Oct. 19, 2000

Woody Durham has been behind the play-by-play microphone at UNC for over 30 years. How many basketball games of national importance has he worked? Dozens? At least.

But when was the last time Carolina won a football game of true national significance?

The history of Tar Heel Football in the post-Justice era is overflowing with the beauty of campus, the majesty of Kenan Stadium, the parade of 1000 yard tailbacks, the pipeline of players to the NFL and the story of the new, state-of-the-art Kenan Football Center.

In their own ways, Bill Dooley, Dick Crum and Mack Brown each brought credit to Chapel Hill.

But where are the unbelievable wins? Where is the big time bowl berth? Why isn't there even one stunning upset of a top five somebody or other? How has Carolina so consistently charged right to the doorstep of national prominence only to be denied membership and turned away?

It's curious, isn't it, because I honestly can't think of one single reason this sleeping football giant shouldn't just spring to life one of these years and contend for the title.

No matter what your rooting interest, the unassailable facts appear to be these: The University of North Carolina is an awesomely beautiful place. Academically, it is one of America's elite public institutions of higher learning. The athletic facilities are excellent. The student body is almost two-thirds female. The prestigious men's basketball program should be a useful recruiting tool for football. Yet still, Carolina has not broken through.

Or am I dead wrong? Should UNC aim lower? I mean, if Carolina isn't going to cheat to get players and fire coaches at the first hint of a lack of fan confidence, should the Tar Heels just accept a permanent spot in the Carquest Blockbuster Poulan WeedEater Jeep Aloha Las Vegas Humanitarian Bowl?

You tell me.

In the meantime, the 7-0 and 3rd ranked Clemson Tigers of Boy Wonder Tommy Bowden and Heisman candidate Woodrow Dantzler are rolling into Chapel Hill for a date with the 3-3 Tar Heels, and the Carl and Curry doubters think this one could get ugly.

I think it could get ugly, too. But not for the Heels. Oh, Carolina has some work to do as a football team, that's obvious, but they have nice gameplan in for the Felines and this is a no pressure, free shot against an opponent with quite a lot at stake.

Ronald threw inaccurately last weekend and can't wait to get back out there. The defense is better than they have been playing. Clemson's squad is pure quality, but their 7 wins have come against opponents who are a combined 15-24. How will they react if the game is close in the late stages?

Carolina is going to play better Saturday than they have all season.

And one victory does not a program make, but this is exactly the game that UNC has not won in over 50 years.

Wouldn't it be something?