But someone has to start, and for Johnson it wasn’t a smooth start.

In the first half he was completed four out of ten pass attempts for 28 yards — the fewest in a first half by the Tar Heels since 2019. He was dismissed twice and nearly fumbled near the Minnesota end zone before the foul was overturned by a penalty. With eight minutes left in the second quarter, a pass intended for senior tight end Bryson Nesbit was picked up, returned for 70 yards and eventually converted for a touchdown.

But in the opening minutes of the second half, Johnson found his rhythm, recording more yards in the First drive than the entire first half. He was charging down the field and hitting more and more goals. He looked more confident and seemed to be getting into a rhythm.

And then he went down.

The ttransfer from Texas A&M had to be carted off the field after a bad landing, leaving Brown with no choice. Harrell stepped in to take Johnson’s place.

At the time of publication, Johnson’s status is currently unknown.

“Luckily Conner was ready,” Brown said said.

With his starting whistle blower injured, Brown in panic searched for Harrell in the sea of ​​North Carolina players, only to find him already warming up. Although he was told last week he wouldn’t get the starting job, Harrell neverr pouted. On the sidelines, he remained loose and always offered feedback when Johnson asked what the sophomore saw on the field.

Before Harrell joined the huddle on the court in the third quarter, Brown reminded him of his talent. That he was ready for this moment.

Harrells answer was simple: “I’m fine, coach.”

With North Carolina behind An At one point in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter, Harrell ran left toward the UNC sideline to avoid a charging Minnesota defender.

He hit a deep throw over the outstretched arms of a Golden Gopher, straight into the waiting hands of graduated wide receiver J.J. Janssen for a Completion of 32 yards. A timely first down.

He pushed the Tar Heels closer to the end zone, setting up the perfect stage for a game-winning kick.

“(I) just play confident,” Harrell said. “I’ve worked hard for it. I know what I have to do. I know the guys have confidence in me, so I’m just going to go in and play.”

The future is uncertain for Johnson, and depending on his status next week, Brown said he might want to consider third-string graduate quarterback Jacolby Criswell as an option for the match against Charlotte.

Even in week one, the quarterback battle isn’t over. Maybe it never will be.

@carolinewills03

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