Minneapolis, MN
Aug 29, 2024
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The North Carolina Tar Heels emerged victorious against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in a nail-biting season opener at TCF Bank Stadium, winning 19-17. This game was a defensive showdown with both teams struggling to score early, finding momentum only in the second half. The game saw a dramatic finish with Noah Burnette stepping up and nailing a decisive 45-yard field goal with 1:44 remaining on the clock, sealing the win for the Tar Heels. Burnette's kick came after a series of missed opportunities and injuries, particularly to starting quarterback Max Johnson, who exited the field due to a severe hip injury in the third quarter.
Notable performances included Omarion Hampton, who carried the offensive load rushing 30 times for 129 yards, and a stout defensive effort led by Jahvaree Ritzie's three sacks. Despite a strong defensive performance by Minnesota, notably from Marcus Major and Jah Joyner, the Golden Gophers faltered in the clutch. Key special teams' plays also defined the matchup, especially Burnette's three field goals beyond 40 yards and Dragan Kesich's missed 47-yard attempt that could have flipped the result. Minnesota dominated early but North Carolina's strategic adjustments in the latter stages ensured their comeback.
Max Johnson (North Carolina Tar Heels)
Johnson executed a crucial 3-yard rushing touchdown, showcasing early offensive dominance and putting the Tar Heels up by 7.
Marcus Major (Minnesota Golden Gophers)
Major powered through the defense for a 5-yard rushing touchdown, tying the game at 7-7 and injecting momentum into the Gophers.
Max Brosmer (Minnesota Golden Gophers)
Brosmer’s 1-yard rushing touchdown extended Minnesota’s lead to 14-7, capping off an efficient 9-play, 65-yard drive.
Noah Burnette (North Carolina Tar Heels)
Burnette sharpened focus to deliver a 29-yard field goal, shrinking Minnesota’s lead to 14-10 after a methodical 17-play, 70-yard drive.
Noah Burnette (North Carolina Tar Heels)
Burnette hammered home a career-high 52-yard field goal, pulling the Tar Heels to within one point as the third quarter closed at 14-13.
Dragan Kesich (Minnesota Golden Gophers)
Kesich reclaimed the lead for the Gophers with a clutch 30-yard field goal, making it 17-16, but later missed a critical game-winning attempt.
Noah Burnette (North Carolina Tar Heels)
Burnette’s 45-yard field goal under immense pressure secured North Carolina's 19-17 victory, showcasing his ice-cold precision.
Marcus Major (Minnesota Golden Gophers, RB)
Rushed for 73 yards on 20 attempts and scored a crucial touchdown in the second quarter, playing a pivotal role in tying the game at 7-7. Major's consistency in carrying the rock gave Minnesota crucial offensive momentum.
Omarion Hampton (North Carolina Tar Heels, RB)
Showcased his prowess with 30 rushes for 129 yards, sustaining the Tar Heels' ground game and maintaining offensive pressure on the Gopher defense. His relentless effort ensured key yardage gains.
Noah Burnette (North Carolina Tar Heels, K)
Burnette was flawless, making all four field goal attempts, including the pivotal game-winning 45-yarder in the waning moments of the fourth quarter. His performance under pressure was a game-changer for the Tar Heels.
Maverick Baranowski (Minnesota Golden Gophers, LB)
Amassed 7.5 fantasy points with a notable defensive effort of 4 solo tackles, 5 assists, and a tackle for loss. Baranowski's defensive presence was vital in stalling North Carolina's drives.
Jah Joyner (Minnesota Golden Gophers, DL)
Delivered a strong performance with 6.5 fantasy points, 2 solo tackles, 4 assists, 1.5 tackles for loss, and half a sack, consistently disrupting North Carolina's offensive game plan.
Jahvaree Ritzie (North Carolina Tar Heels, DL)
Led the Tar Heels defense with three sacks and multiple tackles for loss, significantly impeding Minnesota’s offensive rhythm and applying relentless pressure on their quarterback.
University of Minnesota Athletics
UNC Football: Position Grades vs Minnesota - Tar Heel Blog
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers Box Score and Stats - August 29, 2024 | FOX Sports
UNC Football: Position Grades vs Minnesota - Tar Heel Blog
UNC vs. Minnesota: Three Things Learned - Tar Heel Blog
UNC vs. Minnesota: Player of the Game - Noah Burnette - Tar Heel Blog
UNC Football: Opponent Preview - Minnesota - Tar Heel Blog
North Carolina Tar Heels
0
7
6
6
19
Minnesota Golden Gophers
0
14
0
3
17
