Tar Heels Ground Game Carries UNC to Victory

© Bob Donnan - Imagn Images

Behind the dependable Omarion Hampton and timely turnovers, the North Carolina Tar Heels (6-4, 3-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) legged out a victory against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-6, 2-4). Hampton was a problem for the Demon Deacons as he recorded his third 200-yard game this season and helped the Tar Heels secure their sixth straight bowl-eligible season.

First Half Hampton

The first half was a blur as both teams strung together time consuming drives. Wake Forest struck the scoreboard first as kicker Matthew Dennis connected on a 33-yard field goal to give the Demon Deacons an early 3-0 lead in the first quarter. Despite the lead, there was little that Wake Forest could do to slow down Hampton and the Tar Heels running game. Hampton came out of the gates strong and North Carolina was emphatic about getting him the ball early and often. Hampton ended the first quarter with 100 yards rushing on 10 carries, on his way to a huge night.

© Bob Donnan - Imagn Images

The second quarter began much the same as Hampton led his team to the Wake Forest 4-yard line. Quarterback Jacolby Criswell would scamper into the end zone two plays later to give the Tar Heels a 7-3 lead. Both teams exchanged punts over the next few series before defensive end Kaimon Rucker recorded his 22nd career sack. That sack placed him sixth all-time in sacks for the Tar Heels. North Carolina would respond on the next drive with a 7-play, 56-yard drive that ended with a Noah Burnette field goal. Entering half time the Tar Heels held a 10-3 lead.

Run Tar Heels, Run

The second half began with Wake Forest driving 75 yards to tie the score at 10, behind the legs of runningback Demond Claiborne. Unfortunately, during the drive, they lost their starting quarterback Hank Bachmeier to a shoulder injury. His backup, Michael Kern would finish out the game for the Demon Deacons. Not to be outdone the Tar Heels answered with a touchdown of their own as Hampton continued to gouge the Wake Forest defense. His 38-yard run set up the Tar Heels’ JJ Jones for a 15-yard receiving touchdown, putting the Tar Heels back on top 17-10.

Wake Forest’s next drive was halted when Kern threw a pick-six to North Carolina linebacker Power Echols. It was Echols first interception of the season and his touchdown put the Tar Heels ahead 24-10. The following drive for the Demon Deacons failed to gain traction, forcing them to punt. Two plays later Wake Forest had the ball back after their defense recovered a Criswell fumble inside the Tar Heels’ 10-yard line. Claiborne finished a quick 1-play drive making the score North Carolina 24, Wake Forest 17. Both teams exchanged punts for the next five drives, until a Kern fumble that gave the Tar Heels the ball in scoring position.

Hampton would carry the ball on every play of the Tar Heels’ next scoring drive and finally get into the end zone to cap off his historic night and increase the score to 31-17 North Carolina. Although Wake Forest would answer with a touchdown on their next drive to make it a seven-point game, they would ultimately run out of time as the Tar Heels ran out the clock to win the game 31-24.

Player of the Game

RB Omarion Hampton, UNC (35 Carries, 244 yards, 1 TD)

Hampton continues to show why he is a top back in college football. This game showcased his vision and balance as he made defenders miss every time he touched the ball. By halftime, he had 153 total yards while the Demon Deacons only had 117.

Looking Ahead

The Tar Heels are bowl-eligible and finish their 2024 campaign with Boston College (5-5, 2-4) and rival North Carolina State (5-5, 2-4). Both games are winnable and Hampton’s performances in each game will be vital to his Heisman Trophy hopes.

Wake Forest has an uphill climb as they travel to No. 9 Miami (9-1, 5-1) and finish the season at home against Duke (7-3, 3-3). They need to win both games to become bowl-eligible. Their last bowl appearance was in 2022.