CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The third‑ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5‑0) rebounded after the break to beat North Carolina (2‑2) 37‑26 on Saturday, showcasing a balanced attack that combined a potent passing game with a season‑best rushing effort.
CJ Carr leads the charge
Quarterback CJ Carr was the catalyst, throwing for 234 yards and four touchdown passes while adding a rushing touchdown of his own. Carr’s versatility kept the Tar Heels defense off balance, and his fourth‑down keeper capped a 17‑play, 75‑yard drive that lasted more than nine minutes.
Explosive special teams play
Freshman returner Jaden Jefferson sparked the Irish’s momentum with a 98‑yard kickoff return for a touchdown just before the halftime break. The play shifted the energy in the stadium and set the tone for Notre Dame’s methodical, physical drives in the second half.
Ground game dominates
Notre Dame finished with a season‑best 241 rushing yards. Freshman Jonaz Walton led the way with 120 yards, while senior Nolan James Jr. contributed 65 yards and a six‑yard touchdown reception on a short pass. The Irish amassed 122 rushing yards in the third quarter alone, effectively stifling UNC’s attempts to regain momentum.
Key contributors
Wide receiver Jordan Faison recorded eight catches for 132 yards and two scores, providing a reliable target for Carr throughout the game. The Irish’s offensive line created ample running lanes, allowing both Walton and James to exploit gaps in the Tar Heels’ front seven.
North Carolina’s effort
UNC fought back early, turning a goal‑line stand into a long touchdown drive just before halftime to take a 21‑14 lead. However, the Tar Heels could not sustain that surge, managing only 12 points after the break and failing to contain Notre Dame’s balanced attack.
Looking ahead
With the win, Notre Dame improves to 5‑0 and remains a contender for the College Football Playoff. The Irish will next travel to face a top‑ten opponent, where Carr’s dual‑threat capability and the team’s robust rushing attack will be tested further.
North Carolina, now 2‑2, will look to regroup and address the defensive lapses that allowed Notre Dame to dominate the second half. The Tar Heels still possess a talented roster, but must tighten up against high‑powered offenses if they hope to stay competitive in the ACC.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
