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UNC announces captains for Week 9 football clash at Virginia

Oct 12, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels tight end John Copenhaver (81) catches the ball as Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive back Omar Daniels (21) defends in the third quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Oct 12, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels tight end John Copenhaver (81) catches the ball as Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive back Omar Daniels (21) defends in the third quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

With four consecutive losses in their back pockets, the North Carolina Tar Heels are in desperate need of turning their football season around.

Coming out of its first bye week, UNC (3-4, 0-3) might be in a perfect position to do so today.

At 12 p.m. today, North Carolina will take the field at Scott Stadium and face fellow ACC rival Virginia. The Tar Heels and Cavaliers (4-3, 2-2 ACC) will play in the 119th installation of the South's Oldest Rivalry, with UNC holding an all-time advantage of 64-50-4.

While all your focus right now is likely on how North Carolina can find a way to win, we want you to meet the Tar Heels' team captains for today's conference clash: linebacker Amare Campbell, tight end John Copenhaver and star kicker Noah Burnette.

Campbell is UNC's starting middle linebacker, taking over the spot previously occupied by Cedric Gray. Statistically, Campbell is one of North Carolina's best defensive producers, registering 45 total tackles (second on the team), leading the team with six tackles for loss and four quarterback hurries, recording two pass breakups and forcing one fumble.

Copenhaver will now take over as the Tar Heels' starting tight end, as Bryson Nesbit will miss several weeks with a fractured wrist. Copenhaver is tied for the UNC lead with three receiving touchdowns, plus his 193 receiving yards are fourth-most amongst his teammates.

Burnette, named to the preseason Lou Groza Award Watch List as a candidate for the nation's best kicker, is 11-of-13 on field goals this season. Burnette is a perfect 2-for-2 on kicks from 50+, including a season-long 52.

Let's see if North Carolina's captains can help snap a long losing streak and get their team back to .500.

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire : UNC announces captains for Week 9 football clash at Virginia