Notre Dame Survives Early Scare from UNC, Rallies for Victory
C.J. Carr throws four touchdown passes to lead the Fighting Irish in rainy conditions.
No. 3 Notre Dame overcame an early deficit and challenging rainy conditions to defeat UNC 37-26 on Saturday, extending their undefeated streak.
UNC took an early 7-0 lead with a seven-play, 74-yard drive culminating in a touchdown pass from quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. to Shamar Easter. However, Notre Dame quickly responded, scoring 21 unanswered points. Quarterback C.J. Carr connected with Jaden Greathouse for a 12-yard touchdown to tie the game, and following an interception, Carr found Jordan Faison for a 39-yard score to put the Fighting Irish ahead.
Carr finished the game completing 21 of 29 passes for 234 yards and four touchdowns, while also adding 15 rushing yards and a touchdown. Faison was a key target, hauling in eight passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns.
Despite Notre Dame's surge, UNC managed to drive 97 yards in 15 plays to score a touchdown just before halftime, narrowing the gap to 21-14. The Tar Heels continued their momentum into the second half with a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, but a missed extra point kept the score at 21-20.
Notre Dame then embarked on a critical 17-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, converting three fourth downs, with Carr scoring from the 3-yard line. The Fighting Irish extended their lead to 34-20 in the fourth quarter on an eight-play, 68-yard drive capped by a touchdown pass from Carr to running back Nolan James Jr.
A field goal by Spencer Porath pushed Notre Dame's lead to 37-20. UNC scored a late touchdown, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit.
With the win, Notre Dame improves to 5-0 and is set to host Stanford next Saturday. UNC falls to 2-2 and will play Pittsburgh on the road.