North Carolina Football: 3 takeaways from shootout win over Wake Forest
2. North Carolina’s offense was on point
In the first half, both teams produced impressive offensive numbers.
Wake Forest had 394 total yards versus North Carolina’s 388 yards, but it was the Tar Heels who owned the passing game with 323 yards against the Demon Deacons’ 244.
On the other hand, North Carolina only put up 65 rushing yards, and Wake Forest put up just over double that, with 150 rushing yards. North Carolina only had one penalty called on them and had the one interception, while Wake Forest escaped without any penalties or interceptions.
Combined, the two teams put up more yards in the first half than in any other two teams in the first half of a game, in both the FBS or NFL.
The first touchdown of the third quarter came from Wake Forest, who had also put up a field goal in their opening drive. The touchdown was a result of Sam Hartman connecting with Donavon Greene for an 18-yard touchdown and widening the lead in the score, 45-24.
North Carolina answered in the next drive, with a touchdown score twice In the same drive. Howell connected with Khafre Brown who took it for a 65-yard touchdown but was nullified by an offensive penalty. A few plays later Howell connected with Dyami Brown for a four-yard touchdown score and closed the gap in the lead, 45-31.
The Tar Heels opened the fourth quarter with a touchdown pass between Howell and Michael Carter for 46 yards, bringing the Tar Heels within one touchdown score of the Demon Deacons, 45-38.
The Tar Heels put that touchdown up in their next drive, after 10 plays and running four and a half minutes off of the clock. The game was tied 45-45 with 8:19 left in the game.
Howell became the only quarterback in North Carolina history to throw for 500 yards in a single game after this possession. He finished the game with 550 passing yards and 21 rushing yards in addition to six touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown.
Howell added 20-yard touchdown run to finish out the Tar Heels’ next possession and gave them the lead with just over four minutes left in the game.
Javonte Williams took the ball for a 15-yard rushing touchdown in the Tar Heels’ next possession, extending the lead to 14 with 2:39 left on the clock.
In the next drive, Wake Forest put up their first touchdown since early in the third quarter. Hartman connected with Jacquari Robertson for five yards and six points. Hartman attempted and completed the two-point conversion following the touchdown, and the score was 59-53 with just under one minute to go.
Wake Forest kicked an onside kick following the two-point conversion in which North Carolina recovered it at the 50-yard line, ending the game.