— text and picture by Patrick Magoon freelance writer for WIZS
The North Carolina Tar Heels (UNC) fought hard to defeat in-state rival Appalachian State, 40-34.
UNC’s first offensive series stalled out at the App State 13-yard line. In an attempt to build momentum and quickly move the chains, UNC running back Omarion Hampton charged forward but was pushed behind the line of scrimmage for a 1-yard loss.
In contrast, App State quarterback Joey Aguilar started hot, connecting with receiver Dashaun Davis twice for 33 yards. But, the momentum was short-lived. An incomplete pass and a couple of rushes for minimal gains forced the Mountaineers to settle for a 47-yard field goal attempt, but App State kicker Michael Hughes missed.
UNC, hoping to turn things around, faced another third-and-short situation. Running back Caleb Hood forged ahead but was wrapped up immediately. The Tar Heels had to punt the ball away.
The Mountaineers capitalized on the missed opportunity, bouncing back and capping off a 19-play, 66-yard drive with a 46-yard field goal to take an early lead.
Then UNC responded.
Running back Omarion Hampton evaded multiple defenders and displayed incredible speed while carrying the ball 68 yards to the end zone. That was only the beginning for the elusive Hampton. He ran rampant for most of the game, accumulating 234 yards and three touchdowns.
“Omarion is a really good player, and we’ve seen that type of performance coming,” said UNC head coach Mack Brown.
Omarion Hampton (UNC v App State 09-09-23)
App State fought hard to reclaim the lead before the half. Aguilar, early on in the second quarter, hit Davis in stride for 34 yards. Moments later, Aguilar completed a pass to tight end Eli Wilson for a 5-yard touchdown.
The Mountaineers started the second half strong, executing six plays for 75 yards and a touchdown. Then UNC quickly found its footing and matched App State’s energy.
UNC safety Don Chapman intercepted Aguilar in the third quarter, forcing a 31-yard field goal. Aguilar distributed the ball to Miller Gibbs, Dalton Stroman and Milan Tucker for a total of 47 yards before handing the ball off to Noel, who ran seven yards for a touchdown.
The shootout persisted well into the fourth quarter as Maye launched a deep pass to receiver J.J. Jones for a 57-yard completion before setting up Hampton for a 7-yard touchdown.
With little time to spare, App State relied on Aguilar’s passes and Noel’s runs to set up a 33-yard field goal and tie the game. Tar Heel fans anxiously watched as their kicker lined up to attempt a game-winning field goal. A few minutes later, the kick was declared no good.
To secure the win in overtime, Maye propelled his team forward with a 13-yard rushing touchdown. Then UNC’s defense made a vital stop in crunch time.
“Drake just glows with confidence and always knows we’re gonna win the game,” said Brown.