Virginia Football Opponent Preview: North Carolina Tar Heels

Mack Brown returns for his fourth 12 months because the lead man of the Tar Heels in his present stint. After 2021 noticed the Heels lastly avenging the current success of the Virginia Cavaliers, Tony Elliott seems to be to show the tide proper again round.

2021 Recap

Report: 6-7

Postseason: Duke’s Mayo Bowl (Loss to South Carolina 38-21)

Within the months main as much as the 2021 season, many noticed UNC as a darkish horse to win the convention, being picked within the preseason polls to compete with Clemson within the title sport. In fact, issues didn’t go as anticipated, and the Heels fell to a mere 6-6 (3-5) earlier than a convincing loss to an SEC foe of their bowl sport.

The consensus across the media is that the on-field teaching is just not on the identical stage because the recruiting was. That was evident when, after UNC suffered a 45-22 loss to a foul Georgia Tech crew, gamers acknowledged that they weren’t ready for the operating menace of quarterback Jeff Sims.

However even holistically, UNC had prior recruiting lessons stuffed with blue chip recruits. Many didn’t see the sphere in favor of skilled veterans and people who did closely underperformed.

Nonetheless, there are a couple of encouraging indicators for Tar Heels followers. New defensive coordinator Gene Chizik re-enters this system with a extra confirmed observe document than Jay Bateman, who held that position for the earlier three seasons.

Offensively, many see quarterback Sam Howell as one who bailed out UNC’s offensive woes however in a approach, exacerbated them too. He had an inclination to carry onto the ball for a very long time and course of issues extra slowly than some would have hoped. Add poor offensive line play and Howell took 45 sacks, the second most within the FBS.

2022 Preview

Key returners: WR Josh Downs, DL Myles Murphy, CB Tony Grimes

Key departures: OL Josh Ezeudu, QB Sam Howell, RB Ty Chandler

Key new faces: OL Zach Rice, RB George Pettaway, LB Noah Taylor (Virginia)

North Carolina was picked third within the coastal division, simply forward of the Hoos. With a extra reasonable nationwide expectation, the mindset across the UNC program has fully shifted.

Offensively, Drake Maye will begin underneath heart. Maye is a extra decisive sign caller who will get praised probably the most for his arm energy. As is the case with any first time starter, inexperience will damage him to some extent however by their matchup in week ten, UVA can have a good suggestion of what they’re coping with.

The excellent news for Maye is that the crew’s high goal, Josh Downs, returns. Downs has proven spectacular burst and elusiveness, which allowed him to guide the nation in yards after catch final season.

On the opposite aspect of the ball, Chizik is anticipated to implement a 4-2-5/4-3 protection with a hybrid SAM linebacker and nickel again place. Probably the most succesful portion of the protection is the defensive again room, headlined by exterior cornerback Tony Grimes, however this unit struggled from a outcomes standpoint final season.

A linebacker UVA followers know nicely, switch Noah Taylor, will likely be one other x-factor on this protection as somebody who can cowl in area but additionally blitz successfully.

Collection Historical past

UVA’s all-time document vs. North Carolina: 59-63-4

Final assembly: September 18, 2021 — North Carolina 59 – Virginia 39

Final season noticed UVA snap their 4 sport successful streak on this rivalry after a jam-packed affair. The Hoos overcame an early three rating deficit to take a 28-24 halftime lead. Nonetheless, the Heels continued to run the ball down Virginia’s throat and regardless of Brennan Armstrong’s 554 yard passing efficiency, they fell loads quick.