WATCH: North Carolina secures game-saving interception vs. Miami

The North Carolina defense came away with a game-saving interception with less than a minute to go against Miami on Saturday. The Hurricanes were driving, already and field goal range, and looking to tie. But the Tar Heels had other ideas.

Miami with a chance to win the game… and it's INTERCEPTED BY NORTH CAROLINA!!! pic.twitter.com/auGBX5Woh0

— ✯✯✯✯✯ (@FTBVids_YT) October 16, 2021

Tyler Van Dyke stepped back for a pass but soon found himself under pressure. He let go of the ball quickly but it was tipped and ultimately caught by UNC.

The interception was the third of the game for Van Dyke, who finished 20-of-45 passing for 264 yards and a touchdown. He completed a two-point conversion pass to Charleston Rambo with 3:08 left to go that made the game 45-42. Unfortunately, that is the same score Miami would lose by.

The win improves North Carolina to 4-3 overall and 3-3 in ACC play. Miami dropped to 2-4 and 0-2 after opening the year at No. 14 in the AP poll. The Tar Heels, too, have failed to live up to their preseason hype and have fallen out of the polls after starting the year at No. 10.

Although it was the North Carolina defense that came away with the play of the game on the interception, the offense also shined Saturday. UNC quarterback Sam Howell finished with four total touchdowns along with 154 yards passing and 98 yards rushing. Running back Ty Chandler added 104 yards and two touchdowns.

UNC is still eyeing a trip to the ACC Championship game, but has a long way to go if it hopes to get there. The Tar Heels currently sit at third in the Coastal division standings behind Pittsburgh and Virginia.

They have a bye next week before traveling to face No. 14 Notre Dame. Miami will continue its stretch against teams from the state of North Carolina when it takes on NC State next Saturday in search of its first ACC win.