Tag Archive for: #unc

Virginia Completes Comeback to Defeat UNC, 31-27

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— text and picture by Patrick Magoon freelance writer for WIZS

The Virginia Cavaliers bounced back after trailing by 10 points at the top of the third quarter to hand the Tar Heels their first loss. With the win, the Cavaliers beat a top-10 opponent on the road for the first time in program history.

The Cavaliers took an early 7-0 lead after UNC’s offensive unit failed to advance the ball through the air. After completing a short pass to wide receiver J.J. Jones for a gain of five yards, UNC quarterback Drake Maye’s three pass attempts fell incomplete. Following the incompletions, UNC had to punt the ball away.

“That first drive was lackadaisical on offense,” said Maye. “Afterwards, they came down and scored. After that, we knew we were in a dogfight.”

UNC responded by moving 75 yards in just 2:29. Maye connected with wide receiver Tez Walker, who reached the end zone for the fourth time in two games. In total, Walker caught 11 passes for 146 yards.

The Cavaliers once again secured the lead after completing a fourth-down conversion to set up a three-yard rushing touchdown.

At the beginning of the second quarter, Maye connected with tight end Bryson Nesbit, who carried the ball 62 yards down the left sideline to the end zone.

For much of the second quarter, strong tackling and excellent coverage downfield from both defenses kept the game tied.

With under a minute left in the half, the Tar Heels executed seven plays for 54 yards, setting up a 43-yard field goal.

During UNC’s first offensive possession of the second half, Maye made plays with his legs, including a three-yard scamper to reach the end zone. With the rushing touchdown, UNC extended its lead to 10.

In response, the Cavaliers marched to the UNC 11 to set up a series of Mike Hollins runs, including a one-yard rushing touchdown. The touchdown shrunk UNC’s lead to three.

At the beginning of the fourth half, the Cavaliers reached the end zone for the third time to reclaim their lead. Although UNC had ample chances to put the game away, Virginia’s defense excelled in the second half, allowing only 10 points.

“Obviously, tonight was a disappointing loss for us,” said UNC head coach Mack Brown. “Congratulations to Virginia, they out-coached us and played better than us tonight.”

UNC Football Rallied in the Second Half to Defeat Miami, 41-31

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— text and picture by Patrick Magoon freelance writer for WIZS

Despite a slow start, the North Carolina Tar Heels’ dynamic offensive unit rallied in the second half to defeat the Miami Hurricanes. With a win against the Hurricanes, the Tar Heels are 6-0 for the first time since 1997 and remain undefeated in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

“Tonight was a heavyweight fight from start to finish,” said UNC head coach Mack Brown.

In his second game with UNC, wide receiver Tez Walker routinely broke free from coverage, catching nine passes for 132 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Omarion Hampton, with grit and determination, gained 197 yards on 24 attempts and scored a touchdown.

UNC took an early lead after reaching the end zone on their second possession of the game. Quarterback Drake Maye led his team 91 yards in three minutes, capping off the drive with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Walker.

Then Miami matched UNC’s energy, marching 89 yards in less than three minutes. However, UNC defensive Lineman Jahvaree Ritzie forced a fumble inside the one-yard line to maintain the one-score advantage. Roughly five minutes later, Miami reached the end zone after completing four plays for 63 yards.

Towards the end of the first half, Hampton ran rampant, evading tackles to accumulate 41 yards on seven carries. From the two-yard line, Hampton plowed into the end zone to tie the game at 14-14.

With less than a minute to spare in the first half, Miami executed seven plays for 57 yards to set up a 28-yard field goal.

After trailing at the half, UNC put 21 points on the board in the third quarter to establish a substantial lead. In the third quarter, Walker broke loose, catching touchdown passes on back-to-back offensive possessions.

UNC’s robust defensive unit forced a fumble and interception on Miami’s first two second-half drives.

“Probably the difference in the ballgame was forcing four turnovers and giving none,” said Brown. “We forced two interceptions and two fumbles.”

Although Miami gained momentum in the fourth quarter to outscore UNC 14-6, the constant pressure from UNC’s defense was overwhelming. With the game clock winding down, Maye handed the ball off to Hampton, who ran 60 yards to the Miami 10 to put the game away.

UNC Football Outplayed Syracuse to Remain Undefeated

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— text and picture by Patrick Magoon freelance writer for WIZS

An impressive display of consistent explosive runs on offense and strong tackles on defense from the North Carolina Tar Heels (UNC) paved the way for an impressive 40-7 win over Syracuse.

On offense, UNC quarterback Drake Maye completed 33 passes for 442 yards. He connected with 11 receivers, including Devontez Walker, who caught six passes for 43 yards in his debut for UNC. After weeks of backlash, the NCAA reversed course and granted Walker, the two-time transfer, immediate eligibility a few days before the game. As Walker led his team onto the field before kickoff, cheers erupted throughout the stadium.

“I just felt blessed to be out there, said Walker. My teammates have been in my corner since I arrived.”

UNC’s potent offense started strong, executing 14 plays for 64 yards. Through a dynamic ground game, UNC quickly reached the red zone. However, the drive stalled out 11 yards outside of the end zone. Then kicker Noah Burnette made a 29-yard field goal to give UNC an early lead.

Throughout the remainder of the first half, Maye had plenty of options on offense. He distributed the ball to numerous playmakers to score three consecutive touchdowns.

“North Carolina is a fantastic football team, and I tip my hat to Mack Brown, said Syracuse head coach Dino Babers. Today, they were fantastic on offense, fantastic on defense, and I think they’re going to go a long way this season.”

In contrast, Syracuse’s run-heavy offensive unit struggled to build momentum against UNC’s aggressive defense. Therefore, the unit had to punt the ball away on all four of its first-half possessions.

Although Syracuse demonstrated offensive efficiency at the start of the second half by scoring on its first possession, the momentum quickly dissipated with no room to run.

UNC’s defense, led by linebacker Cedric Gray, defensive back Don Chapman, and defensive lineman Myles Murphy, intercepted two passes and amassed 51 total tackles, one sack, and three TFLs.

Lillian Brooks, Oxford Prep Senior, Chosen For UNC-CH Morehead-Cain Scholarship

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Lillian Brooks, a senior at Oxford Preparatory School, has been selected for the Morehead-Cain Scholarship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is the daughter of Angela and Chris Brooks of Oxford.

Brooks, set to graduate summa cum laude, also serves as senior class president and participates in numerous groups at Oxford Prep, including the school’s chapter of the Student Government Association, which she helped establish, according to information from OPS Executive Director Andrew Swanner.

She is a student board member of the school’s board of directors, and a member of the Beta Club and the Tri-M honor society.

Brooks has played soccer and volleyball, and she enjoys her involvement in various musical groups, including the school’s concert choir, jazz band and concert band.

She plays piano and enjoys singing in the Oxford Baptist Church’s youth choir.

And if all that is not enough, she works as a lifeguard at Forest Hills Pool in Oxford, as well as in the Oxford Prep Griffins Nest after-school program.

The Morehead-Cain scholarship provides a four-year, fully funded educational experience for incoming students at UNC-CH, selecting recipients on qualities including leadership, character, scholarship and physical vigor.

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UNC Executes Fourth-Quarter Comeback to Defeat Duke 38-35

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— text and picture by Patrick Magoon freelance writer for WIZS

Tens of thousands of energized football fans in the vicinity of The Triangle gathered at Wallace Wade Stadium on Oct. 15 to witness the annual Duke-UNC clash. While the game remained close for much of the game, and both teams exchanged the lead multiple times, the resiliency displayed by a Drake Maye-led offense late in the fourth quarter propelled UNC to victory.

In a game of inches, UNC’s offense took advantage of multiple miscues by Duke’s offense late in the fourth quarter. A chop-block penalty eliminated a 15-yard touchdown catch by Duke receiver Jalon Calhoun. Then Duke kicker Charlie Ham missed a 45-yard field goal, and UNC’s offense took over with 2:09 on the clock.

Maye stepped up when it mattered. His 74-yard game-winning drive lasted nine plays, and it took less than two minutes to reach the end zone. The final drive yielded an 8-yard touchdown catch by wide receiver Antoine Green. Maye threw for a career-high 380 yards and rushed for 70 more.

Although UNC’s offense flourished at times, we must not discredit the work of Duke’s stout defensive front. The unit recovered two fumbles, deflected two passes, and applied continuous pressure to force Maye outside the pocket. Duke’s strong defensive effort, led by junior captain DeWayne Carter, amassed three sacks and four tackles for a loss.

Despite an unfavorable result, Duke’s offense advanced the ball efficiently. Quarterback Riley Leonard accumulated 245 yards through the air and earned an additional 130 yards with his legs. Leonard’s exciting 74-yard touchdown run in the second quarter helped to secure a Blue Devils lead at the half.

“I told our kids: I couldn’t be more proud with the way we battled,” first-year coach Mike Elko said.

UNC extended its series win streak to four to keep possession of the Victory Bell. With a win Saturday night, UNC is also the front-runner in the Coastal Division.

UNC vs Duke Football – Listen Here

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Click here to Listen Live online within 75 miles of Henderson.  Listen Local in Henderson at 1450 AM / 100.1 FM.

— written by Patrick Magoon freelance writer for WIZS

Almost 134 years ago, a North Carolina-based higher education rivalry was born. The deep-rooted rivalry, located in the vicinity of the Research Triangle, includes The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) and Duke University. Both esteemed institutions are working towards advancing their football programs to the next level.

The Victory Bell: A Yearly Tradition

The two football teams met for the first time on November 27, 1888. Since 1922, the Tar Heels have clashed with rival Duke yearly.  Each year, the teams compete for the Victory Bell, a trophy awarded to the winner of the annual Duke-UNC game. The Tar Heels received the first-ever Victory Bell in 1948 after a shutout victory in Chapel Hill.

The trophy, deriving from an idea introduced by cheerleaders Loring Jones of Duke and Norman Spear of UNC, fuels the growing intensity of this fierce rivalry. When the Tar Heels possess the Victory Bell, before kickoff, the cheerleaders and Rameses, the team’s mascot, wheel out the bell while simultaneously ringing it. Then the bell is placed in front of the students’ section for display. In the past, the winning team customized the base of the bell to include their school colors.

A Photo That UNC Fans Will Never Forget

In 1989, former Duke head coach Steve Spurrier, in his last game at Kenan Stadium, led his team to a stunning 41-0 victory in Chapel Hill. Immediately after the game, Spurrier celebrated the monumental ACC win by posing with his players near the scoreboard, an image that UNC fans and some former employees will never forget. To this day, Spurrier keeps a copy of the photo in his office.

Now, roughly 33 years after that photo was released by Duke, the scoreboard at both institutions is immediately shut off when the game clock hits zero.

A Head-to-Head Duke-UNC Comparison

Since 1948, The Tar Heels lead the series 46-25-1. The Tar Heels’ longest win streak of 13 games occurred from 1990 to 2002. In comparison, Duke’s series-high seven-game win streak lasted from 1950 to 1956. Considering Duke won just seven games over 35 years from 1959 to 1984, the rivalry briefly lost some of its appeal. However, a recent coaching change at Duke facilitated new energy and philosophy that reenergized both fanbases.

As of October 9, 2022, The Tar Heels’ top-performing offensive assets through six games include wide receiver Josh Downs and running back Omarion Hampton. The assets have amassed 643 yards and 12 touchdowns. Duke’s best offensive performers, including wide receiver Jalon Calhoun and running back Jaylen Coleman, have accumulated 692 yards and six touchdowns.

UNC-Chapel Hill releases response to NCAA’s third notice of allegations

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(Chapel Hill, N.C. – May 25, 2017) – The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has released its response to the NCAA’s third notice of allegations resulting from the joint investigation of past academic irregularities.

The response, submitted May 16, was posted on the Carolina Commitment website<https://carolinacommitment.unc.edu/> after a review to protect privacy rights. Also posted was a public copy of exhibits accompanying the response and recent correspondence to and from the NCAA in response to public records requests.

“We are prepared and look forward to presenting our case to the Committee on Infractions,” said Chancellor Carol L. Folt. “Bringing closure to this process will be an important step for our University. The expansive reforms and initiatives now in place at Carolina reflect the academic values of a community that I am proud to lead.”

“We sent the NCAA a full and detailed response,” said Bubba Cunningham, director of athletics. “Our reply to each allegation is based on the NCAA’s constitution and member-adopted bylaws. We expect the Committee on Infractions to consistently apply those bylaws as the case moves forward.”

Last October, the University participated in a procedural hearing before the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions. Following the hearing, the panel requested the NCAA’s enforcement staff to revisit the second notice of allegations<https://carolinacommitment.unc.edu/unc-chapel-hill-posts-response-to-ncaas-amended-notice-of-allegations/> issued in April 2016. The enforcement staff issued its third notice of allegations<https://carolinacommitment.unc.edu/carolina-comments-on-releases-ncaas-third-notice-of-allegations/> in December 2016.

The University received the NCAA’s first notice of allegations<https://carolinacommitment.unc.edu/unc-chapel-hill-releases-ncaa-notice-of-allegations/> in May 2015. The NCAA notified the University in June 2014 that it would reopen its original 2011 examination of the past academic irregularities. The case was paused in August 2015 when the University notified the NCAA it had identified new information requiring further review<https://carolinacommitment.unc.edu/unc-chapel-hill-reports-new-information-to-ncaa/>.

The next steps in the NCAA’s process for the University include a hearing before the Committee on Infractions scheduled later this summer. The committee typically issues a report several weeks after the hearing.

Under the leadership of Folt, who took office in 2013, Carolina has been extraordinarily proactive in accepting all responsibility for its past, working diligently to get to the bottom of these issues, restoring trust, and implementing more than 70 wide-ranging reforms and initiatives<https://carolinacommitment.unc.edu/actions-and-initiatives/>.

In 2016, the University demonstrated compliance with all academic accreditation principles and standards<https://carolinacommitment.unc.edu/message-from-chancellor-folt-carolina-off-probation/> of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) following a yearlong probation.

NCAA Bylaw 19.03.01 requires that all infractions-related information remain confidential throughout the infractions process. Consistent with NCAA protocol, University officials will not comment on details about the case until it is completed.

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About the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation’s first public university, is a global higher education leader known for innovative teaching, research and public service. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, Carolina regularly ranks as the best value for academic quality in U.S. public higher education. Now in its third century, the University offers 77 bachelor’s, 113 master’s, 68 doctorate and seven professional degree programs through 14 schools and the College of Arts and Sciences. Every day, faculty, staff and students shape their teaching, research and public service to meet North Carolina’s most pressing needs in every region and all 100 counties. Carolina’s more than 318,000 alumni live in all 50 states and 157 countries. More than 167,000 live in North Carolina.

Issued by: Joel Curran, vice chancellor for communications
Office of Communications Contact: (919) 445-8555, mediarelations@unc.edu<mailto:mediarelations@unc.edu>

 Carolina Accepts Bid To Hyundai Sun Bowl

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North Carolina has accepted an invitation to play in the 2016 Hyundai Sun Bowl vs. Stanford in El Paso, Texas, on Friday, Dec. 30. The game will kick off at 2 p.m. ET (noon local time), and will be televised nationally by CBS.

The 2016 game will mark the 83rd anniversary of the Sun Bowl game and the 49th consecutive broadcast on CBS.

“We’re excited to represent the University of North Carolina and the Atlantic Coast Conference in the Sun Bowl, a game with so much history going back more than 80 years,” says head coach Larry Fedora. “Our team is looking forward to a terrific experience in El Paso with the opportunity to finish the season with positive momentum. Stanford consistently competes for the Pac-12 championship and this will be a tremendous challenge for our team.”

Sun Bowl tickets will be on sale beginning Sunday, Dec. 4. Rams Club members and 2016 football season ticket holders will receive an email Sunday evening with an opportunity to purchase tickets. The priority seating deadline for Rams Club members and 2016 season ticket holders is Tuesday Dec. 6 at 5pm. Tickets will also go on sale to the general public on Sunday evening at GoHeels.com.

This is Fedora’s eighth bowl appearance in nine seasons as a head coach. The Sun Bowl is Carolina’s 33rd all-time bowl game, and first in Texas since the 1994 Sun Bowl. Carolina has played in the Sun Bowl on four previous occasions with a 2-2 record.

Carolina In The Sun Bowl
1972 – Carolina 32, Texas Tech 28
1974 – Mississippi State 26, Carolina 24
1982 – Carolina 26, Texas 10
1994 – Texas 35, Carolina 31

Carolina is 8-4 overall and finished 5-3 in the ACC’s Coastal Division. UNC is averaging 442.4 yards of total offense.

Stanford is 9-3 overall and 6-3 in the Pac-12. The Cardinal is ranked No. 16 in both the Associated Press and Coaches Poll.

About the Hyundai Sun Bowl:
Since the first Sun Bowl played on January 1, 1935, as a fundraising event for a local service club, the game has grown into El Paso’s number one national attraction. With its picturesque stadium nestled between two mountains it has become a piece of the Southwest and a lesson in history. Through the years, 38 Sun Bowls have been decided by a touchdown or less, including six of the last 11 games. Through its first 82 years, the Hyundai Sun Bowl has featured 78 different programs, more than any other bowl in the nation.

UNC-Chapel Hill posts response to NCAA’s amended notice of allegations

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(Full Release With Additional Links)

(Chapel Hill, N.C. – Aug. 2, 2016) – The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has released its response to the NCAA’s amended notice of allegations resulting from a joint investigation of past academic irregularities.

Carolina posted the response, submitted August 1, on the Carolina Commitment website, https://carolinacommitment.unc.edu/, after a review to protect privacy rights. Later, the University also will post a public copy of accompanying exhibits the University provided with its response to the NCAA.

“As a member of the NCAA, we carefully considered the appropriate University response based upon a thorough analysis of the NCAA’s Constitution and bylaws and all involved parties’ mutual desire to adhere to these important standards,” Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham said. “We identified key issues and provided factual responses for each allegation with the goal of bringing this case to a fair and just conclusion.’’

“Our work to reach this point has been extensive, including implementing wide-ranging reforms and taking substantial actions to ensure transparency and integrity across the University,” said Chancellor Carol L. Folt. “The necessary scrutiny and self-examination has made us a stronger University, and the resolution of this case will be vital to our moving forward.”

The University responded to the NCAA’s amended notice, sent April 25. The University previously disclosed the original notice sent in May 2015 and reported new information last August that the NCAA determined warranted the revised notice.

Beyond today’s post and consistent with NCAA protocols, University officials are unable to comment on the substance of the investigation until the case is complete.

The next major step in the NCAA’s process for the University is an appearance before the Committee on Infractions later this fall. That committee makes the final decision in the case.

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