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UNC Football: Tar Heels rushing attack leads the way

By Zack Pearson

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 10: Michael Carter #8 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts in front of the student section after scoring a touchdown against the Virginia Tech Hokies during their game at Kenan Stadium on October 10, 2020 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 56-45. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 10: Michael Carter #8 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts in front of the student section after scoring a touchdown against the Virginia Tech Hokies during their game at Kenan Stadium on October 10, 2020 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 56-45. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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The duo of Michael Carter and Javonte Williams lead the UNC Football offense to a big day against Virginia Tech

The UNC Football program had a big day on offense in Saturday’s win over Virginia Tech to get them to 3-0 on the year. But most of that production came on a big day from the Tar Heels’ two-headed monster in the backfield.

The Tar Heels have two running backs that could probably start for almost any program in the country as Michael Carter and Javonte Williams have been fantastic this year. On Saturday, the duo turned in their best performance.

Carter rushed for a career-high 214 yards on 17 carries and had 2 touchdowns. Williams finished the game with 169 yards on 20 carries and also had 2 touchdowns. On the day, their rushing attack fell one yard short of reaching 400 yards on the ground and they would have got there if not for a couple of Sam Howell knees to end the game.

While UNC fans know of this awesome combo the Tar Heels have in their backfield, the nation has now been put on notice.

Going into the season there was a lot of hype surrounding the Tar Heels and their offense led by quarterback Sam Howell. But through the first three games, it’s been the running backs that have really led the way as they have been very good on the ground.

Carter now ranks sixth in the country with 413 rushing yards while Williams is ranked 31st with 283 yards. Looking at Carter, he’s now tied atop the list for rushing yards per attempt, averaging 10.3 after his big day on Saturday.

Having this stable rushing attack not only gives the Tar Heels two dynamic backs but it takes the pressure off of Howell as well. UNC does have two big threats at wide receiver in Dazz Newsome and Dyami Brown, giving Howell his options but if things go bad like they did Saturday, they can also rely on that run game.

A steady run game and good quarterback play just might be what the Tar Heels need for their success this year.

Next. Tar Heels climb into Top 5. dark

For more on Williams and Carter as well as the UNC Football program, please check back with Keeping It Heel.

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