Liberty Flames vs North Carolina Tar Heels Match Player Stats On Aug 30, 2014

The No. 23 Tar Heels rallied in the third quarter to score 28 points after trailing Liberty 22-21 with just under six minutes left. The Flames’ Jacob Hagen picked up a fumble by Quinshad Davis and returned it 27 yards for a score to put the Flames ahead by one with 9:25 left in the third quarter.

North Carolina's Mack Hollins took a short pass from Williams and ran 33 yards to give North Carolina the lead for good at 28-22 with 5:55 left in the period. The Tar Heels then forced three turnovers, linebacker Jeff Schoettmer returning an interception 19 yards for a touchdown and the Tar Heels recovering Liberty fumbles on the next two possessions to set up touchdowns.

After Schoettmer’s return, Williams ran 15 yards for a score and backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky threw a 4-yard touchdown to Jack Tabb, both on drives set up by the fumble recoveries. Williams finished 19-of-29 for 169 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 52 yards and two scores on six carries.

The Flames stayed close for a while thanks to North Carolina's four turnovers, with the fumble returned for a touchdown and one of Williams’ two interceptions setting up another score. Liberty finished with six turnovers.

NOTEBOOK: Although North Carolina head coach Larry Fedora was coy about his starting quarterback, it was no surprise the job went to Williams. He is 7-1 as a starter, after he rallied a 1-5 Tar Heels team to a 7-6 record and bowl win last season. … Trubisky played in both halves and looked solid, going 10-of-16 for 66 yards, a touchdown and an interception off a tipped ball. … Liberty outgained North Carolina in first-half yards 240-214 and finished the game ahead in time of possession.