Tobacco Road Rivalry

The picture above says it all about the situation late Wednesday night in Chapel Hill. Carolina had the dominant team, the lead for most of the second half, and ultimately walked away empty handed at the mercy of freshman sensation Austin Rivers of Duke. Of the almost 22,000 light blue clad Carolina faithful, not one expected the Devils to mount the furious comeback, ten points a little over two minutes, that they managed. When the future highlight real of a shot went through the net the dome deflated into Carolina anguish and Duke exultation.

As a Carolina student and fan I was one of many who couldn't believe what was happening before our very eyes. The supposed class of the ACC, featuring preseason player of the year shouldn't lose at home. When we were up ten with the game wrapping up I was putting on my tennis shoes and throwing on some shorts to prep for the mile run to Franklin street where the celebration would continue well into the night. Instead, I was left standing, dumbfounded over what had just happened. The five stages of grief immediately set in. The only solace I found was the date March 3, 2012.

On this date my Tar Heels will exact their revenge. As a collective whole, the student body is hoping Roy's boys will stomp into Cameron Indoor Stadium and show the Blue Devils who is truly the class of the ACC. Until that date, all my friends from Durham have bragging rights. Until that time, I can only hope Duke drops another game to a Miami, or Temple. The countdown to Tobacco Road Rivalry Part 2 has begun. March 3rd is approaching. I am ready. The Tar Heels are ready.

Go Heels, Go America