Lessons Learned from UNC football's impotent loss to Wake Forest

Demond Claiborne, Carolina Killer

UNC fans should bid Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne a fond farewell when he graduates this year. The last place they'll want to see him is at Kenan Stadium next season.

Claiborne has been a tremendous running back for the Deacons, and a thorn in UNC's side the two times they've squared off. Mercifully, Wake Forest wasn't on the schedule last year. But in 2023, in a 31-24 North Carolina win, Claiborne was doing his best to ruin the outcome. He ran for 95 yards and two touchdowns, and caught three passes for another 28 yards. Fortunately, a Tar Heel by the name of Omarion Hampton ran for 244 yards to keep the Deacs at bay.

This year, there was more pain from Claiborne. He ran for 98 yards and a touchdown, and caught two passes for 12 yards. His lone touchdown iced the game at just 14 points.

Good luck in your next chapter Demond. Thank goodness you can't hurt North Carolina anymore.