It marks the first time since 2011 that UNC has opened the season at 5-1, as well as the best start for Coach Larry Fedora during his four-year tenure.
And having grown accustomed to such poor starts over the past two seasons, he confessed there’s a sense of relief surrounding him and his team.
“It feels a whole lot better,” Fedora said Monday. “It’s a confidence booster for a football team. It makes them feel better about everything that we’re doing — everything.”
But while Fedora and the Tar Heels have welcomed their hot start, they’re even more focused on ensuring it continues.
Following its 5-1 start to the 2011 season, UNC dropped four of its next five games and eventually finished with a 7-6 record after falling to Missouri in the Independence Bowl.
Quarterback Marquise Williams, who redshirted in 2011, admits the team’s achievements so far feel good. But the team can’t be content.
“Everybody is patting you on your back, because that’s what you want,” said the fifth-year senior. “You’re not human if you don’t care about how nobody is telling you ‘good job’ or anything. At the same time, I tell the guys, ‘Don’t get complacent. We still have to keep moving forward.’”
Having won five consecutive games, a win on Saturday against the Cavaliers (2-4, 1-1 ACC) would hand the Tar Heels their longest winning streak since reeling off eight straight victories in 1997.
