North Carolina Football uses unique prep for Virginia Tech ahead of season-opener
North Carolina football is preparing for literally everything for their Sept. 3 opener at Virginia Tech. Earlier this week, the Tar Heels closed training camp practice blaring a song synonymous with the Hokies’ entrance into Lane Stadium.
Virginia Tech constantly lands on lists ranking the top college football entrances in the nation. In just 28 days, North Carolina, a projected top-10 team, will kick off the new ACC season against Justin Fuente’s Hokies.
So naturally, UNC blasted Metallica’s Enter Sandman at the 4th quarter of a training camp practice this week.
UNC has high expectations and they are warranted. Quarterback Sam Howell is a Heisman Trophy contender and Tar Heels’ head coach Mack Brown has revamped the culture quickly. Still, nearly all of the question marks surrounding the 2021 ‘Heels squad center around the offensive weapons that left for the NFL.
What they’re saying about North Carolina vs. Virginia Tech
“The Tar Heels will go into the opener with likely preseason ACC Player of the Year Sam Howell at quarterback and an experienced offensive line, but Howell will be surrounded with an entirely new group of skill players,” said Mike Niziolek of the Roanoke Times.
As impressive as UNC’s roster appears, Fuente finally has the pieces in place to be truly competitive in the ACC. The Hokies’ coach will downplay the pressure, but it’s clear the fan base is craving a leap for the program.
Sports media outlets, both locally and nationally have Fuente’s name on the top of lists ranking coaches on the hot seat. Virginia Tech could surprise people. Fuente has quietly built a talent-laden roster
Here is what Fuente said when asked about the nationally televised home opener at the ACC media kickoff event.
“Games in Lane Stadium are special and unique. Our fans are the best fans in all of America. Our fans show up to the game not to be entertained but to participate, to help our football team win a ball game. They’ve been deprived of that opportunity (since 2019 because of COVID restrictions). But it’s more than a game. It’s a social event. People show up several days early and begin tailgating, preparing. … I anticipate it will be a special night, an emotional night, something we’ll remember for a long time.”
This should be an electric start to the ACC college football season.