There's one sure way to tell the generations of Carolina fans apart - when they get the most nervous in the tournament. Those who came of age in the '70s remember Dean Smith's frustration in the championship game, losing in 1977 and 1981 before finally breaking through the following year. Those of us who better remember the years following have nightmares about the stretch of the '90s with Saturday night losses in 1991, 1995, 1997, 1998, and 2000. I definitely fall into the latter category, and it's all the more exacerbated by the fact I was in Indianapolis and San Antonio for two of the dome losses and Carmichael for another pair. Final Four games scare me.
This one is made worse by my belief that Kansas is best team outside of UNC in San Antonio this weekend. But I'm learning to relax. This team is more well-rounded and experienced than a lot of the ones of the nineties. If anything, they remind me more of the 1993 squad. I firmly believe the Heels should win this game, and the one on Monday.
But don't call me until the game is over, OK?