I did not see this myself but saw it referenced on the IC message boards. Ken Tysiac at ACC Now confirms that UNC linebacker Quan Sturdivant did indeed go over to console Virginia Tech running back Ryan Williams in the aftermath of UNC’s win over the Hokies.
Sturdivant’s teammates were dancing and celebrating the win, as they should. But ESPN’s cameras captured Sturdivant away from his team.
Williams has been perhaps the best running back in the ACC this season, and he’s having one of the best seasons a Hokie back has ever had. But on Thursday night, he’d made a mistake that dashed whatever hopes the Hokies have of going to a BCS bowl.
Sturdivant came over to console Williams. He got him up off the bench, patted him on the leg, leaned over and said what we can only assume were words of encouragement in Williams’ ear.
It was a gracious act when an opponent was at his lowest point. And it might have been the best thing that’s happened on an ACC football field this season.
It was clear from the moment it happened Williams was devastated by the fact he fumbled the football deep in Hokie territory setting UNC up in perfect position to get the win. Williams was shown on the bench multiple times with his head down and undoubtedly mentally kicking himself over and over for the mistake. Had Williams held onto the football, VT would have simply punted it away forcing UNC to work their way downfield to try and win the game versus getting the ball on the edge of Casey Barth’s range where they could milk the clock.
What Quan Sturdivant did speaks volumes of his character and class not only as a player but also as a person. As much as we highlight bad behavior, this type of act deserves to be applauded by anyone who calls themselves a college football fan.
![[Bloglines]](http://www.tarheelblog.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/bloglines.png)
![[del.icio.us]](http://www.tarheelblog.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/delicious.png)
![[Digg]](http://www.tarheelblog.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/digg.png)
![[Facebook]](http://www.tarheelblog.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/facebook.png)
![[MySpace]](http://www.tarheelblog.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/myspace.png)
![[Technorati]](http://www.tarheelblog.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/technorati.png)
![[Windows Live]](http://www.tarheelblog.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/windowslive.png)
![[Yahoo!]](http://www.tarheelblog.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/yahoo.png)
![[Email]](http://www.tarheelblog.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/email.png)
I missed that shot as well, certainly a class act from a great player. I do hate how they focus the camera on a player that just had a major issue in the game. It’s no wonder that the NFl has personnel assigned to blocking camera angles when players are on the sidelines. Not as much as I hate missing the actual game because ESPN has to hype some other program or item they have underway.
Did anyone else notice that Marvin Austin had his own version of a blackout using eye black to completely cover his face. Defense – it’s all about fear, intimidation and execution. There has to be a shot of him with the helmet off somewhere during the game.
Who was it that fumbled to UNC in the end zone but the officials refused to call it?
That was a team defeat. Fumbles are a part of the game, just like missed free throws and turnovers in basketball. I mean you want kids to really care, and I am not throwing any stones, people handle disappoint different ways and sometimes grief overcomes you, but the game wasn’t over yet.
Williams should have been standing on the sideline cheering on his defense. That is the better way to handle it. I don’t blame him but one of the assistant coaches should have told him to get his head out of his hands and not to give up.
It sort of reminded me of the kid from Memphis who missed the three free throws and just fell to the floor, inconsolable, but at least there the game was, in fact, over.
True…VT could have mitigated that in a number of ways but did not. Also, UNC got the ball on the VT 24. If the defense stops UNC three and out right there (1) They would have had time left and (2) Barth possibly misses it at that range since it would have been at least 32 yards or more.
Regardless, the defense could have given the Hokie offense another shot at it but instead could not force the FG and get UNC off the field with time remaining.
I’d give him some slack. He’s a freshmen, it was an emotional game and this was probably the biggest disappoint to his young career. But I’m sure he’ll bounce back.
I saw Sturdivant console Williams and I have to say I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it. The bench was practically empty with only a few Hokies left and he came over and gave him a couple of pats on the shoulder and butt then leaned in to say something. The announcers also noticed it and called it out. Great game and great sportsmanship.
I don’t think we are blaming the kid. Where were the Tech coaches who should have been telling him it wasn’t the end of the world and to stand up and cheer for the defense? It looked to me like he was being consoled by some other players. Some coach should have been over there telling him that he didn’t lose the game and not to take it so hard and to get up on his feet. Even Calipari was out their hugging his kid who missed the free throws.
There was at least one coach that spent more than a minute, maybe two talking to Williams after the fumble on the bench. How that coach handled that issue I’m sure is based on the kid, the program and perhaps what they were thinking about the game at that point. I would tend to agree that you want your defense to get a stop and get the offense back on the field and you are going to need a running back that was four yards short of 100 in that game. If they thought there was a chance to win the game then they would have kept him ready to hit the field when they got the ball back from UNC. That’s what struck me about the whole thing. Oh wait coaches make mistakes, even Beamer, heavens no – it can only be the UNC staff that errs.
Good points all. All I will add is I did see Sturdivant go over to talk to Williams. It made me proud as a UNC fan to know our programs do recruit that kind of character. Quan has always proven himself on the field as a fierce competitor. That simple act showed us what kind of heart this young man has.
I happened to see the shot of Quan as well and one thing not mentioned was a UNC coach and staff member went over as well. As others have said I thought it was a classy move and it was nice to see UNC staff & players caring after the game.