UNC 2024 Football Schedule: A Look Ahead

The University of North Carolina Tar Heels football team is coming off a successful 2023 season, where they finished with an 11-2 record and a top-10 ranking in the final College Football Playoff rankings. With a strong returning cast and a favorable schedule, the Tar Heels are poised for another strong season in 2024.

The Tar Heels’ 2024 schedule features a mix of challenging ACC opponents and some more manageable non-conference matchups. Here’s a closer look at the Tar Heels’ schedule for the upcoming season:

With a favorable schedule and a strong returning cast, the Tar Heels are poised to make a run at the ACC Championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff in 2024. Keep an eye on this team as they look to build on their success from the previous season.

Unc 2024 Football Schedule

The University of North Carolina Tar Heels football team is poised for another strong season in 2024 with a favorable schedule and a strong returning cast.

Season Opener: Home game against Elon University
ACC Matchups: 8 conference games, including home games against Clemson and Florida State
Rivalry Game: Away game against Duke University
Non-Conference Games: Home games against Appalachian State and Old Dominion
Potential Playoff Contender: Tar Heels aim for ACC Championship and College Football Playoff berth
Key Players Returning: Quarterback Drake Maye, running back Omarion Hampton, and wide receiver Josh Downs
New Coaching Staff: Mack Brown enters his eighth season as head coach
Home Field Advantage: Kenan Memorial Stadium, capacity of over 50,000 fans
Fan Expectations: Excitement and anticipation for another successful season

Season Opener: Home game against Elon University

The Tar Heels will kick off their 2024 season with a home game against Elon University, a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) team from Elon, North Carolina.

FCS Opponent: Elon University competes in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) at the FCS level, one level below the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), where UNC plays.
Home-Field Advantage: The Tar Heels will have the advantage of playing their season opener at home in front of their fans at Kenan Memorial Stadium.
Early Momentum: A strong performance against an FCS opponent can help the Tar Heels build momentum and confidence heading into their ACC schedule.
Opportunity for Starters: The season opener against Elon could provide an opportunity for UNC’s starters to get some early playing time and work out any kinks before facing tougher competition.

While the game against Elon is not expected to be a major challenge for the Tar Heels, it is an important opportunity for the team to get off to a good start and set the tone for the rest of the season.

ACC Matchups: 8 conference games, including home games against Clemson and Florida State

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is one of the most competitive conferences in college football, and the Tar Heels will have their work cut out for them in their eight conference games in 2024.

Home Games: UNC will have the advantage of playing two of their biggest ACC games at home in 2024, against Clemson and Florida State.
Clemson Rivalry: The Tar Heels and Clemson Tigers have a long-standing rivalry, and their games are always highly anticipated. Clemson is one of the top teams in the country and will be a tough test for UNC.
Florida State Challenge: Florida State is another ACC powerhouse, and the Tar Heels will need to bring their A-game to compete with the Seminoles.
Road Tests: UNC will also have to face tough road tests against other ACC contenders like Virginia Tech, Miami, and NC State.

The ACC schedule will be a challenge for the Tar Heels, but it also presents an opportunity for them to prove themselves against some of the best teams in the country and make a statement in the ACC Championship race.

Rivalry Game: Away game against Duke University

The Tar Heels’ rivalry with Duke University dates back to 1888, making it one of the oldest rivalries in college football. The two teams have played each other 106 times, with UNC holding a slight edge in the series with a record of 61-40-4.

The rivalry is known as the “Victory Bell” game, named after the bell that is awarded to the winning team. The bell was originally used to signal the start of classes at Duke, but it was stolen by UNC students in 1938 and has been kept by the Tar Heels ever since.

The Victory Bell game is always a highly anticipated event for both teams and their fans. The game is typically played at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, North Carolina, but in 2024, the Tar Heels will travel to Duke for the away game.

The rivalry game is always a close and competitive contest, and the 2024 matchup is sure to be no different. Both teams will be looking to add another chapter to this historic rivalry and claim the coveted Victory Bell.

The Tar Heels will need to bring their best game to Durham if they want to come away with a victory and keep the Victory Bell in Chapel Hill.

Non-Conference Games: Home games against Appalachian State and Old Dominion

In addition to their ACC schedule, the Tar Heels will also play two non-conference games in 2024, both of which will be home games.

Appalachian State Mountaineers: The Appalachian State Mountaineers are a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) team from Boone, North Carolina. They compete in the Sun Belt Conference and have been a thorn in the side of Power Five teams in recent years, including a famous upset of Michigan in 2007.
Old Dominion Monarchs: The Old Dominion Monarchs are also an FBS team, competing in the Conference USA. They are located in Norfolk, Virginia, and have been a competitive program in recent years.
Home-Field Advantage: The Tar Heels will have the advantage of playing both of their non-conference games at home in 2024, which should help them pick up a couple of easy wins.
Preparation for ACC Schedule: The non-conference games will also give UNC an opportunity to fine-tune their game plan and get some momentum going before they start their ACC schedule.

The Tar Heels should be favored to win both of their non-conference games in 2024, but they will need to be careful not to overlook either opponent. Both Appalachian State and Old Dominion have the potential to pull off an upset if UNC is not fully focused.

Potential Playoff Contender: Tar Heels aim for ACC Championship and College Football Playoff berth

The Tar Heels have their sights set on big things in 2024, with the goal of winning the ACC Championship and earning a berth in the College Football Playoff.

Strong Returning Cast: UNC returns a strong core of players from the 2023 season, including quarterback Drake Maye, running back Omarion Hampton, and wide receiver Josh Downs. This trio forms one of the most dynamic offenses in the country.
Favorable Schedule: The Tar Heels have a favorable schedule in 2024, with home games against some of their toughest ACC opponents, including Clemson and Florida State. They also have two winnable non-conference games at home.
Playoff Experience: UNC has experience in the College Football Playoff, having made it to the semifinals in 2022. This experience will be valuable if they are able to return to the playoff in 2024.
Mack Brown’s Leadership: Head coach Mack Brown is one of the most experienced and successful coaches in college football. He has won a national championship at Texas and has a proven track record of success at UNC.

The Tar Heels have all the pieces in place to be a contender for the ACC Championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff in 2024. It will be up to the players and coaches to execute on the field and make it happen.

Key Players Returning: Quarterback Drake Maye, running back Omarion Hampton, and wide receiver Josh Downs

The Tar Heels’ hopes for a successful 2024 season rest largely on the shoulders of three key players who are returning from the 2023 season: quarterback Drake Maye, running back Omarion Hampton, and wide receiver Josh Downs.

Drake Maye: Maye burst onto the scene in 2023 as one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the country. He threw for over 4,000 yards and 35 touchdowns, and he also rushed for over 500 yards and 10 touchdowns. Maye is a dual-threat quarterback who can beat teams with his arm and his legs. He is also a very good decision-maker and has a high football IQ.

Omarion Hampton: Hampton is a dynamic running back who is one of the most explosive players in the ACC. He rushed for over 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2023, and he also caught 30 passes for over 300 yards. Hampton is a home-run threat every time he touches the ball, and he is a key part of UNC’s offense.

Josh Downs: Downs is one of the best wide receivers in the country. He led the ACC in receiving yards and touchdowns in 2023, and he was named a consensus All-American. Downs is a great route-runner and has excellent hands. He is also very dangerous after the catch, and he can turn a short pass into a long touchdown.

With Maye, Hampton, and Downs all returning in 2024, the Tar Heels have one of the most dynamic offenses in the country. If they can stay healthy and continue to develop, they will be a major threat to win the ACC Championship and make a run at the College Football Playoff.

These three players are all considered to be among the best at their respective positions in the country, and their return gives UNC a great chance to compete for a championship in 2024.

New Coaching Staff: Mack Brown enters his eighth season as head coach

Mack Brown is entering his eighth season as head coach of the Tar Heels in 2024. He has a career record of 273-130-1, and he has won a national championship at Texas in 2005.

Consistency and Stability: Brown has brought a sense of consistency and stability to the UNC football program. He has led the Tar Heels to bowl games in each of his seven seasons, and he has won the ACC Coastal Division championship twice.
Player Development: Brown has a reputation for developing players, both on and off the field. He has helped several UNC players earn All-ACC and All-American honors, and he has also helped many players reach the NFL.
Recruiting: Brown is a strong recruiter, and he has brought in some of the top players in the country to UNC. His 2023 recruiting class was ranked among the top 10 in the nation.
Experience: Brown has a wealth of experience as a head coach, and he knows what it takes to win at the highest level. He will be looking to lead the Tar Heels to their first ACC Championship since 2015 and their first College Football Playoff berth since 2022.

Brown is a respected coach who has a proven track record of success. He will be looking to build on his success at UNC in 2024 and lead the Tar Heels to another successful season.

Home Field Advantage: Kenan Memorial Stadium, capacity of over 50,000 fans

Kenan Memorial Stadium is the home of the Tar Heels football team, and it is one of the most intimidating venues in the ACC. The stadium has a capacity of over 50,000 fans, and it is always packed for UNC home games.

The Tar Heels have a strong home field advantage at Kenan Memorial Stadium. They have won over 70% of their home games since the stadium opened in 1927. The crowd noise can be deafening, and it can be difficult for opposing teams to communicate on offense.

In 2024, the Tar Heels will have the advantage of playing seven of their 12 regular season games at home, including key ACC matchups against Clemson and Florida State. This will give them a big boost in their quest to win the ACC Championship and earn a berth in the College Football Playoff.

Here are some of the features that make Kenan Memorial Stadium a great home field advantage for the Tar Heels:

Loud and passionate crowd: UNC fans are known for being some of the most passionate and knowledgeable fans in college football. They create a great atmosphere at Kenan Memorial Stadium, and they can make it very difficult for opposing teams to play.
Intimidating environment: Kenan Memorial Stadium is a large and imposing stadium, and it can be very intimidating for opposing teams. The crowd noise can be deafening, and the Tar Heels’ defense can be very disruptive.
History and tradition: Kenan Memorial Stadium has a long and storied history, and it is one of the most iconic venues in college football. The Tar Heels have a winning tradition at home, and they are always tough to beat at Kenan Memorial Stadium.

The Tar Heels will be looking to use their home field advantage to their advantage in 2024. They have a favorable schedule, and they will be looking to make a run at the ACC Championship and the College Football Playoff.

Fan Expectations: Excitement and anticipation for another successful season

UNC fans are excited and anticipating another successful season in 2024. The Tar Heels have a strong returning cast, a favorable schedule, and a talented coaching staff. Fans are hopeful that the team can compete for the ACC Championship and make a run at the College Football Playoff.

Here are some of the reasons why UNC fans are excited about the 2024 season:

Returning talent: The Tar Heels return a lot of talented players from the 2023 season, including quarterback Drake Maye, running back Omarion Hampton, and wide receiver Josh Downs. These players are all considered to be among the best at their respective positions in the country.
Favorable schedule: The Tar Heels have a favorable schedule in 2024, with seven of their 12 regular season games at home. They also have two winnable non-conference games at home against Appalachian State and Old Dominion.
Talented coaching staff: Mack Brown is entering his eighth season as head coach of the Tar Heels, and he has a proven track record of success. He has won a national championship at Texas, and he has led UNC to two ACC Coastal Division championships.

UNC fans are hoping that the 2024 season will be one to remember. They are excited to see the Tar Heels compete for a championship and make a run at the College Football Playoff.

Here are some of the things that UNC fans are looking forward to in the 2024 season:

Watching Drake Maye develop: Maye is one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the country, and UNC fans are eager to see him continue to develop. They are hoping that he can lead the Tar Heels to a championship in 2024.
Seeing Omarion Hampton and Josh Downs shine: Hampton and Downs are two of the most dynamic offensive players in the ACC. UNC fans are excited to see them continue to make big plays and help the Tar Heels score points.
Cheering on the Tar Heels in big games: UNC has some big games on their schedule in 2024, including home games against Clemson and Florida State. UNC fans are looking forward to packing Kenan Memorial Stadium and cheering on the Tar Heels to victory.

UNC fans are excited and optimistic about the 2024 season. They are hoping that the Tar Heels can build on their success from the 2023 season and make a run at the College Football Playoff.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the UNC 2024 Football Schedule:

Question 1: When does the UNC football season start in 2024?

Answer 1: The UNC football season in 2024 is expected to start on Saturday, August 31, 2024.

Question 2: How many home games will UNC have in 2024?

Answer 2: UNC will have seven home games in 2024, including key ACC matchups against Clemson and Florida State.

Question 3: Who is UNC’s starting quarterback in 2024?

Answer 3: Drake Maye is expected to be UNC’s starting quarterback in 2024. He is one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the country.

Question 4: What are UNC’s chances of winning the ACC Championship in 2024?

Answer 4: UNC has a good chance of winning the ACC Championship in 2024. They have a strong returning cast, a favorable schedule, and a talented coaching staff.

Question 5: Can UNC make the College Football Playoff in 2024?

Answer 5: Yes, UNC has a chance to make the College Football Playoff in 2024. They need to win the ACC Championship and have a strong overall record.

Question 6: Where can I buy tickets for UNC football games in 2024?

Answer 6: Tickets for UNC football games in 2024 can be purchased through the UNC Athletic Ticket Office.

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These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the UNC 2024 Football Schedule. For more information, please visit the UNC Athletics website.

In addition to the FAQs above, here are some bonus tips for UNC football fans in 2024:

– Buy your tickets early: UNC football games sell out quickly, so it’s important to buy your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

– Arrive early: Traffic and parking can be hectic on game days, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid missing any of the action.

– Wear your UNC gear: Show your Tar Heels pride by wearing your UNC gear to the game.

– Be loud and cheer on the Tar Heels: UNC fans are known for being some of the most passionate and knowledgeable fans in college football. Make sure to be loud and cheer on the Tar Heels to victory.

Tips

Here are a few tips for UNC football fans in 2024:

Tip 1: Plan your travel and accommodations early.

If you’re planning to travel to Chapel Hill for a UNC football game in 2024, it’s important to start planning your travel and accommodations early. Hotels and flights can fill up quickly, especially for big games. You can find a list of hotels near Kenan Memorial Stadium on the UNC Athletics website.

Tip 2: Purchase your tickets in advance.

UNC football games sell out quickly, so it’s important to purchase your tickets in advance. You can purchase tickets through the UNC Athletic Ticket Office. You can also find tickets for sale on secondary marketplaces, but be sure to purchase from a reputable seller.

Tip 3: Arrive early on game day.

Traffic and parking can be hectic on game days, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid missing any of the action. You can also avoid the lines by purchasing a parking pass in advance. You can find more information about parking on the UNC Athletics website.

Tip 4: Be prepared for the weather.

The weather in Chapel Hill can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for anything. Bring a raincoat or umbrella in case of rain, and dress in layers so you can adjust to the changing temperatures. You can also check the weather forecast before you leave home.

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By following these tips, you can help ensure that you have a great time at your UNC football game in 2024.

Now that you know everything you need to know about the UNC 2024 Football Schedule, it’s time to start planning your trip to Chapel Hill. With its exciting schedule, talented team, and passionate fans, the 2024 UNC football season is sure to be one to remember.

Conclusion

The UNC 2024 football season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. The Tar Heels have a strong returning cast, a favorable schedule, and a talented coaching staff. They are poised to compete for the ACC Championship and make a run at the College Football Playoff.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the UNC 2024 Football Schedule:

UNC has a favorable schedule in 2024, with seven of their 12 regular season games at home.
The Tar Heels have a strong returning cast, led by quarterback Drake Maye, running back Omarion Hampton, and wide receiver Josh Downs.
UNC has a talented coaching staff, led by head coach Mack Brown, who is entering his eighth season at the helm.
The Tar Heels have a passionate and knowledgeable fan base that will be excited to pack Kenan Memorial Stadium in 2024.

With all of these factors in place, the UNC Tar Heels are poised for a successful 2024 season. They have the talent, the coaching, and the fan support to make a deep run in the ACC and the College Football Playoff.

Closing Message:

The 2024 UNC football season is sure to be one to remember. The Tar Heels have all the pieces in place to make a run at the ACC Championship and the College Football Playoff. UNC fans should be excited about the upcoming season and should be ready to cheer on the Tar Heels to victory.