Carlos Hernandez scored two touchdowns and Wake Forest held North Carolina without a trip to the end zone in a 28-12 victory Saturday.
The Demon Deacons (7-3, 4-3 ACC) handed the Tar Heels a setback in their push for bowl eligibility. Now Bill Belichick's squad must win-out for a postseason bid with games against Duke and NC State.
Hernandez finished with 100 receiving yards on six catches for the Demon Deacons. His first score came on the opening possession, when he scooped up quarterback Robby Ashford’s fumble and raced 50 yards untouched. He later added a 56-yard touchdown on a flea flicker to put Wake Forest up 21-9 in the third quarter.
Ashford went 15-of-25 for 191 yards, threw a touchdown and ran for another while adding 50 rushing yards. Demond Claiborne powered the ground game with 98 yards and a 12-yard TD as Wake Forest piled up 223 rushing yards.
North Carolina (4-6, 2-4 ACC) relied solely on the leg of kicker Rece Verhoff, who made four field goals, including a school-record 57-yarder before halftime. But also had two attempts blocked in the contest. Gio Lopez threw for 201 yards with the Tar Heels managed only 56 rushing yards.
The loss came a day after Belichick reiterated he is committed to UNC and not pursuing NFL openings. North Carolina has a tough road ahead before December.
More college football news:
- Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
- Brian Kelly buyout, contract details as LSU Tigers coach
- Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter suffers major blow during rookie season
- Will Lane Kiffin leave Ole Miss? What to know about latest rumors
- Beloved college football mascot diagnosed with cancer