However somebody has to start out, and it wasn’t a clear starting for Johnson.
Within the first half, he accomplished 4 of ten go makes an attempt for 28 yards — the fewest in a primary half by the Tar Heels since 2019. He was sacked twice and nearly fumbled close to the Minnesota finish zone earlier than the error was overturned by a penalty. With eight minutes left within the second quarter, a go meant for senior tight finish Bryson Nesbit was picked, returned for 70 yards and transformed into an eventual landing.
However, within the opening minutes of the second half, Johnson discovered his groove. He recorded extra yards within the first drive than your complete first half. Charging downfield, he related with increasingly targets. He regarded extra assured and appeared to settle right into a rhythm.
After which, he went down.
The transfer from Texas A&M needed to be transported off the sphere following a nasty touchdown, leaving Brown no selection. Harrell stepped into Johnson’s place.
On the time of publication, Johnson’s standing is at the moment unknown.
“Thank goodness Conner was prepared,” Brown stated.
Along with his beginning sign caller injured, Brown frantically looked for Harrell within the sea of North Carolina gamers, solely to seek out him already warming up. Regardless that he was advised final week he wouldn’t get the beginning job, Harrell never pouted. On the sideline, he stayed unfastened and all the time provided suggestions when Johnson requested what the sophomore was seeing on the sphere.
Earlier than Harrell joined the huddle on the sphere within the third quarter, Brown reminded him of his expertise. That he was prepared for this second.
Harrell’s reply was easy: “We’re good, coach.”
With North Carolina down by one level within the closing minutes of the fourth quarter, Harrell ran left in the direction of the UNC sideline to flee a speeding Minnesota defender.
North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Conner Harrell (15) throws the ball down the sphere throughout the second half of the sport in opposition to College of Minnesota at Huntington Financial institution Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. UNC received 19-17.
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He hooked a deep throw over the outstretched arms of a Golden Gopher, proper into the awaiting arms of graduate vast receiver J.J. Jones for a 32-yard completion. A well timed first down.
He pushed the Tar Heels nearer to the top zone, offering the right setup for a game-winning kick.
“[I] simply play confidently,” Harrell stated. “I’ve labored for it. I do know what to do. I do know the fellows believe in me, so I simply go in there and play.”
The long run is unsure for Johnson, and relying on his standing subsequent week, Brown stated he might need to start to contemplate third-string graduate quarterback Jacolby Criswell as an possibility for the sport in opposition to Charlotte.
Even via week one, the quarterback battle isn’t over, but. Perhaps it by no means might be.
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