The UNC Tar Heels fell to No. 16 Virginia by a 17‑16 margin in an overtime thriller at Kenan Stadium, dropping their record against Power Five opponents to 0‑5.
Virginia struck first with a field goal in the second quarter, but UNC answered when quarterback Gio Lopez plunged into the end zone on a quarterback sneak, knotting the contest at 10‑10 by halftime.
A costly fumble on the second drive by wide receiver Kobe Paysour gave Virginia a touchback, shifting momentum in the Cavaliers’ favor.
Despite outgaining Virginia 353 total yards, UNC could not convert several red‑zone chances, including a fourth‑and‑goal stop from the one‑yard line that left the score deadlocked.
Kicker Rece Verhoff’s 50‑yard field goal attempt missed the uprights, keeping the game tied at the break and setting the stage for a tense second half.
In overtime, Virginia capitalized on a touchdown run and a missed two‑point conversion by the Tar Heels, sealing a 17‑16 victory.
Head coach Bill Belichick, who was in attendance, acknowledged the team’s missed opportunities, while sophomore wide receiver Jordan Shipp called for smarter ball handling in future games.
Implications for the Tar Heels
The loss leaves UNC 2‑5 overall and 0‑3 in ACC play, with their next test scheduled against Syracuse on Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m. The team will need to tighten up ball security and finish drives if they hope to break the Power Five winless streak.