After an offensive explosion in a 59-39 win, it’s no surprise that four UNC football players have been named ACC Players of the Week at their positions.

Quarterback Sam Howell, running back Ty Chandler, wide receiver Josh Downs, and offensive lineman Marcus McKethan were all named to the conference’s team of the week Monday afternoon. McKethan shared the offensive lineman honor with NC State’s Chandler Zavala.

Howell threw five touchdown passes against the Cavaliers, the third time in his UNC career he has thrown five touchdowns in a single game. He also rushed for 115 yards, and became just the second Power 5 quarterback ever to throw for 300+ yards and rush for 100+ yards in two consecutive games. The other was Louisville’s Lamar Jackson, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2016 as a member of the Cardinals.

Chandler rushed for 198 yards and two touchdowns against Virginia, both of which set season bests through three weeks. His 60-yard rush on the first play of the second half was Carolina’s longest running play of the night. He averaged 9.9 yards per carry.

Downs caught two touchdown passes Saturday night, marking his fourth consecutive game for Carolina with a touchdown reception, which includes last year’s Orange Bowl against Texas A&M. Head coach Mack Brown called Downs’ second touchdown catch, a diving reception in the corner of the end zone, “one of the best catches I’ve ever seen.” Downs finished with eight catches and 203 receiving yards.

Marcus McKethan helped anchor an offensive line that paved the way for UNC’s dynamic rushing attack against the Cavaliers. As a team, Carolina finished with 392 yards on the ground on just 47 attempts, good for 8.3 yards per carry.

This is the first time in the 2021 season any Tar Heels have been named the ACC’s Players of the Week.

 

Featured image via UNC

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