By R.L. Bynum
ORLANDO, Fla. — After the lackluster 34–9 loss at UCF, the message from North Carolina quarterback Max Johnson and linebacker Will Hardy was clear: stick together.
As they spoke side-by-side in the postgame press conference, they talked about the need to support one another as the Tar Heels head into a much-needed open date.
“We have to choose to be together, choose to be closer, choose to support each other,” Johnson said. “Play complementary football.”
It was a sentiment echoed by Hardy, who led the struggling UNC defense with seven solo tackles, an assist and a tackle for a loss. He said communication on defense needs to improve, but that the team’s mindset is to grow tighter, not splinter apart.
“Everything needs to get better,” Hardy said. “But communication is for sure one of those things. We can split apart, or we can get closer together. I know we’re going to get closer together.”
That commitment to unity comes after a difficult night for UNC.
Starting quarterback Gio Lopez left in the third quarter with a right leg injury, forcing Johnson to take over. But 16 of the 24 Lopez drives in three games vs. FBS teams were either three-and-outs or turnovers. Lopez has three touchdown passes in 42 pass attempts, while Johnson has two in 30 attempts.
Against UCF, Johnson completed 11 of 19 passes for 67 yards and threw the Tar Heels’ lone touchdown, but the offense struggled to sustain drives.
“We’ve just got to execute better,” said Johnson, who could become the starter depending on the severity of Lopez’s injury. “Come together as a team, listen to what the coaches are saying and just move the ball.”
Johnson admitted that coming in cold mid-game is a challenge, but credited his preparation for keeping him ready. He spent the first half locked in — listening to play calls, checking his wristband and studying UCF’s defense from the sideline.
“If you’re not prepared, you’re not going to be ready,” Johnson said. “But if you keep your head in the whole game, your mind stays in it, and I think that’s what I was able to do.”
Hardy said the defense also fell short of its standard, particularly when UCF attacked the edges.
“We didn’t tackle well enough,” Hardy said. “We didn’t play fast enough on the perimeter. We knew that’s how they were going to hit us, and we still didn’t stop it.”
Now the Tar Heels turn their attention to the open date ahead of their ACC opener at home against Clemson on Oct. 4, which both players agreed comes at an ideal time.
“I know I’m eager to get back on the field,” Hardy said. “But I think this bye will be really good, and we’ll use it to prepare for our next opponent.”
Johnson said it will also give the team a chance to reset mentally.
“It’ll be super helpful just for everyone to get healthy, refocus our minds, and encourage each other,” he said.
Despite the disappointment, Hardy insisted the locker room is not fractured.
“Things have to change — how we prepare, how we practice, how we communicate,” he said. “But everyone’s locked in. Maybe even more motivated now.”
Photo via YouTube screenshot
tarheeltribune.com 