Miami Rallies Late in Chapel Hill to Edge North Carolina 38-35

Miami Escapes Chapel Hill Unbeaten

Top ranked Miami stayed unbeaten on Saturday night, surviving a tough test on the road against North Carolina. The Hurricanes pulled out a 38-35 victory in Chapel Hill to improve to 8-0 overall and 6-0 in ACC play.

Running back Mark Fletcher Jr. scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 2 yard run on fourth down with 7:49 remaining. It was Fletcher's third touchdown of the evening. The victory kept Miami perfect ahead of a major road game next week against fifth ranked Notre Dame.

Key Plays Seal the Win

North Carolina tried to answer, but Miami defensive players Marquise Lightfoot and Justin Scott came up with a massive turnover. Lightfoot stripped North Carolina quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. from behind as he attempted a pass. Scott recovered the loose ball with 5:33 left on the clock.

Miami capitalized on the turnover to build a double digit lead. Tight end Elija Lofton leaped over a defender on a catch to keep the drive moving. Quarterback Darian Mensah then hit receiver Malachi Toney for a 9 yard touchdown pass to put Miami up 38-28 with 2:33 remaining.

The Tar Heels, led by coach Bill Belichick, scored late and attempted an onside kick. North Carolina had two onside kick recoveries wiped out by penalties before Miami finally recovered the ball to kneel out the win. North Carolina fell to 4-4 overall and 2-3 in the conference, while dropping to 0-12 all time against top ranked opponents.

What it means for the next game

North Carolina Tar Heels at UConn Huskies (College Football, Sat, 07 Nov): UConn Huskies win 62%, North Carolina Tar Heels win 38%; projected score UConn Huskies 28, North Carolina Tar Heels 22. Our safest pick: UConn +4.5.

Miami Hurricanes at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (College Football, Sun, 08 Nov): Notre Dame Fighting Irish win 55%, Miami Hurricanes win 45%; projected score Notre Dame Fighting Irish 29, Miami Hurricanes 25. Our safest pick: Under 65.5 points.