Keeping It Heel
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Tar Heels Football: Takeaways from UNC vs. Duke

By Horran Cameron

Nov 10, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils running back Shaun Wilson (29) and running back Quay Mann (15) and running back Jela Duncan (25) celebrate with the victory bell after beating the North Carolina Tar Heels 28-27 at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils running back Shaun Wilson (29) and running back Quay Mann (15) and running back Jela Duncan (25) celebrate with the victory bell after beating the North Carolina Tar Heels 28-27 at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 7, 2015; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Elijah Hood (34) runs as Duke Blue Devils linebacker Dwayne Norman (40) and defensive end Deion Williams (48) defend in the second quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Elijah Hood (34) runs as Duke Blue Devils linebacker Dwayne Norman (40) and defensive end Deion Williams (48) defend in the second quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Elijah Hood expanding his skill set

Elijah Hood is the North Carolina’s bruising running back. He runs the ball straight up the gut of defenses; old school smashmouth football at it’s finest.

Hood has earned the reputation of being a power style running back.

When UNC played Duke, Hood was more than a power running back. He was an all-around player. He rushed 13 times for 75 yards and caught five receptions for 58 yards.

Although he did not score during this game, UNC’s No. 34 led all Tar Heels with carries, rushing yards, catches and receiving yards.

Usually, Ryan Switzer and the rest of the receiving corps lead the team in receptions and receiving yards. The more versatile running back this season has been T.J. Logan, who had a quiet game Thursday. Logan is Carolina’s most versatile, though Thursday night it was Hood.

It’s difficult determining whether this is a good thing or a bad thing for the Tar Heels. Several games ago, UNC’s offensive weapons knew their roles and excelled in them individually.

This made UNC more dangerous and potent on offense.

The Duke game came across as an implosion of sorts. The offense was stagnant in the fourth quarter and on a bigger scale the entire second half.

North Carolina cannot afford to lose their identity at this point in the season.

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