Williams’ New Cleats Put North Carolina on Track for Bowl

RALEIGH, N.C. – Cold, wet and rainy weather described the first half of the 109th meeting between the N.C. State Wolfpack and North Carolina Tar Heels on the gridiron last night, Nov. 30.

The abysmal weather also described Carolina’s mood heading into halftime as they trailed 10-6. North Carolina freshman quarter Sam Howell threw an interception late in the second quarter, and the Wolfpack capitalized with a 39-yard touchdown pass from redshirt freshman quarterback Devin Leary to graduate senior Tabari Hines with 1:25 left. 

Also, North Carolina sophomore running back Javonte Williams had seven yards rushing and zero receptions at halftime. But, The Tar Heels (6-6, 4-4 ACC) routed the Wolfpack (4-8, 1-7 ACC) in the second half and defeated their rivals 41-10. Williams finished the game with 100 all-purpose yards, 58 rushing, and 42 receiving, for three total touchdowns. 

What changed?

Better blocking? A new gameplan? Better weather? 

Yes, but a new pair of cleats also put Williams in a groove. 

“I just told the equipment people,’” Williams said late in the second half, “‘I’m slipping too much! Can I get my other cleats that are in my locker?’”  

A North Carolina equipment staff member got Williams’ a new pair of cleats. 

“The cleats I started off with were the ones I wear in practice,” Williams said. “I just felt more comfortable with those – they’re broken in and things like that – and when I put the new ones on, they didn’t feel too good, but they were better with grip.” 

With his fresh-out-of-the-box shoes, Williams broke loose for a 26-yard touchdown run on the Tar Heels’ first offensive possession of the second half that sparked a 35-unanswered point run.

Now, the Tar Heels are bowl-eligible for the first time since 2016. 

“I’m just glad that we put the nation on notice of just how hard we’ve been working,” Williams said. “How much we’ve come closer together just coming off two losing seasons. And now, we’re going to a bowl game. That just shows how hard we’ve been working over the summer; how much closer we came together and how hard the coaches are working also.” 

What’s Next 

N.C. State ends a five-year bowl run and looks to re-tool for the 2020 season. 

The North Carolina Tar Heels must wait until Dec. 8 to figure out their bowl destination. 

(Feature image courtesy of Landon Bost)