We have mentioned this idea briefly, but it is worth bringing up again: the Tar Heels are the second best team in the ACC. After struggling early, they have found their swagger and toughness all because they started hitting some shots. After Reggie Bullock had that brilliant first half against Clemson, he has since played with more heart and emotion. That heart and emotion has led to more playing time and subsequently more offense.

Tar Heel nation can breathe a little now. Carolina basketball is back where it belongs: in the Top 25. At least in one media poll.

In the Associated Press poll, the Heels came in at No. 23. The ESPN/USA Today poll was not quite as generous as UNC ended up just out of the Top 25 at No. 26.

If the Heels continue to play well they will climb up the polls, but that is yet to be seen. At any rate, It is quite a good feeling to be back in familiar territory.

Harrison Barnes.

He has taken undue criticism in the past months due to his high-ranking and pre-season All-American status, but he showed why he was such a highly-touted recruit today.

Barnes got off to a great start this afternoon, and continued shooting the ball well to end with a career-high 25 points. It was by far his best shooting day of the whole season, but I highly doubt it will be his last. He is finally showing promising signs as he does not look as uptight and even shows a smile every now and then.

Barnes was great, but the Wolf Pack were bad. Undeniably bad!

They did not seem to want to play as a team, and even when Carolina allowed them a chance to get back in the game they could not. After a great start to the first half the Heels, quite simply, went cold. Yet, N.C. State could not bring the game any closer than ten points. Then the second half started off similarly. UNC started off great then allowed State a chance to climb back in, but State could not. Finally, with ten minutes left in the game Carolina shut down any run from State to march to a 84-64 win.

Harrison Barnes was fantastic, but John Henson was equally so. He finished the game with 16 points, 16 rebounds, and a tied a career-high with 7 blocks. Astounding numbers!

The entire Tar Heel team played with heart and poise despite some mistakes. Mistakes that are expected from a young team, but must be improved in order to finish the season strong.

N.C. State's season is plummeting out of control, but the Heels are just breaking stride. With a Florida State loss, the only teams with one loss in the conference are UNC and Duke. Not much has changed in the ACC.

Great overall game from the Heels as they upended rival N.C. State who played without starting freshman point guard Ryan Harrow. 

UNC never looked back from a great start led by Harrison Barnes. Hopefully, more of those are on the way.