UNC football has started its season on a well-fought 2-0 run, and head coach Larry Fedora spent part of his 53rd birthday Wednesday noting Carolina’s offensive efficiency as a factor to the Tar Heels’ success.

Fans and critics alike have wondered just how the offense will balance field time for UNC’s numerous tailbacks, and in the ACC’s weekly teleconference, Fedora defined the offensive running game as a “work in progress”.

While Fedora still did not name a lead running back, he instead mentioned a variety of tailbacks is ideal for Carolina’s quick offense.

“Well I’ve always felt like since we’ve been doing this since ’99 – since I’ve been running this offense – I’ve always felt like you needed at least two, preferably three running backs that you can use throughout a game. That’s if all of those stay healthy,” Fedora said. “Just because of the pace of play, the recovery time that they need and to be able to keep them fresh throughout the entire game I’ve always felt it would be two to at least three.”

Coach Fedora also spoke highly of former walk-on receiver Mack Hollins, who turned a reception by quarterback Marquise Williams into a 33 yard touchdown Saturday against the San Diego Aztecs.

“We knew he had a tremendous will to be good, he had great athleticism,” Fedora said. “And then we get him in spring ball where you’re focusing more on what he can do as a wide receiver and he obviously picked it up very well and has obviously done a great job with it and we knew at that time that he was going to be a factor for us as a receiver.”

Hollins was offered a full scholarship in the spring, and has taken on a key role in the offense which has suffered a blow without the energy and speed of injured receiver TJ Thorpe.

Thorpe recently suffered his third left foot injury in two years, but Fedora assured Thorpe is recovering steadily and that he is already back in practice in preparation to rejoin the Heels for his junior season.

Fedora and the Heels are enjoying a bye week but this is surely no vacation. Fedora assures the team’s time will be spent preparing for the trip to Greenville to face the East Carolina Pirates on September 20 at 3:30 p.m. and avenge the 2013 55-31 loss in Chapel Hill.

Related Stories
‹
Fans on the Field. Allegations of Home Cooking. Arrests. UNC Football's Last Halloween Game was Chaotic
When UNC takes the field against No. 1 Miami Saturday night, it will be the first time the Tar Heels have played a game on Halloween in 56 years. And while the heavily-favored Hurricanes could make things downright spooky for Carolina fans, this weekend’s contest would have to do quite a bit to live up […]
UNC Football vs. Miami (2026): How to Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Kickoff Time
UNC will host the top-ranked team in the country when Miami visits Kenan Stadium Saturday night. The Tar Heels are looking to beat the No. 1 team for the first time ever. If you aren’t attending the game in person, here’s how to follow along at home: Broadcast Schedule Those hoping to listen on the […]
100 Years of Kenan Stadium: Mrs. Bunting's Secret Stuff
Reporter Andrew Jones goes through his memories of UNC's thrilling upset win against No. 4 Miami at Kenan Stadium in October 2004.
UNC's Derek McDonald Named ACC Linebacker of the Week
After collecting a career-high 16 tackles in UNC’s 31-30 overtime loss to Syracuse Saturday, Derek McDonald was named the ACC’s Linebacker of the Week. Derek McDonald is your ACC linebacker of the week! pic.twitter.com/1rZ8ke2Msa — Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) October 26, 2026 Of McDonald’s 16 total tackles, 11 came after halftime, including a three-yard tackle for […]
The Morning News: Midterm Approaching, Carrboro Fire, Pittsboro vs. Google Fiber
In today's news: dozens of firefighters battle a blaze in Carrboro, and Pittsboro halts Google Fiber work for the second time this month.
2026 UNC Football Opponent Preview: Miami
UNC will get a shot at the No. 1 team in the country when the Miami Hurricanes visit Kenan Stadium Saturday. Miami enters the game with a 7-0 overall record and 5-0 mark in the ACC, having blown out Pitt 52-23 at home last weekend. Leading the Canes in his fifth year as head coach […]
100 Years of Kenan Stadium: Breaking and Entering
District Attorney Jeff Nieman remembers when he had a memorable night at Kenan Stadium following one of UNC's most dramatic wins ever.
'It's Just Football': UNC Lost for Words Following Upset Loss vs. Syracuse
UNC didn't have much to say following its stunning 31-30 overtime loss to Syracuse at a sold out Kenan Stadium Saturday.
Art's Angle: Deflating
In a truly bizarre evening before a joyous capacity crowd in Kenan Stadium, UNC football blew another double-digit lead and lost to Syracuse.
Syracuse Mounts Comeback, Stuns UNC Football in Overtime
Syracuse scored a touchdown on 4th and goal and then made good on a game-winning two-point conversion to stun UNC 31-30 at Kenan Stadium Saturday night. The final score was the first time the Orange had led all night. “Not too much to say about this one,” head coach Bill Belichick said afterward. “They made […]
›