With NC State going down to a bad Kentucky team as Bailey Hockman threw interception after interception. North Carolina was the ACC’s last shot at a bowl win. They were decided underdog against Texas A&M with multiple opt outs, but led 27-20 in the 2nd half.
They couldn’t hold the lead and at 27-27 called inexplicable trick play at mid-field that was blown up on 2nd down and never recovered. With a last gasp and two downs to pick up 1 yard, UNC called my pet peeve play – the short yardage shotgun run that fails time and time again.
It was a game effort by UNC. QB Sam Howell did all he could with limited players on offense, but given a chance for a stirring upset the Heels let the game get away.
This was fitting end to a bowl season where the ACC flopped in a major way.
There’s no other way to slice it. There were reasonable efforts by UNC and Miami in competitive losses. Wake Forest and NC State were mistake filled messes. Notre Dame was outmanned by Alabama, and Clemson just wasn’t ready to face Ohio State.
From close losses to blowouts, ACC teams found a way to lose them all.
Maybe the conference should have just opted out of the entire post-season.
