The UNC defense forced a season-high three turnovers – each of which led to points – and the Tar Heels set a new season high in scoring in a 38-21 win at UConn Saturday afternoon.
The first takeaway immediately led to a score, as linebacker Timir Hickman-Collins picked off a 4th down pass from Huskies quarterback Kalieb Osborne and returned it 62 yards for a touchdown. It was UNC’s first defensive touchdown against an FBS opponent since 2024 — and the play almost never happened. UConn had actually punted the ball away on 4th and 8, but an illegal formation penalty on the Tar Heels moved the ball up five yards. On 4th & 3, the Huskies elected to go for it, only for Hickman-Collins to burn them on the gamble.
TO THE HOUSE ?
? CBS Sports Network t.co/Vu1SgTgtdI pic.twitter.com/dxAMGBJ4EZ
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) November 7, 2026
The second Tar Heel takeaway was much less straightforward. On a 3rd down play, Osborne ran the ball up the middle and reached for the 1st down marker. But as he stuck the football out, he inadvertently placed it in the lap of Hickman-Collins, who was lying on the grass. Despite the Huskies believing they had achieved the 1st down, officials ruled the play a fumble on the field and did not review it. UNC took over on the UConn 22-yard line, and the drive ended with a Jordan Shipp touchdown.
Carolina took a 28-14 lead heading into halftime after tight end Jelani Thurman caught the first of his two touchdowns on the day. His second came late in the fourth quarter to give UNC its 38-21 lead and effectively put the game on ice — but only after Jalon Thompson had intercepted Osborne. The UConn quarterback had thrown only two interceptions all season long, but doubled that total Saturday. Thurman’s touchdown reception was his eighth of the season, tying a Mike Chatham’s program record by a tight end.
UNC amassed 419 yards of total offense, marking its second consecutive game topping at least 400 yards. It was also Carolina’s third consecutive game scoring 30 or more points, its longest such streak since 2024.
Tar Heel quarterback Billy Edwards recovered from an early interception to finish the game 29-of-38 for 255 yards and three touchdowns. On the ground, Ben Hall was Carolina’s leading rusher with 81 yards on just nine carries, including a 39-yard run for a touchdown in the second quarter. Thurman was UNC’s leading receiver with seven catches for 64 yards.
Saturday’s win improves UNC to 5-4 overall this season and 3-1 in true road games. The Tar Heels will be back in action when they host Louisville at Kenan Stadium next Saturday, Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Featured image via UNC Football on Twitter
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