DEFENSE SEALS DEAL FOR 4- 0 WILDCATS
Sophomore Sam Howell threw for program records of 550 yards and six touchdowns and scored the go- ahead rushing TD with 4: 11 left to help North Carolina rally past Wake Forest 59- 53 on Saturday in Chapel Hill.
The Tar Heels, who trailed by 21 points in the third quarter, and Demon Deacons combined for more than 1,300 yards.
Howell’s 20- yard keeper helped North Carolina ( 6- 2, 6- 2 Atlantic Coast Conference) match the biggest comeback in program history. It was part of a run of 35 unanswered points after falling behind 45- 24.
“Sam and I have talked a lot about a legacy for a guy like him,” coach Mack Brown said. “And his legacy will be how many games he wins. And that’s what quarterbacks are remembered for.”
The Tar Heels finished with a program- record 742 yards. More importantly, they completed the comeback after frantic rallies fell short in losses to Florida State and Virginia in the last month.
Javonte Williams followed Howell’s keeper by running for a 15yard touchdown with 2: 39 left that helped keep UNC in control late.
Sam Hartman threw for a career- best 429 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Demon Deacons ( 4- 3, 3- 3), who had 606 yards.
Florida 63, Arkansas 35
Kyle Trask extended his school record for consecutive games with at least four touchdown passes to six, and No. 6 Florida ( 5- 1) overwhelmed Arkansas ( 3- 4) in the Swamp. Trask threw for 356 yards and six scores against the Razorbacks, who were without coach Sam Pittman ( COVID- 19).
It was the second time this season Trask tossed six TDs in a game. Arkansas quarterback Feleipe Franks, a three- year starter for the Gators, was booed in his return to Florida Field.
Miami 25, Virginia Tech 24
D’Eriq King threw for 255 yards and a touchdown and ran for a score in No. 9 Miami’s comeback victory in Blacksburg, Virginia.
The Hurricanes ( 7- 1, 6- 1 Atlantic Coast Conference) overcame an 11- point, third- quarter deficit to win their fourth consecutive game and stay alive for a spot in the ACC championship game. Miami scored the final 12 points and held the Hokies ( 4- 4, 4- 3) scoreless on their last five possessions.
Marshall 42, Middle Tenn. 14
Redshirt freshman Grant Wells threw a season- high five touchdown passes and No. 16 Marshall ( 7- 0, 4- 0 Conference USA) commemorated the 50th anniversary of the worst disaster in U. S. sports history during a home victory over Middle Tennessee.
Marshall wore special black uniforms and the No. 75 on its helmets to honor the 75 who died in a Nov. 14, 1970, plane crash, which included most of the Thundering Herd football team. The crash occurred as the team’s plane was returning from a game at East Carolina. There were no survivors.
Liberty 58, W. Kentucky 14
Malik Willis threw for 306 yards and three touchdowns and ran for two more scores, as No. 22 Liberty ( 8- 0) won its 10th straight game and remained second behind Notre Dame for the nation’s longest active winning streak.
Heisman plans unveiled
ESPN announced it will televise the 86th annual Heisman Trophy ceremony Jan. 5. In a nod to pandemic restrictions, the show will be staged in ESPN’s studios in Bristol, Connecticut.
The finalists, who will be announced Christmas Eve, will appear remotely.