Aztecs Suffer Heart-Breaking Loss to UNC

Call it what you will – a woulda-coulda-shoulda game — the Aztec 31-27 loss to 21st-ranked North Carolina was a heartbreaker. So many good things: 509 yards total offense; good defense most of the way; a great kicking game, with 49- and 40-yard field goals and some long punts. Yet, the mistakes made the difference. Three INTs, including the crucial one at the end of the game, offset an otherwise potent passing game, good for 341 yards.

There always will be the second-guessers, who know in their minds what should or should not have been done, but I look at the overall work and saw much to be excited about for the rest of this season. To me, the biggest loss in the game was the broken collar bone suffered by Ezell Ruffin after an impressive catch and run play. Still, I believe we have some young receivers who will step in to pair with the talented play of Eric Judge.

A bye this week probably comes at a good time, and the Aztecs will be ready for the Sept. 20 game at Oregon State.

Ezell Ruffin and Eric Judge combined for 5 receptions, 158 yards and 1 TD vs. North Carolina
(photos by Ernie Anderson)

Go Aztecs!