DMN: SMU-North Carolina preview

[PerunaPunch]

Friday | November 30, 2001




SMU-North Carolina preview

11/30/2001

By RICK ALONZO / The Dallas Morning News


SMU (4-6) at North Carolina (6-5)


12:30 Saturday, Kenan Stadium, Chapel Hill, N.C.

TV/Radio: KTCK-AM 1310

Line: North Carolina by 23 ½

Key Matchup: LT Joey Slaten vs. DE Julius Peppers. This will be a battle between a future first-round NFL draft pick (Peppers) against a player who is trying to solidify his stock as a pro prospect. Peppers (6-6, 285) is a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, presented to the nation's best defensive player. Slaten (6-6, 320) will have to be quick on his feet and use excellent technique to keep Peppers out of the backfield.

Update: SMU coach Mike Cavan, who was fired last week, will see his five-year tenure comes to a close against North Carolina. ... SMU pulled off an emotional 37-20 win over Rice last week at Ford Stadium. The Mustangs were down 20-7 at halftime but rallied in the second half in Cavan's last home game. ... SMU lost to North Carolina, 28-24, in the only game the teams have played against one another, in 1994 in Dallas. ... The Tar Heels will be pumped up for this game, needing a win to become bowl eligible. ... The teams were scheduled to play Sept. 15, but the game was rescheduled because of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

[PK]

Let's hope they aren't taking us too seriously....that would give us an opportunity to surprise them. I'm not to worried about our defense if the offense will keep the ball long enough to let them rest occasionally. The offense will have a chance if the OC will open up the game like they did against Rice...we have nothing to lose so let it all hang out!!! Lets "play to WIN" not "play to not lose"!!!! Be aggressive and go get those tarheels or as there conference rivals would say "tarholes".

Go Mustangs...kick some butt!!!!!