CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Jamal Haynes delivered an impressive performance, rushing for 170 yards and scoring two touchdowns, with the decisive 68-yard run occurring in the final minute, as Georgia Tech pulled off a surprising 41-34 victory over North Carolina at Kenan Stadium on Saturday.
Haynes’ second touchdown came with only 16 seconds remaining, just after North Carolina managed to equalize with a 26-yard field goal kick from Noah Burnette.
The Yellow Jackets’ dynamic read-option strategy resulted in a total of 505 yards, including 371 on the ground. In addition to Haynes’ success, quarterback Haynes King also contributed significantly, amassing a personal best of 107 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
North Carolina narrowed the gap to 34-31 with 3:27 left on the clock due to a short 1-yard touchdown run by Jacolby Criswell, marking his second rushing touchdown of the game. Burnette’s field goal tied the game just 44 seconds before the end. Nonetheless, North Carolina’s defense faltered one last time, allowing Georgia Tech to claim victory.
Omarion Hampton, who had previously rushed for 106 yards against Pittsburgh, led the Tar Heels with 137 yards over 18 carries. His outstanding performance included a highlight 71-yard run, setting up J.J. Jones for a 4-yard touchdown just before halftime.
Despite their efforts, the Tar Heels (3-4) experienced their fourth consecutive loss.
The game began poorly for North Carolina as Syeed Gibbs sacked Criswell on their initial drive, forcing a fumble that Georgia Tech (5-2) recovered at the Tar Heels’ 38-yard line. The Yellow Jackets capitalized six plays later with a 2-yard touchdown run from Chad Alexander.
North Carolina responded later in the opening quarter, covering 78 yards in a mere three plays, aided by a 53-yard reception from Jones. Criswell then executed a 1-yard run to tie the game at 7.
The Analysis: Georgia Tech: Jamal Haynes and Haynes King effectively kept North Carolina’s defense guessing throughout the day, with King surpassing 100 yards rushing for only the second time in his career—previously achieving 150 yards in a loss to Boston College last season.
North Carolina: Criswell’s early fumble was indicative of a challenging afternoon for the Tar Heels, who have fallen in four straight matchups since an initial 3-0 record. With three of their next four games scheduled on the road, it presents a tough challenge for them to return to a winning season.
Next up: Georgia Tech will be hosting the No. 11 ranked Notre Dame next Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. In contrast, North Carolina will prepare for a matchup against Virginia on October 26 after taking a bye week.