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Published Sat, Dec 26, 2009 02:00 AM
Modified Sat, Dec 26, 2009 05:35 AM

Tudor's take: Heels are due for bowl win

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Caulton Tudor

Tags: college | football | sports | unc

For a team that ended the regular season on a two-game losing streak, the Panthers (9-3) came very close to reaching a BCS bowl.

Losses to West Virginia (19-16) and Cincinnati (45-44) snapped a six-game winning streak that dated to a 38-31 loss at N.C. State in September.

That said, the Tar Heels (8-4) should have an edge in intangibles if enough Carolina fans show in Charlotte to give the day a Kenan Stadium flavor.

Although QB Bill Stull had a solid season with 21 touchdown passes, Pitt's offense is built around freshman running back Dion Lewis (1,640 rushing yards). That should play in the favor of Carolina's defense, which regularly stopped opposing ground games throughout the season. If the defensive front can contain Lewis, the Panthers should be on the verge of panic.

Also in UNC's favor should be the fact that erratic quarterback T.J. Yates, when last on stage, had one of his best games of the season in a 28-27 loss at N.C. State.

Finally, the Tar Heels are just plain due to win a bowl game. They're past due, really, having last won one in 2001, John Bunting's first season.

Carolina, 21-17.

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