All Tar Heels

UNC Football: Tar Heels Tumble in Poll Following Upset Loss

UNC football still ranks below only one ACC squad.
Matt Giles|
UNC football head coach Mack Brown (Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports)

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North Carolina Tar Heels

Last week, Mack Brown's UNC football team ranked No. 10 in the AP Top 25 Poll, No. 2 among ACC teams, marking the first time the program had been in the top 10 since 2021.

Now, in light of Saturday night's 31-27 home loss to the Virginia Cavaliers, who entered the game with a 1-5 overall record, winless in the conference, and as a 23.5-point underdog, the Tar Heels (6-1, 3-1 ACC) have fallen seven spots to No. 17 in the country.

It was Virginia's first road win over a top-10 opponent in program history. It was UNC's most significant upset loss on record. And it was the Tar Heels' sixth loss as a double-digit favorite this decade (second as at least a 20-point favorite after falling to a 21.5-point underdog Georgia Tech last season).

Adding to the frustration, it derailed what appeared to be a legitimate shot for UNC to go undefeated in the regular season for the first time, as the Tar Heels likely would have been the favorites in every remaining contest.

Still, these talented Tar Heels are in the mix to play for the ACC title in Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium on Dec. 2, assuming they right their ship quickly.

They are one of four ACC teams in the latest AP Top 25. The other three are the No. 4 Florida State Seminoles (7-0, 5-0 ACC), No. 18 Louisville Cardinals (6-1, 3-1 ACC), and No. 20 Duke Blue Devils (5-2, 2-1 ACC).

UNC football looks to get on the right track again when the Tar Heels travel to Atlanta to face the unranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (3-4, 2-2 ACC) at 8 p.m. ET Saturday (ACCN).

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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