The year was 1892. Ellis Island had newly opened as an immigration center, and the first public basketball game had been played in Springfield, Massachusetts. American football, meanwhile, was already well established.
The Virginia and North Carolina collegiate football teams, though, had yet to compete against one another. On Oct. 22 of that year, that all changed. The Cavaliers defeated the Tar Heels 30-18 in Charlottesville — and the “South’s Oldest Rivalry” was born.
Now 122 years later, Virginia (4-3, 2-1 ACC) and North Carolina (3-4, 1-2 ACC) face off for the 119th time this Saturday at Scott Stadium. Members of the Cavaliers say they acknowledge this history, but plan to concentrate on the near future — which brings a homecoming game against another capable opponent.
“Every game for us in the ACC is a rivalry game [and] is a big game,” senior running back Khalek Shepherd said. “No game is bigger than the other. We always come in with the mindset that every ACC game is a critical game for us.”
Last week, despite totaling 465 yards on offense, Virginia fell on the road to defending ACC coastal champion Duke, 20-13. The Blue Devils, under coach David Cutcliffe’s leadership, amply executed their game plan. For the Cavaliers, it was a frustrating outcome under a Carolina blue sky.
On offense, Virginia’s only reliability in the red zone was junior kicker Ian Frye — two field goals increased his season total to 14, fourth most in the FBS. Meanwhile the Cavalier defense, tied for the fourth-most takeaways in college football at 19, failed to force a single turnover. Virginia supporters and players alike departed Wallace Wade Stadium hungry for another opportunity.
Now, the team is eagerly awaiting a fresh shot at redemption. But to keep up with the high-scoring and fast-paced Tar Heels, the Cavaliers recognize they must punch the ball into the end zone more often.
“It is frustrating that we’re not capitalizing, but we’re getting better each week, and that’s going to be the mindset coming into this week,” Shepherd said. “Three is always good, but six is better.”
The efficient North Carolina offense, led by junior quarterback Marquise Williams, has converted 25 of its 32 red zone trips for touchdowns. Sophomore kicker Nick Weiler — with just five field goals on the season — is rarely called upon to knock the pigskin through the uprights.
Williams’ dual-threat ability, coupled with his red-zone efficiency, moves the chains and has manufactured an average of 38.7 points per game — 16th best in the country. Williams and the Tar Heels will find a rhythm, and the Cavaliers must limit the damage.
“It's the true essence of an offense that makes you defend the entire field, and then also the quarterback,” coach Mike London said. “[Williams] is that extra element because he can run. … You never can contain a guy, but you need to know where he's at.”
UNC also has a pair of dangerous return men in sophomores T.J. Logan and Ryan Switzer to complement the explosive offense. Logan has returned 16 kickoffs for 405 yards — an average of 25 yards per return and a long of 74 yards. This season, he has yet to take a kick to the house.
After tallying 502 yards and 5 touchdowns as a punt returner last season, Switzer garnered utmost respect from opposing coaches. He has started slow this season — averaging only 3.8 yards per punt return — but remains as relentless and skillful as they come.
“Well, there's no doubt that he's a dynamic returner,” London said. “[Switzer’s] career, you look back and see the things he's done. But even when you punt to particular players, there are strategies for [avoiding giving up big plays].”
On the defensive side, North Carolina is, in a word, porous. Allowing an average of 43.3 points per game — 124th in the nation — and a whopping 522.3 yards per game, it is a wonder the Tar Heels have won three games. London chalks up North Carolina’s poor defensive statistics, at least in part, to its quality opponents.
“You look at who they've lost to — they've lost to Notre Dame, they've lost to Virginia Tech, they've lost to Clemson, they've lost to ECU,” London said. “Those are good football teams. Our job is to take collectively what we've seen — personnel, schemes — and then match up or try to do things that affect what they do on offense and defense and special teams.”
Virginia and its seniors are ready to hit the field Saturday. Both the offense and defense have prepared all week for a 60-minute battle against the Tar Heels. Playing with a chip on their shoulder from the first whistle, the Cavaliers will look to make a statement.
“We’ve got to win some of these close, tough games, and if this is the challenge for this week, then we have to rise to the occasion and earn it,” London said.
Kickoff between Virginia and North Carolina is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. at Scott Stadium, and will be aired on the ACC Network and ESPN3.
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