was one more little bit of sweetness you can add to this sundae.
Johnson would finish 9-11 for 103 yards, and had a long pass of 39 yards.
Honestly, if this were based on just the first drive, Caleb Hood would have an argument. Unfortunately, he finished with just 31 yards overall thanks to the TCU defense completely shutting everything down — not to mention the possibility that offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens just isn’t very good.
That’s it for highlights. At least this is something worth celebrating if nothing else is.
