Top 5 UNC Tar Heels Football Team Wins Ever

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s football team, known as the Tar Heels, has a rich history in college football. With a legacy spanning over a century, the team has experienced numerous memorable victories that have contributed to its storied tradition. Here, we’ll examine five of the most significant wins in Tar Heels history, highlighting the impact and context of each.

1. 1993 ACC Championship: Miami Hurricanes (41-40)

The Tar Heels’ victory over the Miami Hurricanes in 1993 stands out as one of the most thrilling wins in program history. On November 26, 1993, the Tar Heels, led by coach Mack Brown, faced off against the heavily favored Hurricanes. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with the Tar Heels ultimately emerging victorious 41-40. This win was significant not only because it came against a top-ranked opponent but also because it helped secure the Tar Heels’ first ACC Championship since 1980. The victory was a testament to the team’s resilience and determination, as they overcame a 30-point deficit in the fourth quarter to claim the win.

2. 2009 Sendra.com Bowl: Clemson Tigers (26-17)

On December 28, 2009, the Tar Heels secured a hard-fought victory over the Clemson Tigers in the Sendra.com Bowl. The 26-17 win was a testament to the team’s perseverance and marked a successful end to the 2009 season. Led by quarterback T.J. Yates, the Tar Heels offense was instrumental in the victory, with running back Ryan Houston chipping in with a crucial touchdown. This win was notable for being the Tar Heels’ first bowl victory since 1986 and demonstrated the team’s ability to perform under pressure.

3. 2015 vs. Duke Blue Devils (44-20)

The Tar Heels’ 44-20 thrashing of their in-state rivals, the Duke Blue Devils, on November 28, 2015, was a defining moment in the 2015 season. The victory, which came on the final day of the regular season, capped off an impressive campaign for the Tar Heels. The team’s high-powered offense, led by quarterback Marquise Williams, was unstoppable against the Blue Devils, racking up over 600 total yards. This win was significant not only for its margin of victory but also for its impact on the rivalry between the two teams.

4. 1998 vs. Duke Blue Devils (38-31)

On November 21, 1998, the Tar Heels defeated the Duke Blue Devils 38-31 in a game that would become known for its thrilling finish. With the Tar Heels trailing by four points with just over a minute remaining, quarterback Oscar Davenport led a game-winning drive, culminating in a 10-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Na Brown. This dramatic victory was a testament to the team’s clutch performances and marked a memorable moment in the rivalry between the two teams.

5. 2013 Belk Bowl: Cincinnati Bearcats (39-17)

The Tar Heels’ 39-17 victory over the Cincinnati Bearcats in the 2013 Belk Bowl was a statement win for the program. On December 28, 2013, the Tar Heels dominated the Bearcats, with quarterback Bryn Renner throwing for 308 yards and two touchdowns. The win was a fitting end to a season that saw the Tar Heels overcome significant adversity, including a season-ending injury to their starting quarterback early in the year. The victory demonstrated the team’s resilience and depth, as they adapted to the loss of their star quarterback and still managed to secure a bowl win.

The Tar Heels’ history is replete with memorable victories, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the program’s legacy. From dramatic comebacks to dominating performances, these wins have helped shape the team’s identity and cement its place in college football lore.