CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- The smile that splashed across Elijah Hood's face late Saturday afternoon meant several things.
1. At last, Hood is healthy after dealing with a spate of injuries, including a concussion suffered Oct. 1 at Florida State. His 168-yard, three-touchdown, 14-yard-per-carry breakout in North Carolina's 48-20 win over Georgia Tech on Saturday confirmed as much.
2. Hood sees his own impact on the Tar Heels' play- calling. His 114-yard first quarter Saturday forced Georgia Tech's defense to contract, freeing up Bug Howard for a 68-yard touchdown reception just before halftime.