For the kind of football game UNC and App State played in last year (63-61 UNC win), it was surprising to see both teams scoreless after the first quarter of today’s game.
Both schools had chances to score early – the Tar Heels failed to convert on a fourth-and-1 deep in Mountaineer territory, while App State kicker Michael Hughes missed a 40-yard field goal.
Hughes converted on his second chance, this time from 46 yards out, giving the Mountaineers a 3-0 lead four minutes into the second quarter.
That advantage was short-lived, however, as UNC’s offense finally woke up.
Omarion Hampton, starting at running back for the Tar Heels in wake of British Brooks’ new lower-body injury, bursted through the App State defense for a 68-yard touchdown run and a 6-3 UNC lead.
.@OmarionHampton to the 𝙃𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚! pic.twitter.com/WS7nJNh8Js
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) September 9, 2023
Not even at halftime yet, Hampton has has 95 yards and a score. It’s encouraging to see this type of production from Hampton, especially when Brooks, who was ruled out before the game, ran for 100 yards in the opener against South Carolina.
Will Hampton add any more touchdowns before the game is over? Stay tuned to find out.
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