UNC Football: Photo gallery from win over JMU
By Zack Pearson
UNC beat James Madison in their home opener at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Check out some of the best photos from the game
It was the first home game of the 2016 college football season for the North Carolina Tar Heels, and the fans left happy.
The Tar Heels beat JMU 56-28 at Kenan Memorial Stadium, overcoming a shaky start defensively to eventually pull away. There were some tense moments in the game with JMU scoring on their first three drives.
But in the end the Tar Heels got the win, moving to 2-1 on the season.
Quarterback Mitch Trubisky had a hell of a game, completing 24-of-27 passes on the game for 432 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also set a new UNC record, by attempting 155 pass without throwing an interception.
Related Story: 3 key stats from UNC's win over JMU
Then there was the defense.
The Tar Heels defense got off to a slow start, making it easy for the Dukes to find the end zone on the first three drives. But after linebacker Andre Smith stepped up and let his teammates know this wasn’t acceptable, the tide changed.
Carolina started to play a lot better on defense which allowed the offense to put together some nice scoring drives.
It was a beautiful day all around. Don’t believe us? Just take a look at the photo gallery from Saturday’s win:
Sep 17, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Larry Fedora and linebacker Marlon Petty (57) and punter Joey Mangili (14) run out before the game at Kenan Memorial Stadium. The Tar Heels defeated the James Madison Dukes 56-28. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Mack Hollins (13) scores a touchdown in the second quarter as James Madison Dukes cornerback Curtis Oliver (26) defends at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) looks to pass in the fourth quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. The Tar Heels defeated the James Madison Dukes 56-28. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Elijah Hood (34) with the ball as James Madison Dukes safety Raven Greene (5) and linebacker Brandon Hereford (49) defend in the fourth quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. The Tar Heels defeated the James Madison Dukes 56-28. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels cheerleaders perform at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) looks to pass in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) runs as offensive tackle Bentley Spain (75) blocks at Kenan Memorial Stadium. The Tar Heels defeated the James Madison Dukes 56-28. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels dance team members perform at Kenan Memorial Stadium. The Tar Heels defeated the James Madison Dukes 56-28. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels fans in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Now the Tar Heels turn their attention to the Pittsburgh Panthers, who will be their toughest opponent since week one against Georgia.
The Panthers and Tar Heels will meet on Saturday at Kenan Memorial Stadium to open up their ACC schedules. Check back with Keeping It Heel for more on the game including full pregame coverage.