It's only a matter of time before late-game magic runs out. The UNC football team beat Pitt and Duke via fourth quarter comebacks and defensive stands. On Saturday night vs. Syracuse, North Carolina drove to the edge of field goal range with time winding down in regulation, carrying magic and momentum on its side.
That good luck quickly ran out in overtime. Syracuse converted a third-and-11, scored on fourth and goal and added the game-winning 2-point conversion, upsetting the Tar Heels 31-30 in front of a packed house.
After UNC's (4-3, 2-2 ACC) latest disappointing defeat, starting linebacker Derek McDonald highlighted his team's ability to force those late-down situations, then discussed how the Orange (3-4, 1-4 ACC) made those crucial conversions.
“I thought we did a good job on getting them to third down," McDonald said. "We had good pressure on him (Syracuse quarterback Steve Angeli), had it back there. He was moving around a lot, but made plays on third down. Fourth down, we just needed a stop. We just have to get better.”
Syracuse converted eight third downs and four fourth downs on Saturday night, none more important than their two in overtime. On the Orange's game-tying, fourth quarter drive, they converted two third downs via a rushing attack that totaled 199 yards.
McDonald transferred in from Syracuse during the offseason, giving North Carolina much-needed reinforcements as a defensive leader. The fifth-year led all players with 16 tackles on Saturday night, his fifth-game in double-figures this fall, setting a career-high against his former team.
McDonald and his Tar Heel teammates face their toughest test on Halloween night, hosting top-ranked Miami under the Kenan Stadium lights again. Will UNC get off the field and give its offense a chance?
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC linebacker highlights late defensive struggles in loss to Syracuse
