Chansky's Notebook: Good Fortune

Carolina has the schedule in its favor and needs to take advantage.

Yes, the Tar Heels are off to a 2-0 start in the ACC, both wins on the road and have the chance for a third straight at Notre Dame Wednesday night. Considering how UNC whipped BC and the Eagles beat the Fighting Irish, Carolina should win in another blow out. But that’s why they play!

Having squandered three chances to get Quad 1 wins in November and December, Hubert’s team is in grind mode from here on. The ACC is so weak this season that any loss (except to Duke) could be more damaging than any victory helpful.

But Carolina caught a great break by having the ACC home opener against Virginia Tech postponed, if not canceled. The Hokies were by far the biggest challenge the Tar Heels will face before going to Louisville on the last day of January and hosting Duke on February 5. Coach Mike Young’s team can score from all over and, more importantly, is very tough physically.

Rescheduling will be difficult to fit into the rest of the season, without making it a third game in a week for either of the teams. For example, UNC does not play between January 8-15 and three other times between Monday and Saturday. But Virginia Tech has midweek games at all four of those points in its schedule.

So, by taking them one at a time and replicating the kind of aggressive defense and ball-movement offense on Sunday, the Tar Heels can climb back into the rankings by going on an ACC run in January with Virginia and Georgia Tech at home, followed by trips to Miami and Wake Forest and then home dates with BC and N.C. State, all teams rated lower than the Heels.

They can’t make the game in Chestnut Hill a misnomer because the Eagles had been off for nearly three weeks and were pretty bad in their return to action. Carolina had double-digit runs three times in the game, holding BC to a woeful shooting first half and, with the benefit of a near-empty gym, shot the ball like they do in practice.

Whatever the point differential portends, Notre Dame won’t be easy. The Irish are well-coached under Mike Brey and play very hard. So, with whoever is available to play, Carolina has to take the opening punch and respond.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.