There’s a simple offensive formula for the North Carolina Tar Heels’ football program: as Omarion Hampton goes, so does the whole team.
You would think that because of Hampton having the third-highest yardage total amongst FBS backs this season (901), UNC would be cruising through its season.
Sadly, such isn’t the case. Hampton has five-consecutive 100-yard outings, including a 210-yard, 3-touchdown performance in the blowout win over NC Central Week 3, but North Carolina is tied with NC State and California for the ACC’s worst record at 0-3. The Tar Heels are 3-4, but should really be 4-3 after blowing a golden chance to beat Georgia Tech last weekend.
You would also think that Hampton is amongst the best players in college football, but not according to ESPN, who made the shocking decision to leave Hampton off its midseason Top 25 players list.
I’m not saying that Hampton is THE best player in college football, but especially given that Hampton’s the best player on a bad UNC team, he should be on the list. It’s easier for people to pick out stars on a bad team, given they’re typically the only ones performing, but North Carolina doesn’t have a bad offense.
Hampton is already having a better 2024 than last year, as he could very well break the 1,000-yard mark next weekend at Virginia. If Hampton hits 1,000 yards, he’d be the first Tar Heels to do so in consecutive seasons since Michael Carter, who achieved the feat in 2019 and 2020.
Hampton not making ESPN’s Top 25 midseason list isn’t the end of the world, but it’s just shocking to virtually anyone who watches UNC football.
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