All Tar Heels

UNC Football Picks Perfect 'Throwback' Fit for Primetime Game

UNC football has turned back the clock for the Tar Heels' meeting with Miami on Saturday night.

Matt Giles

UNC football head coach Mack Brown in 1997 (RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports)
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Before this year, 1997 was the last time the UNC football program began a season with five straight wins. Of course, Mack Brown was head coach then, and the 72-year-old is now in the fifth season of his second stint with Tar Heels.

That 1997 squad reeled off eight in a row. So, as the No. 12 Tar Heels (5-0, 2-0 ACC) gear up to make it 6-0 but against the first opponent with a ranking by their name in the No. 25 Miami Hurricanes, it's only fitting that UNC is pulling out the 90s-era look for the nationally televised Saturday night showdown in Chapel Hill.

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On Thursday night, UNC teased the threads via the following 90s-grade highlights of Saturday's dominant 40-7 home win over Syracuse:

Here's the official video uniform reveal on Thursday:

And the close-up photos:

While some view the jerseys as cursed, given UNC's 0-2 record wearing them last season, it's worth noting that these aren't the 2022 Tar Heels. No, this bunch has already ended the curse of the "Stormtrooper" getup in its 41-24 win at Pitt in Week 4.

If UNC football prevails on Saturday night, these Tar Heels would be in perfect position to potentially outdo the 1997 team by starting a season 9-0. After all, their next three outings come against Virginia, Georgia Tech, and Campbell.

The Tar Heels and Hurricanes battle at 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC) in Kenan Memorial Stadium.

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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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