UNC football becomes bowl eligible with 31-24 win over Wake Forest

The North Carolina football team (6-4, 3-3 ACC) defeated Wake Forest (4-6, 2-4 ACC), 31-24, 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. 

Wake Forest quarterback Hank Bachmeier exited the game with an injury following the first play of the third quarter and was replaced by Michael Kern, who drove the Deacons 72 yards for a touchdown to tie the game. 

North Carolina responded on the ensuing drive. A 38-yard rush from Hampton helped set up a 15-yard touchdown reception from senior wide receiver J.J. Jones, who found himself open at the very back of the end zone for a 17-10 Tar Heel lead. 

On third-and-10, Kern dropped back in the pocket and fired the ball right into the hands of senior linebacker Power Echols who took it all the way to the house for a 42-yard pick six.

"I just kind of backed up and played the quarterbacks eyes," Echols said. "And you know, the D-line got good pressure, made him throw it when he didn't want to."

After forcing a punt, Criswell fumbled on the 7-yard line, setting up Wake in the red zone. Claiborne scored a rushing touchdown on the very next play, cutting the UNC lead to 24-17. 

The Tar Heels went three and out on the subsequent drive, with Hampton fumbling the ball on third down but recovered by Criswell. After the punt, junior cornerback Marcus Allen picked off Kern after the ball bounced off a Wake receiver and into the hands of Allen. However, UNC went three and out again and punted the ball back to Wake Forest. 

Neither offense was able to get anything going for nearly 10 in game minutes. Penalties and ineffective offenses characterized the late third and early fourth quarters. 

North Carolina got the ball back after a strip sack by graduate defensive lineman Joshua Harris, Sr. recovered by junior defensive lineman Travis Shaw on the Wake Forest 18-yard line. The short drive was capped off by a 6-yard touchdown run by Hampton to give the Tar Heels a 31-17 leade. 

"[The] defense showed out and they played really well," Criswell said. "And those types of scenarios are major when it comes to the offense."

Wake scored a late touchdown with 1:15 remaining, but was able to recover the onside kick and seal the game for a 31-24 win.

The Tar Heels will travel to Chestnut Hill, Mass. to take on the Boston College Eagles next Saturday. Kickoff is set for noon. 

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