Steven Bell only narrowly edged Ben Lemming for the starting spot at center in the final week or two of training camp, and North Carolina Coach John Bunting promised both players would see their share of snaps at the position.
But once Lemming went down with a right shoulder injury against Georgia Tech, Bell found himself in sole possession of one of the most important jobs on the field.
The loss of Lemming, one of the offensive line's most versatile players, depletes the unit's depth at more than one position.
"It forces our hand a little bit, with some of those young freshmen," Bunting said at his weekly press conference Tuesday. "Kyle Jolly and Garrett Reynolds - those are good players. I'd like to get through the season and not play them, keep them for five years."
Lemming will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis, while Arthur Smith, a senior who has started one game in his career, now becomes the Tar Heels' backup center.
"It's time," Bunting said. "He's a very bright kid, he's an intense kid, he's a great team player, and now it's his chance to go out there and play some football."
UNC enjoys the nightlife
It goes without saying that the Tar Heels enjoyed playing under the lights last season. Their three most dramatic victories came in night games at home - Georgia Tech, N.C. State and the epic upset of Miami.
"The crowd's into the game, and you play well when the crowd's into the game," said linebacker Doug Justice. "We feed off their excitement."
