UNC Football defeats NC Central, but the final score doesn't tell the full tale

Don't let the final score fool you.

The UNC football program won a game that seemed like a "blowout victory" over NC Central, but that was far from the truth.

Through three-quarters of play, this game was extremely close. NC Central got on the board first as they marched down the field on their opening drive (with some help from some costly penalties on the Tar Heels).

In fact, the UNC football program were called for 15, yes, 15, penalties for just under 100 yards, as Des Evans was called for two roughing the passer calls (one which was a little questionable), Marcus Allen was charged with a unsportsmanlike penalty call after the Tar Heels defense forced a stop on third and goal (giving NC Central three more chances to score right before the half) along with a variety of other boneheaded penalties.

North Carolina decided to use two quarterbacks early and mostly stuck with the veteran Jacolby Criswell as the game went along, as he looked more comfortable in the pocket and was doing a better job at moving the football. It's safe to say that we still have a quarterback controversary on our hands in Chapel Hill.

If it wasn't for Omarion Hampton, and NC Central's quarterback leaving the game for undisclosed reasoning, North Carolina doesn't win this game. That's how poorly they played through the first three quarters of the game.

Hampton was the star once again, scoring three touchdowns with his second career 200+ yard rushing performance. The Tar Heels ran for 330 yards on the ground, as the running game carried the load in this one.

Leading 17-10 heading into the fourth quarter, the Tar Heels capitalized on the Eagles struggles at quarterback, as true freshman Javion Martin wasn't much of a passing threat. Knowing he was going to try and beat them with his legs, the Tar Heels were able to stack the box and make life difficult for NC Central on offense, as North Carolina responded with 28 unanswered points in the final quarter of play.

Sure, the box score says the UNC football program won by 35 points (not covering the spread, in case you were wondering). However, with the way the Tar Heels played throughout the majority of the game, there has to be plenty of concerns moving forward, regardless of the team's current 3-0 record.

Let's face it: the schedule isn't getting easier by any means.