Saturday night’s UNC-UVA football result was shocking – but not unexpected, considering the Tar Heels’ history as a Top 10 team.
Previously undefeated UNC lost to 1-win UVA, 31-27, for the Hoos’ first victory in the South’s Oldest Rivalry since 2023. After tallying 24 points in the first three quarters, Carolina delivered a putrid, fourth-quarter performance and scored its only points on a Noah Burnette field goal.
UNC’s defense allowed the Cavaliers’ rushing attack, among the ACC’s worst, to gash it for 228 yards. UVA running back Mike Hollins scored all three rushing touchdowns, while Perris Jones led the room with 67 yards on 14 carries.
This came as a shock to many, as the Tar Heel defense seemingly proved itself with four, stellar performances since a letdown against App State. Instead, we all witnessed what had been a commonplace in Chapel Hill for many years prior – a defensive unit, full of talent, underperforming in one of the season’s most important games.
Even with the defeat, UNC only dropped to 17th in the latest AP Poll. There were debates about how far Carolina would fall – out of the Top 20, maybe even the Top 25 completely. The Tar Heels don’t deserve to be ranked after losing to one of the ACC’s worse teams, but their ranking (and conference record) gives them hope at a conference title.
Carolina closes out its regular season slate with Georgia Tech, an opponent tougher than it should be, Campbell, Duke, Clemson and N.C. State. A good UNC team could close this schedule portion with five wins, but good is no longer a guarantee after Saturday’s meltdown.
Let’s see how strong social media thinks the Tar Heels will finish: