How to watch UNC football play Virginia as Tar Heels seek to end four-game losing streak
Kaimon Rucker’s return to action has been a lesson in adversity.
The graduate student and defensive lineman, sidelined for four games due to a knee injury, has slowly worked his way back into the North Carolina lineup.
After an early September weight-room mishap (“I squatted and the next thing you know, I heard a thwock”) exacerbated a pre-existing knee issue, Rucker was forced to sit out crucial matchups, including UNC’s historic upset loss to James Madison.
Now, with a bye week behind him and his health improving, Rucker looks poised to make a significant impact in the Tar Heels’ matchup at Virginia on Saturday — and onward.
“Shoot man, I feel pretty good now,” Rucker said on Tuesday. “I had my first game (fully) back, Georgia Tech last week and I felt great. Going into that week… I was babying my knee for a little bit. My change of direction wasn’t as quick. It wasn’t as swift as I wanted to be. I would take a lot of steps to break down a tackle, but I just had to realize, ‘My knee is fixed. Let’s just have confidence.’”
For the first time since the season opener at Minnesota, Rucker is expected to be fully operational on Saturday. His return against Pittsburgh was limited to nine snaps (mostly in passing situations), after which the coaching staff eased him back in against Georgia Tech, where he played 55 snaps.
But even before then, when Rucker had to stand and watch from the sidelines, he remained an integral voice for the Tar Heels’ defensive unit.
“A lot of people can lead when you’re doing everything — when you’re sweating, you’re playing, you’re working out,” he said. “It’s a different type of leadership it takes to not be out there… I kind of took that and owned that and I was still able to be a vocal leader.”
Teammate Jacolby Criswell praised his dedication, calling Rucker “a warrior.”
“If he sees you lacking or you’re slacking, he’s going to say something,” Criswell said on Tuesday. “That’s something you need in the program: a guy that, regardless of if you’re friends or not, he’s going to make sure you’re not only bettering yourself but also helping out the team. For him to be hurt and still continuing to do what he’s doing… you can’t find many guys like that.”
Rucker’s leadership extends beyond football, as he was recently named a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, recognizing excellence on and off the field.
The linebacker has funded personal hygiene kits for fifth graders at his former elementary school and conducted a seminar to support young boys through adolescence. Rucker has also been an advocate for mental health and plans to pursue sports psychology after his pro career.
While he’s proud of these achievements away from football, Rucker is ready to return to action as North Carolina looks to get its season turned around. Rucker’s hoping to show out for pro scouts and boost UNC’s pass rush — which has recorded just 15 sacks through seven games.
“It’s just exciting to see him back out there,” UNC defensive coordinator Geoff Collins said on Monday. “I’m ridiculously proud of him and thankful that he’s healthy and hopefully being able to contribute more and more as we go forward.”
Betting odds
Virginia is a four-point favorite, with the over/under set at 59.5.
How to watch
The game will be televised on The CW Network. Streaming options include fubo TV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV and DIRECTV Stream.
North Carolina vs. Virginia
When: Saturday, noon
Where: Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, Virginia
TV: The CW.
Series history: It’s a long one. UNC has a 66-58-4 record against Virginia in a series that dates to 1892. The Cavaliers have won five of the last seven games, although the Tar Heels won their last game at Scott Stadium, taking a 31-28 win in 2022.