CHAPEL HILL, N.C. –– North Carolina snapped their four-game losing streak – defeating the Virginia Cavaliers 41-14 last Saturday afternoon at Scott Stadium.
It was a much-needed win for the Tar Heels who played their most complete game of the season both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball.
This Saturday, the Tar Heels (4-4 overall, 1-3 ACC) will travel down to Tallahassee, Fla., to face Florida State. Just a year removed from a stellar 13-1 season and an ACC Championship appearance, the Seminoles now languish at a dismal 1-7, 1-6 ACC record.
The matchup represents a critical chance for FSU alum and UNC head coach Mack Brown, a chance to earn his first victory over his alma mater. He is 0-11 against them and a win would be an illustrious milestone in his storied career.
Led by quarterback Jacolby Criswell, who has continued to make strides in his passing game, UNC is poised to grab another win this weekend. With disruptive defensive end Kaimon Rucker back after a knee injury that kept him sidelined for several weeks, his presence now anchors the Tar Heels defensive core.
The Seminoles’ offense has not eclipsed more than 300 or more yards of total offense and scored 20+ points just once this season. They have a pair of freshman quarterbacks in Brock Glenn and Luke Kromenhoek who, while individually gifted, have struggled to orchestrate a truly impactful performance.
“There is talent all over the field,” said UNC defensive coordinator Geoff Collins. “I mean they are fast guys that are playing really really hard, very athletic, and have a big physical offensive line. Two young quarterbacks that are very talented and can run pretty well too. They’re really good.”
With FSU’s starting signal caller DJ Uiagalelei out indefinitely with a hand injury, head coach Mike Norvell was forced to rely on his younger duo, but they’ve yet to amass more than 500 combined yards on the season and have an essentially nonexistent rushing attack.
“We have to show improvement and get it done on the field and that’s what I want to see from every member of this program and that’s going to be the expectation,” said Norvell.
Both programs entered the season with optimism, yet extenuating circumstances have led to a steep decline and string of disappointing results that have overshadowed prior success.
In order for the Tar Heels to win, Criswell must continue to ascend and running back Omarion Hampton must continue to do some damage on the ground. However, the Seminoles are staring down the possibility of their worst season since 1975 – a prospect that weighs heavily on the program’s proud tradition.
North Carolina must strike early and decisively against FSU if they hope to turn a challenging season around and transform their recent narrative into a story of redemption.