UNC football falls to Georgia Tech, 41-34, after giving up late-game touchdown –

The Tar Heels responded, with Hampton sprinting down the North Carolina sideline for a gain of 71 yards — the longest rush of his career — to the Georgia Tech four-yard line. On third and goal with four yards to go, Criswell connected with Jones in the back of the end zone with 34 seconds on the clock, decreasing the deficit to 17-14. 

However, the UNC defense stumbled on the next drive, allowing the Yellow Jackets to storm down the field in 31 seconds for a 29-yard field goal. 

The Tar Heels exited the field at halftime down 20-14. 

After North Carolina turned the ball over on downs at the beginning of the third quarter, Georgia Tech broke into the end zone once again off a disguised seven-yard rush by King, increasing its lead to 27-14 in just eight plays. 

Unable to break into the red zone after eight plays, UNC sent graduate placekicker Noah Burnette out to knock down a 50-yard field goal, decreasing GT’s lead to 27-17. Then, following Georgia Tech’s three-and-out, graduate defensive back Alijah Huzzie dodged tackles and sprinted into the end zone for a 69-yard punt return, bringing the score within three at the end of the third quarter. 

The Yellow Jackets did not slow down, spinning into the end zone after 10 plays in the first five minutes of the final quarter. On the next snap, the Tar Heels fumbled the ball at the UNC 38-yard line, but held Georgia Tech to a field goal attempt, which veered wide. 

After Criswell converted on a crucial fourth and six at the UNC 36-yard line, North Carolina built momentum and pushed Criswell into the end zone on fourth and goal at the one. With three and a half minutes remaining in regulation, Georgia Tech only led 34-31. 

With the game on the line and two minutes left on the clock, the North Carolina defense stepped up, forcing a Georgia Tech three-and-out. Senior defense back Antavious “Stick” Lane and senior linebacker Power Echols double-teamed GT’s David Shanahan on third and six, paving the way for UNC’s offense to take the field once more. 

Criswell earned the Tar Heels two first downs with his rushing, pushing North Carolina toward the red zone. However, back-to-back incomplete passes forced UNC to attempt a 26-yard field goal. Burnette knocked it down with ease, tying the game. 

Then, after only two plays, Georgia Tech rushed down the field, scoring the game-winning touchdown within 28 seconds.

The offense had no time to answer.   

After a bye week, North Carolina will return to action on Oct. 26 against Virginia in Charlottesville.

@carolinewills03

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