In week nine, The South’s Oldest Rivalry will be renewed as Virginia will welcome North Carolina for the second of four straight homes prior to the season finale in Blacksburg against Virginia Tech.

Last season, the Tar Heels’ offense put on a clinic against the Cavaliers, not punting once all game and scoring on 10 drives, including eight touchdowns, as they routed Virginia 59-39. UNC’s offense will look very different this year in terms of personnel at key offensive positions as the Heels must replace their starting quarterback and running back. The defense will have a familiar look as former Virginia linebacker Noah Taylor transferred to UNC as a graduate transfer this offseason and figures to have some extra motivation when he returns to Scott Stadium. 

With games against Miami, UNC, Pittsburgh, and Coastal Carolina late in the season, this four-game homestand will be critical toward any success the Cavaliers hope to have in coach Tony Elliot’s first season in Charlottesville. Virginia is fortunate to play its toughest opponents of the season at home this year, but wins won’t come easy. The games against this quartet and Virginia Tech will define the 2022 season, not just because they are the final five games of the season, but also because they are likely the five toughest matchups on Virginia’s schedule.

Now, it’s time to take a closer look at the Nov. 5 matchup with the Tar Heels in the schedule preview series.

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