So after some lop sided first halfs from SMU and Ohio in their respective bowls, viewers were treated to a well balanced contest between the Tarheels and the Panthers. Pitt has not shown signs of looking for motivation after narrowly missing out on a BCS game only to play in a significantly less prestigious Meineke Car Care bowl. Both teams have shown parity in throwing and running the football. Pitt though made a conscious effort to establish the pass early in order to free up the running lanes for Deon Lewis, their star freshman running back. Boy - has this bowl season has been about true freshmen performing or what. And for a second year in a row, Butch Davis is showing us what a gr8 recruiter he is. After losing the likes of Hakeem Nicks last year, the talent of Greg Little was on display in that acrobatic TD reception. Who can ever forget those gr8 Miami teams that Butch Davis put together in the late 90's - simply phenomenal. And he is definitely recruiting way better at a school which had the perception of being a basketball program when he got there. Way to go Butch. Just as Pitt made a conscious effort to establish the deep ball early on, so also did the Tarheels establish the run game between tackles through Houston. Their regular starter at the tailback position, Draughn, is not available for the game.
Dont expect too many coaching changes in this one at the half. I expect both teams to maintain the balance in throwing and passing. Butch is likely going to emphasize his team to reduce penalties but other than that, this one cud be a humdinger. Lets see how the teams respond after the half
