North Carolina needed one more stop after Jaden Jefferson’s kickoff return cut Notre Dame’s lead to 21–20. Instead, the Irish spent more than nine minutes marching to a touchdown, then added another long scoring possession on the way to a 37–26 win Saturday in Chapel Hill. CJ Carr accounted for five touchdowns as Notre Dame improved to 5–0.
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.
