All Tar Heels

UNC Football: Tar Heels Extend Five, Probably Six Impressive Streaks

UNC football won its sixth straight on the back of many dominant playmakers and defenders.

Matt Giles

UNC football wide receiver Tez Walker (Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports)
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The 2022 UNC football campaign ended on a four-game losing skid. But the 2023 Tar Heels, now at No. 10 in the AP Top 25 Poll, have reversed course — completely.

They've reeled off six straight wins, including three in a row in conference play, following Saturday night's 41-31 home victory over then-No. 25 Miami. That's one impressive streak, making them the first UNC football team to start a season 6-0 in over a quarter of a century.

Then, it's worth noting that these Tar Heels became the fifth UNC squad in a row, all under Mack Brown's command, to defeat the Hurricanes.

With the latest triumph in a jam-packed Kenan Memorial Stadium, UNC achieved bowl eligibility for a fifth straight year. Again, that coincides with Brown's return to Chapel Hill, which followed the Tar Heels' 2-9 record in the final season of Larry Fedora's tenure.

Furthermore, Saturday's primetime performance marked the Tar Heels' fourth consecutive outing this season with at least 500 yards of offense.

On that note, for the first time since 1914, the Tar Heels scored at least 30 points in each of their first six games in a season.

Now, UNC football appears in line to again produce a positional ACC Player of the Week, extending their streak in this department to each week they've played this season (two weeks featured two Tar Heels among the eight categories).

As for the top Tar Heel candidates this time, several players would be worthy recipients, including quarterback and Week 6 honoree Drake Maye (17-for-33 passing for 273 yards, four touchdowns, zero interceptions, 26 rushing yards on 10 carries vs. Miami). However, four performers stand out:

  • Running back and Week 2 winner Omarion Hampton: 24 carries, 197 yards, one touchdown vs. Miami
  • Wide receiver Tez Walker: six receptions, 132 yards, three touchdowns vs. Miami
  • Linebacker Cedric Gray: 10 total tackles, one tackle for a loss, one fumble recovery, one interception, one pass breakup vs. Miami
  • Defensive lineman and Week 4 winner Kaimon Rucker: six total tackles, 2.5 sacks for a combined 17 negative yards, three quarterback hurries vs. Miami

Yes, it's a safe bet at least one of the above names extends UNC's ACC Player of the Week streak when the conference announces award recipients on Monday afternoon. And it'd be somewhat surprising if that count isn't two or more.

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com for more UNC football news.

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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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