Carr’s five touchdowns and long drives lift Notre Dame past UNC, 37–26

Notre Dame answered North Carolina’s biggest play with its longest and most important drive Saturday, turning a one-point third-quarter lead into a 37–26 road victory. CJ Carr accounted for five touchdowns, Jonaz Walton ran for 120 yards and the third-ranked Irish improved to 5–0 at rain-soaked Kenan Stadium.

Jaden Jefferson’s 98-yard kickoff return to open the second half had pulled the Tar Heels within 21–20. Notre Dame responded by keeping its offense on the field for 17 plays and 75 yards, using 9:10 of the quarter before Carr scored on a fourth-down keeper. The drive changed the game’s pace: North Carolina had just produced an instant score, but now had to wait more than nine minutes for another offensive possession.

Walton did much of that work. The freshman carried 12 times for 61 yards on the possession and converted two fourth downs before Carr finished it. His afternoon totals were 23 carries and 120 yards, both career highs according to Notre Dame’s game report. The Irish finished with 241 rushing yards on 45 attempts and held the ball for 37:04, compared with North Carolina’s 22:56.

After forcing a quick punt, Notre Dame attacked again through Nolan James Jr. He supplied six carries and 49 yards on the drive that crossed from the third quarter into the fourth, then caught Carr’s six-yard touchdown pass to make it 34–20. James finished with 65 rushing yards. Spencer Porath’s 31-yard field goal extended the advantage to 37–20 before North Carolina added a late touchdown.

Carr completed 21 of 29 passes for 234 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions, adding a rushing score. Jordan Faison caught eight passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns. His 28-yard score answered North Carolina’s opening touchdown; a 39-yard reception early in the second quarter helped Notre Dame build a 21–7 lead. Jaden Greathouse supplied the other first-half touchdown catch. Notre Dame’s game-day clip shows Faison laying out for his second touchdown.

North Carolina kept the contest close through the air and on special teams. Billy Edwards Jr. threw for 208 yards and three touchdowns, with Jelani Thurman catching two of the scores. Jordan Shipp had seven receptions for 109 yards. A goal-line stop helped set up the Tar Heels’ touchdown drive just before halftime, and Jefferson’s return briefly put the home team within a conversion of tying the game.

The Irish still won the turnover and rushing comparisons. Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and Luke Talich intercepted Edwards, while Notre Dame committed no turnovers. North Carolina managed 77 rushing yards on 23 carries, leaving its offense dependent on passing gains to keep pace. Notre Dame outgained the Tar Heels 475–285 and extended its winning streak to 15 games. The Irish host Stanford next Saturday; North Carolina visits Pittsburgh.