No. 16 UVa survives in Chapel Hill, wins 17-16 in OT
North Carolina’s attempt for a game-winning two-point conversion in overtime failed, as No. 16 UVa held on to win 17-16 in Chapel Hill to stay undefeated in ACC play this season.
The Wahoos (7-1, 4-0 ACC) scored on a 2-yard TD run by J’Mari Taylor to push ahead in the first possession of the extra session, as an ensuing Will Bettridge extra point proved to be the winning margin.
It was a tough break for the Heels, who put up a season-high 353 yards in the loss and held UVa to a season-low 259 yards.
On a day when points came at a premium and the teams combined for 15 punts, Taylor’s TD was only the second of the day for the Hoos. Chandler Morris connected with Trell Harris for a 30-yard score with 6:36 to go in the second quarter.
The day started with a Bettridge field goal, a 34 yarder with 4:33 left in the first quarter. Carolina (2-5, 0-3) followed suit with 11:30 left in the half, getting a 34 yarder from Rece Verhoff to tie it up.
After the Hoos put together a six-play, 60-yard scoring drive to take the lead on Harris’ TD, Carolina marched 75 yards in 10 plays, capped by a 1-yard TD run by Gio Lopez to tie things back up at 10-10 with 1:24 left until intermission.
The second half was totally devoid of scoring, despite numerous opportunities for both teams to push ahead.
Morris finished the day with 20-for-35 passing for 200 yards and one INT to go with his lone TD. Taylor finished with 69 yards on 21 carries. While Harris had 72 yards receiving on four catches, Jahmal Edrine had a game-high 75 yards on six catches.
Lopez finished 23-for-36 passing for 208 yards with two INTs to go with his touchdown. The Heels, who held UVa to a season-low 59 yards rushing, got 145 on the ground. They were led by 50 yards on 11 carries from Benjamin Hall.
