Jan. 6, 2005

CHAPEL HILL, N.C.-- The University of North Carolina has agreed to a home-and-home football series with the University of South Florida in 2006 and 2007. The Tar Heels will play host to USF on September 23, 2006, and will play at USF on September 22, 2007.

"South Florida has developed into a very competitive football program in just a short amount of time," said North Carolina Athletic Director Dick Baddour. "We look forward to playing in Tampa in another NFL stadium in 2007."

Carolina's 2006 non-conference slate now includes home games against Rutgers (September 2) and USF (September 23) and a road game at Notre Dame on November 4.

"Head coach Jim Leavitt has built a quality football program at South Florida and I look forward to competing against a strong Big East opponent," said UNC head coach John Bunting. "These games will be a great test for our team and we will have the opportunity to play in a professional stadium in a state that is important to us in recruiting."

South Florida was 4-7 overall last season and 3-5 in Conference USA. Since establishing a football program in 1997, USF has had just two losing seasons and sports an all-time record of 55-33. USF is one of three schools that will join the Big East in football next season, along with Louisville and Cincinnati.

In 2007, Carolina will face Colorado at Kenan Stadium on September 15 and USF at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on September 22. The Tar Heels are still seeking one additional non-conference opponent for the 2007 season.