THB’s football uniform challenge First Round: No. 3 vs. No. 14

This series will determine the ultimate UNC football uniform combination. Each week, your vote decides which set advances to the next round.

Last week, the fourth ranked “Zero Dark Thursday” uniform set claimed a decisive victory over the first uniform set of the Charlie Justice era. The first all-black uniform set for the North Carolina Tar Heels garnered nearly three-quarters of the fan vote.

Here is a look at the football uniform challenge bracket after the first matchup (click to enlarge):

This week, your vote will advance a current uniform combination to the quarterfinals.

No. 3: 2015-present blue-on-white with white helmet

Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

After a brief experiment with a modern design, the 2015 redesign of the UNC football uniform went back to a more classic design with a bit of flair. In this writer’s opinion, the current “targyle” uniforms are a timeless and unique look that the program should stick with for the foreseeable future. Any of the sets with a combination of blue and white could have fit into this slot because they accentuate the university’s colors, have balance of color throughout the uniform, and just look daggum good.

A moment in this uniform

Last season, Carolina hosted Pitt in each team’s conference opener. A safety and a field goal in put the Panthers ahead 5-0 after the first quarter. The teams alternated touchdowns in the second quarter. A Nick Weiler field goal to the end the half narrowed the Pitt lead to 19-16.

In the third quarter, Pitt held 10-point leads at two different occasions. In the fourth, a Pitt field goal pushed their lead to 36-23, and with a three-and-out on the subsequent UNC possession, it looked as though the Heels would squander their conference opener at home.

The defense forced a three-and-out, and Ryan Switzer returned the punt back to the Pitt 45. Facing a fourth and three from the Pitt 26, Mitch Trubisky connected with Switzer for a first down. Three plays later, Trubisky tossed a touchdown to Bug Howard to cut the lead to 36-30.

On the next Pitt series, the defense once again forced a three-and-out, and Carolina started its final drive on their own 37 with 3:35 left in the game. During that series, UNC faced three fourth downs and converted each of them to keep the drive alive. On a fourth and six from their own 41, Trubisky went to Switzer for a 15-yard first down to get into Pitt territory. On a fourth and six from the Pitt 40, Trubisky completed a pass to Austin Proehl for a first down. On a fourth and nine from the Pitt 26, Trubisky connected again with Switzer to just get to the chains for a first down. With two ticks on the clock, Trubisky threw it up to Howard for the game-tying touchdown. Weiler’s extra point put the Heels ahead by one to complete the comeback.

Check out the game highlights, via UNC Athletics:

No. 14: 2016 “Black Friday”

Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images

The latest iteration of the all-black UNC football was introduced in the final game of the regular season last year on the day after Thanksgiving.

A moment in this uniform

Not much to say about a moment in this uniform. This particular set has been worn just once, and debuted on Black Friday 2016. NC State’s win made the Wolfpack a .500 team, bowl eligible, and saved Dave Doeren’s job.

Vote below for your favorite. The poll ends next Wednesday.