As you can probably see from the last few posts, our time at Rutgers last night was nothing short of spectacular.  The last thing I expected on the train ride to Jersey was a 30+ point drubbing of the Scarlet Knights.  But that’s exactly what happened, to the delight of the small but vocal contingent in Tar Heel blue.

We got to the parking lot a couple hours before kickoff to enjoy a tailgate in a sea of red.  You have to take a 10 minute shuttle to the actual stadium, and as we walked through the parking lot to catch the bus we were peppered with more than a few four letter words.  This was clearly a much more sinister form of verbal jab towards the opposition than can be found in the parking lots across the South - while amusing, the tone was less playful cajoling and more hard-edged Jersey spite.

We played the willing role of congenial Southerners, unsure as we were about the prospects for the game.  And the game’s first series, which saw Rutgers march down the field, seemed to confirm our fears.  It was only when our D was able to hold them to a field goal, and then we got three points of our own, that we were able to relax.

From the UNC team’s perspective, relaxing meant reading the game and laying some of the hardest hits that Scarlet red has ever seen.  The game’s complexion changed once and for all when Kendric Burney flat out leveled the Rutgers would-be receiver on a short pass.  From that point on the D played with an attitude and aggressiveness that was much more akin to Coach Davis’ teams at the U than the outfits from Chapel Hill in recent years.  And it wasn’t just the highlight reel hits - the defense was able to perfectly bend and not break, often ensuring only seven yard gains on 3rd and 9 with sure-handed tackling.

Then, of course, there was Brandon Tate.  On a field of athletes, Tate was supreme - he was positively Usain Bolt-esque in the way he owned the field.  You could practically feel the fear emanating from the Rutgers faithful - “please, not him again.”  This opened up space for Nicks & friends, and TJ Yates proved dependable and timely with his deep ball ability.

By now the storyline of the game is well known - the kickoff to the 1 to start the 2nd half, followed by two quick scores proved to be the nails in the proverbial coffin.  With five minutes to play in the 3rd the stadium was well on its way to empty, and as the previously confident and brash Rutgers fans made their way home for an early exit.

The stream of red filing up the stands was in stark contrast to the jubilant crew in blue.  We were euphoric (and a bit stunned) at the complete and utter domination from our squad of Tar Heels.  I have to admit, it was unfamiliar feeling being on the better end of a 44-12 scoreline, but it’s a feeling I could get used to.  For on this night, in a hostile road environment, with a national TV audience looking on, this UNC team looked every bit the part of a big-time college football program.

And that’s not bad for a women’s soccer school.