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Five takeaways from UNC football's Week 9 heartbreaker vs. Virginia Cavaliers
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- Five takeaways from UNC football's Week 9 heartbreaker vs. Virginia Cavaliers
The North Carolina Tar Heels came within a 2-point conversion of delivering a massive, college football upset on Saturday afternoon against Virginia .
After the Cavaliers scored on their first possession of overtime, UNC did the same. North Carolina had a chance to tie with an extra-point, but had nothing to lose with going for the win.
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Gio Lopez completed a pass in the flat to Benjamin Hall , but UVA defenders swarmed him. Hall reached the football out towards the goal line, but it fell inches short – and the Cavaliers escaped Kenan Stadium with a 17-16 win.
If not for a pair of costly offensive mistakes, the Tar Heels (2-5, 0-3 ACC) enter halftime with a 10-point lead. Kobe Paysour fumbled at the 1-yard line late in the first quarter. Rece Verhoff nailed a 50-yard field goal as time expired in the first half, but after a Tony Elliott timeout, Verhoff's second try went wide left.
One could argue a different approach on UNC's final drive in regulation. Virginia penalties moved North Carolina up to midfield and, deciding to take a huge risk, Lopez launched a deep ball down the left sideline that UVA intercepted.
The Tar Heels out-gained Virginia, 353 yards to 259, but only recorded 107 in the second half. UNC's defense gave it a chance to win, but the lack of second-half offense prevented that.
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North Carolina played well enough to win Saturday – and arguably was the better team. The curse lives on in Chapel Hill, though, with the Tar Heels now losers of four straight.
Take a look at our five takeaways from Saturday's loss.
Again...Defense gave UNC a chance to win
Oct 25, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman Isaiah Johnson (94) sacks Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Chandler Morris (4) in the second quarer at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
When a team sacks the opposing quarterback sixtimes, that team should expect to win. North Carolina sacked Virginia star Chandler Morris six times on Saturday.
The Tar Heels held the Cavaliers to 259 yards – and under 20 points for the first time in 2025. J'Mari Taylor, who entered today as one of the country's top backs, only picked up 69 yards on 21 carries.
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UNC's offense...played well?
Oct 25, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Jordan Shipp (1) with the ball as Virginia Cavaliers safety Antonio Clary (0) and cornerback Emmanuel Karnley (19) and Virginia Cavaliers cornerback Dre Walker (1) defend in the second quarer at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
For one of the country's worst offensive units, North Carolina played well Saturday. Despite struggling to finish drives, the Tar Heels surpassed 350 yards against a ranked opponent.
Syracuse is nowhere near the caliber team of UVA, so if UNC can replicate Saturday's offensive performance - minus the miscues – fans should be encouraged.
North Carolina won in the trenches
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 25: Gio Lopez #7 of the North Carolina Tar Heels passes the ball while pressured by Anthony Britton #55 of the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half at Kenan Memorial Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
The Tar Heels broke down in pass protection a couple times, allowing three sacks, but otherwise gave Lopez time to throw. UNC opened holes for its running backs throughout Saturday, with a 145-yards performance on 39 carries.
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North Carolina generated six sacks, led by three from Delaware transfer Melkart Abou-Jaoude. The Tar Heels burst through UVA's offensive line, pressuring Morris and stopping the run.
You have every right to be upset...but also encouraged
Oct 25, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Davion Gause (37) scores a touchdown in overtime at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Two losses by a combined four points against Power Four competition. UNC lost at Cal by a field goal, then by a failed 2-point conversion Saturday against Virginia.
North Carolina looks better after getting blown out between losses to TCU , UCF and Clemson . The Tar Heels face another test in Syracuse next Friday, but there's now more light at the end of the tunnel.
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC football: Five takeaways from Week 9 overtime loss to Virginia
