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Ian Jackson, the emerging star for the UNC Tar Heels, is gearing up for his first rivalry game against NC State. As the Tar Heels prepare to face the Wolfpack in Raleigh, Jackson expressed a mix of excitement and curiosity about the rivalry, questioning its significance by asking, `It's a rivalry?` However, he quickly clarified his respect for NC State, acknowledging their strength and the competitive nature of the ACC. Jackson emphasized that while they are not viewing the game strictly as a rivalry, they are focused on playing their game and securing another win in conference play.

The Tar Heels currently hold a 3-1 record in the ACC, while the Wolfpack stands at 8-6 overall and 1-2 in conference play. Jackson has been a standout performer for UNC, averaging 23.6 points over the past five games, including an impressive 18-point outing against SMU. His contributions will be crucial as the Tar Heels look to maintain their momentum in a challenging conference.

In a separate but notable event, the college basketball world reacted strongly to the Tennessee Volunteers' shocking 30-point loss to the Florida Gators. This defeat marked a historic moment, as it was the first time an AP No. 1 team lost by 25 or more points since 1968. Tennessee's struggles were evident, shooting just 21.4% from the field and 13.8% from three-point range, leading to significant discussions among fans and analysts alike.

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