Miami holds off North Carolina 38-35 after late comeback

Miami defeated North Carolina 38-35 on October 31 in Chapel Hill, surviving a late comeback after the Tar Heels twice recovered onside kicks only for penalties to nullify the plays. The No. 1-ranked Hurricanes scored twice in the final eight minutes, while North Carolina’s final touchdown narrowed the margin to three with 1:38 remaining. North Carolina had taken a 28-24 lead early in the fourth quarter, finishing a 16-play, 75-yard drive with Demon June’s 1-yard touchdown run. Miami answered with Mark Fletcher Jr.’s 2-yard rushing score on fourth down to move ahead 31-28 with 7:49 left. The decisive turnover came on North Carolina’s next possession. Miami defensive lineman Marquise Lightfoot forced a fumble from quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. late in the quarter. Miami then drove 37 yards, and quarterback Darian Mensah connected with Malachi Toney for a 9-yard touchdown with 2:33 remaining, extending the lead to 38-28. Edwards responded with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Trech Kekahuna, bringing the Tar Heels within three. North Carolina recovered the ensuing onside kick, but a penalty nullified the recovery. The Tar Heels recovered a second attempt, which was also nullified by a...