CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) — In a game that came down to the final play, the North Carolina Tar Heels fell agonizingly short in overtime, dropping a 17-16 decision to the Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday afternoon at Kenan Stadium.
The loss extended UNC’s struggles to 2-5 overall and 0-3 in conference play, while Virginia improved to 7-1 and remained unbeaten in league action at 4-0.
After regulation ended in a 10-10 stalemate, both teams got their chance to score in the
extra period. Virginia struck first, with running back J’Mari Taylor punching in a one-yard touchdown on the Cavaliers’ seventh play to take a 17-10 lead.
The Tar Heels answered immediately, needing just five plays to cover 25 yards and pull within one point on a nine-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Gio Lopez to Davion Gause.
Facing the decision of whether to kick the extra point and extend the game or go for the
win. Lopez’s two-point conversion attempt was no good, giving Virginia the dramatic
victory and leaving the home crowd stunned.
Offensive Struggles Defined the Day
The game was a defensive battle throughout, with both offenses struggling to find a
consistent rhythm. North Carolina managed 353 total yards compared to Virginia’s 259,
but the Tar Heels couldn’t capitalize when it mattered most. UNC converted just 5 of 15
third-down attempts and turned the ball over three times, including two costly
interceptions thrown by Lopez.
Lopez finished 23-of-36 for 208 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, while
also rushing for a one-yard touchdown in the second quarter. The running game showed
flashes, with Benjamin Hall leading the way with 50 yards on 11 carries. Demon June
added 39 yards on nine attempts, and Gause contributed 30 yards, including a crucial 25-
yard burst in the second quarter.
Defense Keeps Heels in the Game
While the offense sputtered, North Carolina’s defense delivered a strong performance,
particularly in the pass rush. The Tar Heels recorded six sacks for 44 yards, led by Melkart
Abou Jaoude’s three sacks for 16 yards. The defensive line consistently pressured Virginia
quarterback Chandler Morris, who finished 20-of-35 for 200 yards with one touchdown
and one interception.
The Tar Heels’ secondary made key plays when needed, with Andrew Simpson
intercepting Morris and returning 16 yards in the third quarter. However, the defense
couldn’t make the final stop in overtime when Taylor powered through for the go-ahead
score.
Special Teams Moments
The game featured solid punting from both sides, with UNC’s Tom Maginness averaging
45 yards on seven punts. Virginia’s Daniel Sparks was even better, averaging 48.9 yards
per punt and placing two inside the 20-yard line. The Tar Heels attempted a 50-yard field
goal at the end of the first half, but Rece Verhoff’s kick sailed wide, keeping the game tied
at 10-10 heading into intermission.
Key Sequences
The game turned on several crucial moments. In the first quarter, UNC drove deep into
Virginia territory but fumbled at the one-yard line, with Kobe Paysour losing the ball after
a catch that was initially ruled a touchdown. The turnover cost the Tar Heels at least three
points and potentially seven.
Late in the third quarter, with North Carolina driving in Virginia territory, Lopez threw
his second interception of the game, snuffing out a promising drive. The Cavaliers took
advantage of UNC’s mistakes, converting a Paysour fumble into a 34-yard field goal in the
first quarter.
Receiving Corps Spreads the Ball
Madrid Tucker led all UNC receivers with eight catches for 41 yards, while Jordan Shipp
hauled in seven receptions for 67 yards. Paysour, despite the costly fumble, had three
catches for 53 yards. The passing game lacked explosive plays, with no completion longer
than 26 yards all afternoon.