North Carolina Stuns Wake Forest in 58-55 Shootout

CHAPEL HILL NC – #9 Wake Forest (9-1) undefeated streak ended as North Carolina (5-4) recorded a 58-55 stunning victory in a shootout. The contest came down to the wire and finished dramatically. The Tar Heels were able to come all the way back, after being down 18 in the middle of the 3rd quarter. 

The matchup featured two of the better QB’s in the nation, with Wake Forest’s Sam Hartman and UNC’s Sam Howell. The two stars did not disappoint as they both put together memorable performances. Hartman was 25 for 51 in the air with 398 passing yards, 78 rushing yards, 7 total touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Howell matched that going 16 for 26 for 216 passing yards, 104 rushing yards, and 3 total touchdowns. 

Hartman was able to pick apart the Tar Heels secondary in the first half despite being intercepted by Cam’Ron Kelly who was responsible for both interceptions in the game. The 6 foot 1 QB threw 3 touchdowns, all going to different receivers in A.T. Perry, Jaquarii Robinson, and Taylor Morin, and added a score on the ground as well. On the other hand, Howell did most of his damage with his legs going for 76 yards on 13 carries and 2 rushing scores. It was a back and forth contest at halftime that favored Wake Forest 31-24. 

Both offenses continued to take over in the second half, and neither defense could prevent either team from scoring. Hartman was able to find a rhythm on the ground as he added another rushing touchdown in their first scoring drive in the 3rd quarter. He found Perry again on the next drive for a 66-yard dot that brought the score to 45-27. 

Howell did everything in his power to stay in the game and marched back impressively. He found Antonie Green for a 29 touchdown reception, and Ty Chandler ran the ball effectively (213 rushing yards), recording 4 total touchdowns and added 3 scores in the second half to tie things up at 48. Grayson Atkins hit a 25-yard field goal to take the lead in the final minutes and was followed by the final Chandler touchdown, which put the game out of reach. 

After the disappointing loss, Wake Forest will look to bounceback in a massive ACC tilt when they host the NC State Wolfpack for their Senior Day next week. The Tar Heels are expected to travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Panthers, who are coming off a road win over Duke this upcoming Thursday.