UNC stays put in USA Today’s latest re-rank of all 134 FBS teams

For once last weekend, we didn’t have to stress over how poorly the North Carolina Tar Heels played on the football field.

While games like Tennessee–Alabama and Georgia–Texas stole the show, UNC (3-4, 0-3 ACC) spent the weekend figuring out how turn its season around.

North Carolina dropped its fourth-consecutive game on October 12, losing 41-34 to Georgia Tech in a game that – literally – came down to the final possession. The Tar Heels started 2024 with three straight wins, then watched their weaknesses start getting exposed in losses to James Madison, Duke and Pitt.

Without playing last weekend, UNC stayed put at 79th in USA Today’s re-rank of all 134 FBS teams. North Carolina is one spot behind Fresno State, which rose four spots and Coastal Carolina, which fell to 80th.

The Tar Heels will hit the road this coming weekend, traveling to Virginia for a 12 p.m. contest. UNC will search for just its third win in eight tries, as it lost 31-27 to the Cavaliers (4-3, 2-2) last season in Kenan Stadium, in a game that started North Carolina’s downfall towards an 8-5 finish.

Regardless of how the Tar Heels play on Saturday, there’s no doubt they’ll be playing with heavy hearts after Tylee Craft’s recent passing. UNC honored Craft by attending his memorial service over the weekend, while head coach Mack Brown announced additional plans to honor Tylee in his press conference earlier Monday.

North Carolina needs three more wins for bowl eligibility – and Saturday is a great chance to further work towards that dream. UNC could channel its sadness into motivation, winning one for Tylee.