CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — In a thrilling game on Saturday night, Omarion Hampton delivered a standout performance, recording career highs with 35 carries for 244 yards, including a crucial late touchdown that propelled North Carolina to a 31-24 victory over Wake Forest. This win marked the Tar Heels’ sixth of the season, granting them bowl eligibility for the year.
Hampton’s impressive outing continued his streak of exceeding 100 rushing yards for the eighth consecutive game. He showcased remarkable athleticism, particularly on a key touchdown run where he leaped over defenders and pushed through tackles with just 2:26 remaining, extending the Tar Heels’ lead to 31-17.
This game not only highlighted Hampton’s skills but also contributed to the team’s third straight victory, improving their overall record to 6-4 and 3-3 within the Atlantic Coast Conference. Alongside Hampton, Jacolby Criswell contributed to the offense by scoring a touchdown both through the air and on the ground. On the defensive side, linebacker Power Echols made a standout play by intercepting a pass and returning it 42 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter.
For the Demon Deacons, Demond Claiborne was effective, running for 95 yards with two touchdowns. Wake Forest entered this matchup with a strong 3-0 record on the road but suffered from costly turnovers, ultimately losing three of them. The final misstep came from quarterback Michael Kern, who fumbled deep in his territory after being strip-sacked by Joshua Harris, leading to Hampton’s touchdown.
Kern filled in for starter Hank Bachmeier, who left the game early in the third quarter due to an upper-body injury. Despite Kern throwing for 172 yards along with one touchdown and two interceptions, he managed to connect with Taylor Morin for a 40-yard gain, then again for a 16-yard touchdown in the closing minutes, keeping the Demon Deacons in the game. However, the Tar Heels successfully recovered the ensuing kickoff, sealing their victory.
The takeaway from the match illustrates that Wake Forest was striving for two more wins to achieve bowl eligibility and maintain their undefeated road record. Although they fought hard to overcome two 14-point deficits, they ultimately fell short.
On the other hand, the Tar Heels seem to have turned their season around after a rough four-game stretch, which included a significant loss to James Madison. Following an open week, they enjoyed impressive wins over Virginia and Florida State, while racking up a notable 17 sacks prior to this game.
Looking ahead, Wake Forest will head on the road once more to face No. 12 Miami next Saturday before returning home to play against their in-state rival, Duke, in their season finale. Meanwhile, UNC is set to play their last away game against Boston College next Saturday before concluding the season at home against N.C. State.