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A state-championship-winning coaching friend once told me you can’t get a team up 12 times a season. Sometimes you’re going to have to grind out a win, particularly over an overmatched opponent. It appeared that North Carolina might have been taking FCS N.C. Central lightly.
The case for Jacolby Criswell was pretty simple but not overwhelming as Carolina deals with life after Drake Maye. The graduate transfer quarterback produced points in his first three drives and junior Conner Harrell struggled to move the ball on his first three drives. However, Criswell may have closed the case when he led UNC to 21 of its 28 fourth-quarter points as the Tar Heels pulled away for a 45–10 victory Saturday at Kenan Stadium over N.C. Central.
Mack Hollins’ touchdown reception, British Brooks’ impressive hit and Mike Hughes’ big day highlighted Week 1 of the NFL season for Carolina alums. All three quarterbacks watched as the starters playing ahead of them led their teams to victories.
CHAPEL HILL — On a December evening as a high school sophomore, Davion “Bullet” Gause already knew where he wanted to play college football. The South Florida kid was in the Hard Rock Stadium when Michael Carter and Javonte Williams combined for 544 rushing yards in the Tar Heels’ 62–26 win at Miami on Dec. 12, 2020. Watching the duo run all over the Hurricanes that night convinced Gause that North Carolina was where he wanted to play.
When a Power Three team plays an overmatched Group of Five or FCS team, especially early in the season, there are a couple of things the P4 team hopes to accomplish. Among these are usually practicing execution and polishing some of the rough edges, while at the same time avoiding injury and ideally having a big enough lead late in the game to rest starters and get some snaps down the depth chart. And, in Carolina’s case, with the season-ending injury to Max Johnson last week, the Tar Heels hoped to get Conner Harrell more comfortable leading the offense.
CHAPEL HILL — Against an overmatched Charlotte program, game one with Conner Harrell directing North Carolina’s offense went smoothly, helped by a young “Bullet” in the backfield.
CHAPEL HILL — When extremely tired college athletes are particularly winded they sometimes see colors. That happened Thursday night for at least one offensive lineman when Carolina dominated time of possession with 29 third-quarter snaps in the Tar Heels’ 19–17 opening-game win at Minnesota.
There was plenty of good news for UNC alums heading into Week 1 of the NFL season, with 21 on rosters — five expected to start — and two on practice squads.
No Tar Heels team has lost since athletics resumed in August. Carolina has been unbeatable in 16 events over seven sports, with five teams ranked.
MINNEAPOLIS — Noah Burnette has come a long way since he missed a field-goal attempt against N.C. State in 2022 that would have forced a third overtime.
Year 1 A.D. (After Drake) for Carolina football began on a stormy night in Minneapolis, as the Tar Heels and Golden Gophers engaged in a rainy slog-fest worthy of the Big Ten West before UNC emerged with a 19–17 win.
MINNEAPOLIS — In recent years, Carolina fans have been told that the defense is better, but those promises have never translated into performance on the field. At least for most of the opener, the Tar Heels unit under first-year coordinator Geoff Collins proved their mettle. The unit forced five three-and-outs to help UNC overcome Max Johnson’s injury to earn a 19–17 victory Thursday night at Huntington Bank Stadium behind four second-half Noah Burnette field goals.
NFL cut day brought joy and heartbreak for former Carolina players. Running back Michael Carter was among eight players waived Tuesday as NFL rosters were cut to 53 players, but rookies British Brooks, Storm Duck, Amari Gainer and Cedric Gray were among the 20 UNC alums to earn roster spots.
CHAPEL HILL — You won’t find out officially who North Carolina’s starting quarterback will be to start the season until the first offensive play of the Aug. 29 opener at Minnesota.
During the first full weekend of NFL exhibition games, some Tar Heels tried to move up the depth chart, and others worked simply to win roster spots, while many who expect to play more significant roles got limited snaps.
