PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB Antonio Williams rushed 15 times for a career single-game high 116 yards and a touchdown in the loss to Syracuse, earning ACC Running Back of the Week honors for his effort. The Ohio State transfer had a season-long 56-yard run and also caught a career-high six passes for 38 yards.
–WR Dazz Newsome has become a big-play guy for the Tar Heels after his break-out game against Syracuse. The sophomore had a 75-yard punt return for a touchdown in addition to snagging a career-high seven catches for 90 yards and a touchdown. “He’s so fast. I know if we get the ball to 19 in space, he’s going to make something happen,” QB Nathan Elliott said. Newsome earned ACC Specialist of the Week honors for his punt return, North Carolina’s first for a touchdown since Ryan Switzer did it in 2015.
–DE Tyler Powell made only four tackles against Syracuse, but two of them were good for sacks, his first of the season. He has 15 tackles for the season with 4.5 for losses.
–S Myles Dorn apparently has overcome the effect of the knee injury he suffered in the opener that cost him three games. He had a game-high 14 tackles at Syracuse with 10 of them solo efforts. He has 25 tackles in his three appearances.
SERIES HISTORY: North Carolina leads Virginia 64-54-4. Virginia won the last meeting 20-14 in 2017.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “They’re playing hard-nosed, physical football.” — Coach Larry Fedora, on Virginia’s recent resurgence.
