Wait, This Team?

First they score the last 13 points to run away from the Wolfpack. Then Zabian Dowell noticed it as the Tar Heels escaped with a win in Blacksburg. In both of its ACC matchups this season, UNC has been the deeper team.

Yes, Lost-Seven-Players, Starting-Three-Freshman, Practically-Experience-Free UNC is deep. The mind scarcely has the courage to boggle.

It speaks well towards the team's chances as the season goes on. No one in the league jumps out as having more players in rotation than State, for instance. Perhaps Maryland, although the Terrapins are totalling up more frustrations than league wins. Duke is squeaking by with basically the same shallow team as last year and Wake lost a lot more than just Chris Paul. Does any team leap to mind with a bench that reaches back any appreciable distance?

It's good to see the team able to win when Noel's not around to be den mother. It's disheartening to see the ball get lost 26 times in the process. The free throws are still falling and the rebound margin still tilts Carolina Blue though. And what do you know? The team's deep.

UNC remains one of only three teams undefeated in league play against Virginia Tech. The same number as the teams undefeateed in league play against Boston College. After three games. Perhaps I can drum up some encouragin words later in the week.

Oh and if you have time, hit the Washington Post Sports Page today. Someone for washingtonpost.com gave an inocuous little article the bulletin board title of "Maryland Owns Duke." Heh.