Dazz Newsome
North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell (7) runs with the ball while Florida State defensive back Sidney Williams (23), linebacker Kalen DeLoach (20) and defensive end Jermaine Johnson II, rear, look to tackle him during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Miami, UNC meet as struggling ACC division favorites

By Aaron Beard Oct. 14, 2021 12:58 PM EDT

Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman looks to pass against Louisville during the second half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Winston-Salem, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Pitt's Pickett emerging in ACC's next wave of NFL-ready QBs

By Charles Odum Oct. 06, 2021 01:38 PM EDT

North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell (7) runs the ball as Virginia free safety Joey Blount (29) defends during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Georgia Tech hosts Tar Heels at NFL's Mercedes-Benz Stadium

By The Associated Press Sep. 23, 2021 02:31 PM EDT

North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell (7) is sacked by Virginia Tech's Chamarri Conner (22) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 3, 2021, in Blacksburg, Va. (Matt Gentry/The Roanoke Times via AP)
No. 24 Tar Heels look to regroup against Georgia State

By The Associated Press Sep. 09, 2021 05:03 PM EDT

FILE - Virginia Tech quarterback Braxton Burmeister throws a pass during the first half against Clemson in an NCAA college football game in Blacksburg, Va., in this Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, file photo. Few Power Five programs struggled through the pandemic more than Virginia Tech. Coach Justin Fuente and the Hokies hope to restore some order this season. (Matt Gentry/The Roanoke Times via AP, Pool, File)
No. 10 Tar Heels, Hokies meet in early ACC Coastal clash

By Hank Kurz Jr. Sep. 02, 2021 11:47 AM EDT

Howell, No. 10 Tar Heels face hype as ACC division favorite

By Aaron Beard Aug. 18, 2021 10:20 AM EDT
The expectations have risen rapidly at North Carolina, with the Tar Heels going from a team needing confidence just to win a few games to having a Heisman...

FILE - In this Nov. 7, 2020, file photo, Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei looks for a receiver during the first quarter against Notre Dame in an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind. The Atlantic Coast Conference's top offenses should be right back in the flow next season. There will just be some new faces at North Carolina and Clemson that will be piling up the yards. (Matt Cashore/Pool Photo via AP, File)
Top two ACC offenses look to new faces to keep humming

By Pete Iacobelli Apr. 26, 2021 12:14 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 3, 2020, file photo, North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell passes during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Boston College in Boston. Howell is back for his junior season while leading an offense with major personnel losses. The Heisman Trophy candidate and top NFL prospect has spent spring practices working to improve timing and chemistry with new receivers to help the offense take shape. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)
Tar Heels' Howell working to find chemistry with new faces

By Aaron Beard Apr. 23, 2021 01:39 PM EDT

North Carolina running back Javonte Williams participates in the school's Pro Day football workout for NFL scouts in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, March 29, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Offensive playmakers on display as Tar Heels conduct pro day

By Hank Kurz Jr. Mar. 29, 2021 06:40 PM EDT

Texas A&M players pose for photos at the end of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Texas A&M defeated North Carolina 41-27. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Texas A&M runs past North Carolina in Orange Bowl, 41-27

By Tim Reynolds Jan. 02, 2021 11:49 PM EST

Miami quarterback D'Eriq King (1) hands off to running back Donald Chaney Jr. during the second quarter of the team's NCAA college football game against Duke on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Durham, N.C. (Nell Redmond/Pool Photo via AP)
Miami, North Carolina bring QB star power into Saturday

By Tim Reynolds Dec. 10, 2020 02:55 PM EST

North Carolina coach Mack Brown enters the field prior to and NCAA college football game against Western Carolina on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. (Robert Willett/The News & Observer via AP)
Carter's 3 TDs help carry N. Carolina past W. Carolina 49-9

By Bob Sutton Dec. 05, 2020 04:32 PM EST

North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell (7) passes while Western Carolina defensive tackle Jaquarius Guinn (91) rushes during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Western Carolina at North Carolina 12/5/2020

Dec. 05, 2020 01:59 PM EST

North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell (7) passes against Wake Forest during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Howell, No. 25 Tar Heels offense a challenge for No. 2 Irish

By John Fineran Nov. 24, 2020 03:01 AM EST

North Carolina tight end Garrett Walston (84) catches a touchdown pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wake Forest in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Howell, Tar Heels make big rally to beat Wake Forest 59-53

By Aaron Beard Nov. 14, 2020 04:04 PM EST

Virginia wide receiver Ra'Shaun Henry (17) scores a touchdown against North Carolina during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Charlottesville, Va. (Andrew Shurtleff/The Daily Progress via AP)
Virginia holds on to extend streak against No. 15 UNC, 44-41

By Hank Kurz Jr. Oct. 31, 2020 11:51 PM EDT

North Carolina wide receiver Emery Simmons (0) runs the ball while North Carolina State cornerback Shyheim Battle (25) looks to tackle during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
No. 15 Tar Heels, Virginia to meet at Scott Stadium

By The Associated Press Oct. 29, 2020 04:39 PM EDT

Virginia Tech quarterback Hendon Hooker (2) scores pas North Carolina's Tomari Fox (56) on a five-yard carry in the third quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. (Robert Willett/The News & Observer via AP)
Eagles visit No. 23 Hokies in key game on ACC schedule

By Aaron Beard Oct. 15, 2020 04:00 AM EDT

Virginia Tech running back Khalil Herbert (25) scores a touchdown as North Carolina defensive back Don Chapman (2) tries to tackle during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
North Carolina State at Virginia 10/10/2020

Oct. 10, 2020 02:23 PM EDT

Alabama head coach Nick Saban, right, talks with Daniel Wright as he walks off the field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Missouri, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
Week 6: Kiffin v. Saban; King v. Lawrence; Heels v. Hokies

By Ralph D. Russo Oct. 09, 2020 02:37 AM EDT