There are few other feelings in sports that match starting a season 1-0.
Those teams get to claim they’re “undefeated” for at least one more week. Some of these 1-0 schools might enjoy that mark for the entire season, while others might fall back to .500 the following week.
UNC is one of the lucky schools who gets to stay undefeated heading into its Week 2 clash, as the Tar Heels rode a strong, second-half defensive performance to a 31-17 victory over South Carolina.
UNC generated nine sacks – more than half of its 2022 total (17). The ground game racked up 168 yards and two scores, while Drake Maye threw for over 250 yards and two touchdowns.
Because of their respective roles in the Tar Heels’ win, British Brooks and Kaimon Rucker earned ACC Player of the Week honors.
Your ACC Players of the Week for week 1 😤#CarolinaFootball 🏈 #UNCommon pic.twitter.com/2k1N4pIQzt
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) September 5, 2023
Brooks, named ACC Running Back of the Week, led the Heels’ ground game with a game-high 103 rushing yards on 15 carries. This game was an emotional return for Brooks, who played his first game since 2021.
Rucker, tabbed defensive lineman of the week, led all players with 5.5 tackles for loss and tied for a game-high two sacks.
Both Brooks and Rucker helped UNC start 1-0 for the second consecutive season. They’re now preparing for their first home game of 2023, as the Tar Heels prepare to host App State on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 5:15 p.m.
There was some history made when the two in-state rivals matched up last year, with Carolina prevailing in a high-scoring affair.
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