During the pivotal moments of North Carolina's 17-13 loss to South Carolina on Sept. 3, running back Elijah Hood was noticeably absent from the field.
On Saturday, he was all over it.
Hood's impact was unquestioned in UNC's home opener, bruising North Carolina A&T's defense for 56 yards and two scores and rejuvenating the Tar Heels (1-1) in their 53-14 drubbing of the Aggies (1-1).
Days after committing to more carries to his starter, Coach Larry Fedora turned to the physical tailback five times in UNC's first drive -— including three straight runs from first-and-goal, capped by a 1-yard touchdown on a punishing second effort.