UNC Football: Photos from Tar Heels win over Illinois
By Zack Pearson
UNC rolls over the Fighting Illini in Illinois to earn their first win of the 2016 season
Last week when we did this post, the mood was a somber one. The Tar Heels had a disappointing result against Georgia in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic.
This week, it’s different.
The Tar Heels went into Champaign and earned their first win of the season, beating the Fighting Illini 48-23.
Quarterback Mitch Trubisky led an offensive attack that played much better against Illinois as they put up 48 points. Trubisky scored four touchdowns of his own, finishing with two rushing and two passing.
The defense also stepped up big.
After Illinois scored on their opening possession with a long touchdown run, the defense played a lot better. The unit, backed by an impressive showing from the defensive line, had a lot better showing than the game in Georgia.
Check out the photos from the game:
Sep 10, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Larry Fedora during 3rd quarter action against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. North Carolina beat Illinois 48 to 23. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) sets up to pass against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the 1st quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Elijah Hood (34) signals a touchdown scored on a short run by quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) during the 1st quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) breaks free from Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Taylor Barton (3) for a touchdown during the 1st quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws a pass against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the 4th quarter at Memorial Stadium. North Carolina beat Illinois 48 to 23. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back T.J. Logan (8) carries the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the 3rd quarter at Memorial Stadium. North Carolina beat Illinois 48 to 23. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels safety Dominquie Green (26) deflects a pass intended for Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Justin Hardee (19) during the 3rd quarter at Memorial Stadium. North Carolina beat Illinois 48 to 23. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith and North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Larry Fedora have a discussion at midfield during pregame at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Related Story: UNC rolls over Illinois
The win also snaps a three-game losing streak for the Tar Heels dating back to last season. It also sets up the chance for UNC to gain some momentum before heading into the ACC schedule.
Next week features the Tar Heels first home game of the season as they host James Madison at Kenan Memorial Stadium.
Check back with Keeping It Heel for coverage on the home opener.