Hate it for the Lions, but I can't help but track it back to this exchange: Down 24-7 early in the second half, the 49ers kick a FG. Then the Lions, up 24-10, don't kick the FG. Essentially, they're never heard from again.

With UNC's loss to an ACC cellar dweller, expect the NET rankings tomorrow to portray the Tar Heels as a bubble team.

Congrats to Julius Peppers on his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame! Back when he retired, I enjoyed unearthing some fun facts about his sacks: panthers.com/news/a-deep-di…

But my favorite Peppers piece was when he spent an emotional day comforting hurricane victims: panthers.com/news/peppers-s…

I was 15 (and a rabid fan) the last time NC State won the ACC Tournament. Tonight felt like 1987 all over again. You might not be a State fan, but you've got to tip your hat to an amazing five-day effort.

Enjoy this little stretch where your bracket is perfect. Here's how a sportsbook views your chances of even making it through Day 1 (all favorites selected).

Two nights after Colorado State (and Virginia) held Virginia to 14 first-half points, the Rams have even fewer points at halftime (11).

If the favorites win in the South Region this weekend (a huge IF), NC State would play the team it beat for the 1974 national title (Marquette) in the Sweet 16 and could then could play the team it beat for the 1983 title (Houston).

NCAA Tournament update: Only one conference enters the final day of opening weekend with a chance to place four teams in the Sweet 16. That would be the ACC.

And four ACC teams it shall be. The mighty Big 12? Well, they've still got a shot at two. Enjoy that NET rankings championship.

Insanity between Texas A&M and Houston. Cougars would have won if already if not for human nature that had them fighting for the ball under the basket. Without the jump ball that created, A&M wouldn't have had time to set up a stunning 3 to force OT.

But in OT, with virtually the entire starting lineup having fouled out, Houston prevails. This tournament never disappoints.

The ACC with three among the Elite 8. Minus North Carolina. Try calculating those odds.

State of shock.

A great omen for the #Canes. Driving through Blowing Rock, I somehow connected with this shot from an impossible angle. And thanks to Neil Amato for this shot in the crease.

Six of today's 8 winners in the NCAA baseball tourney scored exactly 10 runs. The other two winners, rivals NC State and UNC, just had to be different with 18 runs and 2 runs. Oh wait...that's an average of 10 runs.

Bob's voice will forever be a part of college basketball lore. But throughout my years with the Herald-Sun, I enjoyed our chats away from the court. RIP Bob.

RIP, Max Muhleman. One of three people -- the only one not named Richardson -- to speak during the formal pitch to bring the NFL to the Carolinas. panthers.com/news/october-2…

A historic draft even before the Panthers pick. No commercial break right they went on the clock.

Spoke too soon -- back to back breaks extend the streak!