North Carolina had loads of contributors step up in its 35-3 victory over East Tennessee State, however a number of gamers deserve a bit additional recognition for his or her performances.
UNC racked up 427 yards of complete offense whereas averaging 8.1 yards per play, permitting the Tar Heels to take management early and cruise to the lopsided victory. Defensively, the Tar Heels held ETSU to simply three factors and 255 complete yards, limiting the Buccaneers to 77 dashing yards whereas creating constant stress and forcing a number of turnovers.
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With that in thoughts, it is time to hand out some helmet stickers.
Billy Edwards Jr. Delivers Environment friendly Efficiency
Sep 12, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) warms up earlier than the sport at Kenan Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Bob Donnan-Imagn Photos
Edwards did not want an enormous variety of makes an attempt to carve up the ETSU protection and earn his helmet sticker.
The UNC quarterback accomplished 15 of 20 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns with out throwing an interception, averaging a powerful 12.2 yards per try.
Edwards helped the Tar Heels set up management by means of the air early, connecting with Thurman for a 24-yard landing to open the scoring.
He later discovered Corridor for an additional landing as UNC continued to drag away.
Extra importantly, Edwards took care of the soccer and persistently pushed the ball downfield. His 75% completion fee mixed along with his explosiveness gave the Tar Heels precisely what they wanted from the quarterback place.
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That is greater than sufficient to earn Edwards a helmet sticker.
Jelani Thurman Emerges as Edwards’ Prime Goal
Sep 12, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels tight finish Jelani Thurman (45) with the ball within the first quarter at Kenan Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Bob Donnan-Imagn Photos
Thurman made probably the most of each alternative that got here his approach, making him a simple selection for an additional helmet sticker.
The tight finish caught all 4 of his targets for a team-high 71 yards and a landing, averaging 17.8 yards per reception. His greatest contribution got here early when Edwards related with him for a 24-yard landing to place UNC on the scoreboard.
4 targets, 4 catches, and a visit to the top zone earn Thurman his helmet sticker.
Xavier Lewis and Jaylen Harvey Wreak Havoc in Backfield
Aug 29, 2026; Dublin, Co. Dublin, IRL; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman Xavier Lewis (90) in opposition to the TCU Horned Frogs within the second half at Aviva Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Laszlo Geczo-Imagn Photos
Lewis was one in all UNC’s greatest disruptors up entrance.
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Lewis completed with 5 tackles, two sacks and two tackles for loss, persistently creating issues behind the road of scrimmage.
Harvey was each bit as disruptive coming off the sting. The sting rusher recorded three tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss and a quarterback hurry.
Sep 12, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; ETSU Buccaneers quarterback Mason Mims (12) is sacked by North Carolina Tar Heels defensive finish Jaylen Harvey (11) within the second quarter at Kenan Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Bob Donnan-Imagn Photos
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This text initially appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC soccer helmet stickers for win over ETSU
