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UNC Football: ACC Media Gives Serious Bulletin Board Material

The 2024 UNC football squad has a chance to make its projected finish in the conference standings look like a joke.

Matt Giles

UNC football defensive end Kaimon Rucker
UNC football defensive end Kaimon Rucker / Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
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A year after losing their last four games in utterly disappointing fashion, UNC football dropped five of seven to stumble in at 8-5 after reeling off six straight wins to begin the 2023 campaign. Those lackluster homestretch results, not to mention the loss of legendary Tar Heel signal caller Drake Maye to the New England Patriots, resulted in a projected 2024 conference finish that is nothing to write home about for Mack Brown's 16th team in Chapel Hill.

But the No. 8 tag that the ACC media has collectively affixed to the Tar Heels might be worth posting throughout the locker room for motivational purposes.

After all, considering the offense still has two Walter Camp Preseason All-American selections in running back Omarion Hampton and tight end Bryson Nesbit, in addition to 2023 All-ACC defensive end Kaimon Rucker and other proven forces on the other side of the ball, one could easily argue that UNC football has a legit chance to reach the ACC Championship Game.

As it is, though, the ACC media's forecast shows the Tar Heels finishing below No. 1 Florida State, No. 2 Clemson, No. 3 Miami, No. 4 NC State, No. 5 Louisville, No. 6 Virginia Tech, and one of the three conference newcomers in No. 7 SMU.

The 2024 UNC football campaign begins at Minnesota on Aug. 29. The Tar Heels kick off their ACC slate with a road game against rival Duke (No. 11 in the projected standings) on Sept. 28.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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