Oct. 27, 2002

The first time John Bunting lost a game he learned everything he needed to know about losing. He didn't like it. So every loss as a player and coach has been a disappointment, especially when Carolina couldn't score Saturday and couldn't stop Wake Forest. That one stuck in his craw, and it'll probably be there a long time. But a day later he was back up and getting ready for Maryland.

"The reality of what took place is upon us, and it was very disappointing," the head coach said. Yet when he looked at the game tape early Sunday there was no lack of effort by the Tar Heels. "The players played until the very end, and I'm proud of them for that reason."

Bunting nearly wore out his remote as he carefully monitored every play against the Deacons, and despite the 31-0 setback he saw a lot of good things. "Our offensive line played extremely well. Some holes were created for the running game, particularly in the first half, but we could just not overcome the penalties and the fumble. We should have had some points. We needed to have some points, and we should have had some points. It may have been the difference in the ball game."

Some media types and a lot of fans are getting tired of hearing about Carolina's youth and inexperience, especially on defense where the Tar Heels returned only three starters and one of those is already lost for the season. Several internet jockeys claim Virginia is young and so is Wake Forest. Check the records. The Cavaliers have 13 returning starters which makes it a little easier to use a bunch of freshmen, and the Deacons have 16 returning starters which is more than any other ACC opponent.

"There are a lot of guys on defense who probably don't belong out there right now. These are young, young players. At one point Saturday six or seven of the players out there were freshmen or sophomores. That's a lot to ask of those guys to be playing that many plays. It's a tough adjustment. Not many can do it."

When the former All-ACC linebacker returned to his alma mater in December, 2000, he talked about building a foundation. It's still a work in progress. "I'm a results oriented guy," Bunting claimed, "and, we're not getting the results we want right now. That's perfection of the obvious, but there are things happening each week, each game that are very positive.

"C.J. Stephens played very well for his first collegiate start. Mahlon Carey ran well. Sam Aiken and Chesley Borders are having great seasons. Dexter Reid is leading the ACC in tackles, and Madison Hedgecock played very well for having three days of practice at defensive end. He'll stay out there at least through Saturday's game."

Even though the losing is taking its toll on the coaching staff and on the players, the head coach is looking forward to Saturday's homecoming tilt at 1:30 P.M. against Maryland.

"The game with Wake Forest is over. I'm hoping that we'll get better as we just try to improve the players' technique and fundamentals as we proceed. Maybe we'll get better enough to win a ball game. I'll guarantee you one thing. We'll battle this team. This whole building (the Kenan Football Center) will stay in the battle and fight for one another."

Yes, John Bunting was definitely back up Sunday, and he was pulling the Tar Heels with him.