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Oct 26, 2024; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback Anthony Colandrea (10) is hit after passing the ball by North Carolina Tar Heels defensive end Kaimon Rucker (7) during the first half at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The North Carolina Tar Heels played the type of football we’ve all been waiting for on Saturday, dismantling the Virginia Cavaliers by a 41-14 score.
After trailing by a field goal early in the first quarter, UNC took the lead for good on J.J. Jones’ first of two touchdowns receptions. Jones enjoyed arguably his best college game, catching five passes for two touchdowns a career-high 129 yards.
North Carolina’s defense made a complete 180 from the Georgia Tech game, never allowing Virginia to settle into a rhythm and generating 10 sacks. Kaimon Rucker, the Tar Heels’ top edge rusher, led the sack party with three of his own.
It should come as no surprise that, because of their impacts on Saturday’s much-needed victory, Jones and Rucker earned ACC Weekly Honors.
Jones was tabbed the ACC Wide Receiver of the Week, while Rucker was named the ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week.
After struggling to find consistency at the wide receiver spot all season, UNC finally found its top guy in Jones. His five receptions matched a 2024-best, set against James Madison in Week 4, then matched the following weekend at Duke.
Rucker missed several games earlier this season while recovering from a torn meniscus, but looked like his 2023 self on Saturday. Rucker was healthy, moving around quickly and in the Cavaliers’ backfield virtually every play.
Jones and Rucker will look to build upon their standout Week 9 performances on Saturday, Nov. 2, as North Carolina will face Florida State at 3:30 p.m.
Can the Tar Heels stay focused and not overlook a struggling Seminoles squad?
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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/j-j-jones-kaimon-rucker-013922888.html
Author : Tar Heels Wire
Publish date : 2024-10-29 01:39:22
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