Charlotte – Few college football teams have been hyped up by fans and media alike as much as the Tar Heels have this offseason. Coming off an exciting 8-4 season in 2020 and an appearance in the Orange Bowl, albeit a loss, it’s definitely understandable. Excitement is at an all-time level high for North Carolina, with many people predicting them to reach the ACC Championship and some even floating them out as a darkhorse contender in the National Championship discussion. And with arguably the best quarterback in the ACC in Sam Howell still under center in 2021, North Carolina definitely has a shot to do very well.
At ACC Kickoff, North Carolina head coach Mack Brown spoke about the publicity they’ve received this offseason and while appreciative, also emphasized caution and staying focused.
“It’s great of us,” said Brown with a wry smile. “We’ve gotten tremendous publicity, we’re kind of a media darling so now we’ve gotta keep our mouths shut and play and see if we’re any good.” He also added, “We’ve had sugar thrown all over us. And we like it, but let’s get back to facts.”
In Brown’s mind, the facts are that the Tar Heels are 0-0 right now and haven’t done anything yet this season to warrant the hype, though there’s a lot to be excited for. They open the 2021 season off hot, with an extremely important game against an in-conference Coastal rival in the Virginia Tech Hokies.
“We basically have a 3-game season,” said Brown. After playing Virginia Tech, they follow up with a game against the Georgia State Panthers and then get right back into their ACC schedule, facing off against the Virginia Cavaliers. Brown added that after three games, if the team is successful, he’ll start to entertain and believe more of the hype.
Tar Heels linebacker Tomon Fox also stressed the importance of not buying into the hype and maintaining focus.
“We try not to listen to it,” said Fox. “Brush it off and just focus on what’s in front of us.”
Even though North Carolina has lost a few key starters across the board on offense and defense to the National Football League, they are still a very talented, young team hungry for success. Howell added that with all of the work the team has put in, that this offseason has been “probably the best offseason I’ve been a part of.”
North Carolina will face off against Virginia Tech, on the road in Blacksburg at Lane Stadium, on September 3rd at 6PM EST.
