theRECAP Report: Canes survive UNC scare, 38-35

October 31, 2026 -#1 Miami traveled to Chapel Hill to take on North Carolina, defeating the Tar Heels, 38-35 on Saturday night.

The game was back and forth until late in the fourth quarter when the Tar Heels are multiple mistakes and Miami made UNC pay dearly.

Down 28 - 24 early in the fourth quarter, the Canes went on a 75 yard drive, in 16 plays to jump into the lead 31-28 when Mark Fletcher powered into the end zone on a 2-yard run. UNC then coughed up the ball on a fumble. Miami turned that mistake into seven more points when Darian Mensah hit Malachi Toney for a 9-yard pass for a commending 38-28 lead. The Tar Heels fought back with a 75 yard drive and a touchdown when QB Billy Edwards hit Trech Kekahuna for a 15-yard touchdown pass, closing the gap to 38-35. After two on-side kick penalties, the Canes recovered a third on-side kick attempt to seal the game.

Miami registered 416 total yards of offense, while UNC posted 407 yards of offense. The Canes had 274 passing yards, compared to 341 passing yards by UNC. Miami added 142 yards rushing while the Tar Heels totaled only 66 yards on the ground. Miami quarterback Darian Mensah threw for 274 yards and 3 touchdowns. Running back Mark Fletcher scored three touchdowns and wide receiver Malachi Toney contributed 7 pass receptions and 2 touchdowns.

The Canes played a clean game without a turnover. The Heels had that costly fumble for their only turnover of the game. Time of possession was fairly even with Miami controlling the ball for 29:09, compared to 30:51.

No. 1 Miami remains undefeated at 6-0 in the ACC and 8-0 overall. The Canes next travel to South Bend for the biggest game of the year against Notre Dame on Saturday.

GO CANES!