LOOK: North Carolina reveals retro uniform combination for Duke's Mayo Bowl
North Carolina and South Carolina are set to face off in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte on Dec. 30. Ahead of the matchup, North Carolina has revealed its uniform combination. The Tar Heels will be rocking their Tar Heel blue jerseys and helmets along with white pants.
This season’s appearance will be North Carolina’s fifth in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. South Carolina will be making its second appearance.
The season was two different tales for North Carolina and South Carolina. North Carolina came into the year ranked in the top ten, while South Carolina was expected to be one of the two worst teams in the SEC. The Tar Heels failed to live up to those expectations, finishing the season 6-6. South Carolina, meanwhile, exceeded any and all expectations, reaching bowl eligibility in head coach Shane Beamer’s first season with a 6-6 record.
North Carolina, South Carolina face off in the 20th edition of the Duke’s Mayo Bowl
The Duke’s Mayo Bowl has gone by many names throughout the years. It has previously been called the Continental Tire Bowl, Meineke Car Care Bowl, and Belk Bowl. It is now the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, and Dec. 30 will mark the bowl’s 20th anniversary.
Both coaches, North Carolina’s Mack Brown and South Carolina’s Shane Beamer, have agreed to take a mayonnaise bath if their team wins the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. The condiment company pledged $100,000 to the charity of the winning team’s choice if the coach agreed to take the mayonnaise bath.
When the Duke’s Mayo Bowl gets underway, North Carolina will have starting quarterback Sam Howell on the field. Howell, who is a potential first round NFL Draft selection after the season, intends to play rather than opting out of the bowl game.
Having Howell will be a big boost for North Carolina in the bowl, although he did not live up to Heisman-level expectations entering the season. On the season, Howell has completed 62.7% of his passes for 2,851 yards, 23 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also has established himself as a dominant runner, rushing 170 times for 825 yards and 11 scores.
Kickoff for the Duke’s Mayo Bowl is set for 11:30 a.m. ET on Dec. 30.