The North Carolina football team (6-4, 3-3 ACC) defeated Wake Forest (4-6, 2-4 ACC), 31-17, on Saturday night at Kenan Stadium to become bowl eligible for the sixth consecutive season.
The Tar Heels were led by junior running back Omarion Hampton, who set a career-high in rushing yards with 244 on 35 carries, while adding five catches for 16 yards. His late-game touchdown sealed the win for UNC.
"He's very humble," head coach Mack Brown said. "He never asked for the ball. I guess you don't have to when you get it 35 times, but he usually makes some plays when he has to help us win the game."
On UNC's second drive, it fed Hampton, who was able to pick up a first down with a nine yard gain. On fourth down, the Tar Heels faked the punt with a direct snap to graduate tight end John Copenhaver who bulldozed his way up the middle for the first down.
Back-to-back Hampton rushes went for a combined 47 yards, setting UNC up in the red zone. However, graduate quarterback Jacolby Criswell was sacked on both second and third down, leading to a field goal attempt from senior kicker Noah Burnette that hit off the left upright, keeping the game scoreless.
Hampton hit 100 rushing yards in the first quarter, his second consecutive game with a 100-yard rushing quarter, doing it in the third quarter against Florida State two weeks ago. Despite his early performance, North Carolina trailed 3-0 after the first quarter.
To open the second quarter, Hampton converted on fourth down and then broke free for a 26-yard gain, setting up first-and-goal. On third down, Criswell capped of the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run, diving into the end zone and giving UNC a 7-3 lead.
The Demon Deacon offense found some life with running back Demond Claiborne breaking free for a 22-yard gain up the middle. UNC's defense stood strong, forcing a turnover on downs at the UNC 37-yard line.
The Tar Heels were able to end the first half with a field goal from Burnette after a seven play, 56-yard drive in just 1:38 to take a 10-3 lead.
