The North Carolina Tar Heels escaped a road scare on Saturday night at Duke, rallying late in the fourth quarter to get a big 38-31 win. The win moves UNC to 6-1 overall and 3-0 in ACC play, an early edge in the coastal division race.
UNC started the game with the ball and did quick work, putting three on the board in just 1:42 seconds. Duke answered back on the next drive with running back Jordan Waters finding the end-zone, capping off a 75-yard drive. North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye got UNC back in the lead with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Kamari Morales.
UNC’s defense had some significant moments in this game, a big one coming on Duke’s next drive, where they forced the Blue Devils to a turnover on downs. After that, North Carolina would get their bell rung, with the offense punting then fumbling on back-to-back drives as Duke matched it with touchdowns.
Before Duke could go into the half with a 21-10 lead, Maye threw his second touchdown pass of the game, this time finding running back Caleb Hood with 13 seconds left in the second quarter.
The third quarter was all UNC. Running back Elijah Green got things going for North Carolina, rushing for a touchdown to give them the 24-21 lead over Duke. UNC’s defense forced Duke into another punt, leading to Greens’ second rushing touchdown of the game.
A combo of speed and power saw Elijah Green score his second TD of the third quarter.
Watch the thrilling end to the Tobacco Road rivalry on @ACCNetwork pic.twitter.com/cbI7wpJM18
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) October 16, 2022
Now up 31-21, North Carolina had a shot to add more points after another defensive stop. However, Noah Burnette missed the 52-yard field goal try.
A game that felt out of reach crept back into nervous territory, with Duke capitalizing on the missed kick with a touchdown to bring the score 31-28, UNC lead. Duke followed up that touchdown with another one after a UNC punt, putting the Blue Devils ahead 35-31.
The nightmare continued for UNC, this time with Maye fumbling. After killing 5:23 seconds off the clock, Duke felt North Carolina’s misfortunes with a missed field goal of their own.
The game came down to a final UNC drive. Maye led the Tar Heels to a game-winning touchdown, finding wide receiver Antione Green with 16 seconds left. Maye finished with 28 of 38 pass completions, 380 passing yards and three touchdowns.
This marked Mack Browns 12th straight win against the Blue Devils.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.