35 Facts About UNC Football

The Early Years of UNC Football

The University of North Carolina (UNC) has a rich football history. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about the early years of UNC football.

1. First Game: UNC played its first football game in 1888 against Wake Forest, marking the beginning of a storied tradition.
2. First Victory: The team secured its first win in 1889, defeating the University of Virginia 6-4.
3. First Coach: The first head coach was Hector Cowan, who led the team from 1892 to 1893.
4. First Stadium: The original home games were played at the Emerson Field, which opened in 1916.
5. First Conference Title: UNC won its first Southern Conference title in 1922.

Memorable Seasons and Games

Certain seasons and games stand out in the history of UNC football. Here are some highlights.

6. Undefeated Season: The 1898 team went undefeated, finishing the season with a 9-0 record.
7. First Bowl Game: UNC played in its first bowl game in 1947, the Sugar Bowl, against Georgia.
8. 1950 Cotton Bowl: The 1950 Cotton Bowl saw UNC face Rice, a memorable game despite the loss.
9. 1972 Sun Bowl: The Tar Heels won their first bowl game in the 1972 Sun Bowl against Texas Tech.
10. 1997 Gator Bowl: UNC's victory over Virginia Tech in the 1997 Gator Bowl was a significant achievement.

Legendary Coaches

UNC football has been shaped by several legendary coaches. Here are a few who left a lasting impact.

11. Carl Snavely: Coached from 1934-1935 and 1945-1952, leading the team to multiple bowl games.
12. Jim Tatum: Coached from 1942 and 1956-1958, known for his innovative strategies.
13. Bill Dooley: Coached from 1967-1977, leading the team to three ACC titles.
14. Mack Brown: First tenure from 1988-1997, returned in 2019, revitalizing the program.
15. Dick Crum: Coached from 1978-1987, known for his strong defensive teams.

Iconic Players

Many players have donned the Carolina blue and made their mark. Here are some of the most iconic.

16. Charlie Justice: Known as "Choo Choo," he was a two-time Heisman Trophy runner-up in the late 1940s.
17. Lawrence Taylor: Played from 1977-1980, later became an NFL Hall of Famer.
18. Julius Peppers: Starred from 1999-2001, went on to have a stellar NFL career.
19. Amos Lawrence: Rushed for over 1,000 yards in four consecutive seasons from 1977-1980.
20. Dre' Bly: A standout cornerback from 1996-1998, later played in the NFL.

Rivalries and Traditions

Rivalries and traditions add to the excitement of UNC football. Here are some key aspects.

21. Duke Rivalry: The rivalry with Duke, known as the "Battle of the Blues," is one of the oldest in college football.
22. Victory Bell: The winner of the UNC-Duke game takes home the Victory Bell, a tradition since 1948.
23. Old Well Walk: Players touch the Old Well for good luck before home games.
24. Rameses: The live ram mascot, Rameses, has been a fixture since 1924.
25. Kenan Memorial Stadium: Opened in 1927, it's one of the most picturesque stadiums in college football.

Modern Era Success

The modern era has seen UNC football achieve new heights. Here are some recent successes.

26. 2001 Peach Bowl: UNC defeated Auburn 16-10 in the Peach Bowl, a significant win.
27. 2010 Music City Bowl: The Tar Heels won a thrilling double-overtime game against Tennessee.
28. 2015 ACC Coastal Division: UNC won the ACC Coastal Division title in 2015.
29. 2016 Sun Bowl: The team played in the Sun Bowl against Stanford, showcasing their talent.
30. 2020 Orange Bowl: UNC appeared in the Orange Bowl, one of the most prestigious bowl games.

Records and Achievements

UNC football boasts numerous records and achievements. Here are some notable ones.

31. Most Wins in a Season: The 1997 team holds the record with 11 wins.
32. Most Points in a Game: UNC scored 66 points against Virginia in 2015, the most in a single game.
33. Longest Winning Streak: The team had a 9-game winning streak in 2015.
34. Most Career Rushing Yards: Amos Lawrence holds the record with 4,391 rushing yards.
35. Most Career Passing Yards: T.J. Yates holds the record with 9,377 passing yards.

The Final Whistle

UNC football has a rich history filled with memorable moments, legendary players, and a passionate fan base. From its early beginnings to the present day, the Tar Heels have made their mark on college football. Whether it's the iconic Kenan Memorial Stadium, the intense rivalry games, or the standout athletes who have donned the Carolina blue, there's always something exciting happening in Chapel Hill.

These 35 facts offer just a glimpse into the storied tradition of UNC football. They highlight the team's achievements, the dedication of its players, and the unwavering support of its fans. As the Tar Heels continue to build on their legacy, one thing remains certain: UNC football will always be a source of pride and excitement for its community. So, next time you catch a game, remember the history and passion that make UNC football truly special.