The University of North Carolina (UNC) struggled to secure a victory against Wake Forest University, losing 28-12 in a matchup held at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Despite a strong effort from kicker Rece Verhoff, who scored four field goals, the Tar Heels fell short in their quest for bowl eligibility, bringing their record to 4-6 overall and 2-4 in conference play.
First Half Highlights
The game began with an explosive play from the home team. Wake Forest’s defense forced a turnover on UNC’s first drive, leading to a 50-yard touchdown return by Carlos Hernandez just over a minute into the game. The early score put the Demon Deacons ahead 7-0, and UNC struggled to respond.
In the second quarter, Wake Forest extended its lead with a 12-yard rushing touchdown from running back Demond Claiborne. This impressive 13-play, 79-yard drive consumed over five minutes of the clock, demonstrating the home team’s offensive efficiency. UNC found a glimmer of hope just before halftime when Rece Verhoff successfully completed a 57-yard field goal attempt, narrowing the score to 14-6.
Halftime statistics revealed a stark contrast in performance. UNC recorded a total of 131 yards, with only 37 coming from rushing, while Wake Forest amassed 198 total yards, including 125 rushing yards.
Second Half Struggles
The third quarter saw Verhoff add another field goal, making the score 14-9. However, Wake Forest quickly answered with a significant play, as quarterback Robby Ashford connected with Hernandez for a 70-yard passing touchdown, increasing their lead to 21-9.
As the final quarter unfolded, Verhoff managed to keep UNC competitive with his fourth successful field goal, bringing the score to 21-12. Despite his efforts, the Tar Heels’ offense faced mounting challenges. Wake Forest capped the game with a decisive push, with Ashford executing a quarterback keeper on fourth-and-two that led to a final score of 28-12.
Looking ahead, UNC will prepare to face Duke in Chapel Hill on November 22, 2023. The kickoff time for this crucial matchup has yet to be determined. The Tar Heels must regroup quickly as they aim to secure a bowl game appearance.
