— Has the opening coin toss in college football changed? After watching Saturday’s college football action, Steve Logan joked that instead of teams picking to start on offense or defense, they are now asked if they will in fact even play defense.

Jokes aside, Saturday provided different emotions on the campuses of local schools with one getting back on track, one not knowing where the track is and one gaining postseason eligibility – again.

COMPLETED PUZZLE IN CHAPEL HILL

UNC head coach Larry Fedora has experimented with his roster more than most coaches, but what he did Saturday was stick with Marquise Williams when it mattered.

Logan said that Williams now captains the offense and has “found his rhythm” after beating Georgia Tech with final second heroics, 48-43. Case-and-point: UNC has scored on 14 of their last 24 possessions spanning two games.

Also, while Elijah Hood may have been the top name in UNC camp when it came to the running backs at one point, TJ Logan best fits the offense with his patience and explosiveness through the hole.

NC STATE CAN’T CATCH A BREAK

“There is a certain Karma that surrounds teams that are struggling,” Logan said of NC State that now finds themselves on a 12-game ACC losing streak.

That Karma play came in the second half Saturday of a 30-18 loss when a would-be Airius Moore fumble recovery for a touchdown was wiped out on a replay. The difference was a potential 17-16 game and an actual 20-9 game on the road at Louisville.

That said, Logan lauded NC State’s ability to play with “an edge” despite seven suspensions.

DUKE HAS BEEN CLEAN

Duke head coach David Cutcliffe said following a 20-13 win against Virginia that his team played a “clean” game with no turnovers, no tackles for loss and no sacks. Logan agreed.

“The offense takes care of the defense. The defense takes care of the offense,” he said.

Despite Anthony Boone’s continued inconsistencies, the defending ACC Coastal champion Blue Devils have got it done all year and are now 6-1 and bowl eligible for the third consecutive year – but that doesn’t register with the pollsters.

“You have to have 30 years of street cred,” Logan said. “It drives me crazy.

PANTHERS=NEWTON, NEWTON=PANTHERS

If here was one NFL quarterback Steve Logan would like to coach, it would be Cam Newton. Why? He is still growing but already holds the complete package. His running ability is back and a certain departure may even be helping Cam.

“Chemistry in the locker room matters,” Logan said of Steve Smith's absence in the Panthers’ locker room, allowing Newton to take control. “It was a good move for everybody.”

A caution, however, for Panthers fans. Logan pointed out that teams coming off overtime games do not generally play well the following week. He pointed to the violence and energy of a 4-quarter game versus a 5-quarter game.

ASK LOGAN

This week’s ‘Hey Coach’ segment presented by the Honda Dealers of the Carolinas had a bye-week theme.

ECU is coming off a bye, but Barry asked, “I can’t help nut notice ECU’s margin of victory is declining. Why?”

NC State, now entering their first bye week of the year has a lot to ponder. John wants to know what that is, asking Logan, “How did you use the bye week? Did it drive you crazy?