UNC football puts it all together in win at Virginia to end losing streak
North Carolina football put it all together against Virginia in the latest edition of the “South’s Oldest Rivalry.”
The Tar Heels used a monster first half to set the tone, securing a 41-14 road win to snap a four-game losing streak. It was UNC’s first ACC road win in 399 days.
UNC (4-4, 1-4) lost five of the last seven games against the Cavaliers (4-4, 2-3) before Saturday’s dominant performance at Scott Stadium.
Tar Heel quarterback Jacolby Criswell completed 19 of 30 passes for 293 yards and two touchdowns as one of UNC’s top performers. UNC's defense had its best performance since a 40-7 win against Syracuse on Oct. 7, 2023.
Tar Heels playing for Tylee Craft
Here’s a breakdown of how the Tar Heels snapped a four-game losing streak with a victory at Virginia.
Jahravee Ritzie, Kaimon Rucker help UNC football rack up sacks, turnovers
The Tar Heels had 15 sacks across their first seven games. In the first half at Virginia, UNC finished with six sacks from six different players. The Cavs were held to a pair of field goals, finishing with 82 yards, including nine rushing yards in the first half. Defensive leaders Kaimon Rucker, who had three sacks, and Jahravee Ritzie pulled down the first interceptions of their careers. Ritzie returned his 84 yards to the end zone to give UNC a 32-point lead entering the fourth quarter. The Tar Heels finished with 12 tackles for loss, including 10 sacks.
JJ Jones’ explosive plays at wide receiver for Tar Heels
UNC wide receiver J.J. Jones had his best game of the season by the end of the first half, hauling in four catches for 98 yards and two touchdowns. Jones had a pair of touchdown catches for 30 or more yards, including a 31-yarder over a Cavalier defender with five seconds left in the first half. It was the senior’s first game with multiple TDs. He finished with five catches for 129 yards.
UNC’s Omarion Hampton remains ACC’s best running back
Omarion Hampton, the ACC’s leading rusher, has rushed for 100 or more yards in seven of eight games. Hampton finished with 105 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries against Virginia, which had only allowed one player to reach 100 rushing yards this season before Hampton added his name to the list Saturday.
Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on X/Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Kaimon Rucker, Jahravee Ritzie, JJ Jones help UNC beat Virginia
