Cavaliers Win Gritty 17–16 Thriller over Tar Heels in Overtime

Oct 25, 2025, 4:16pm

Photo from MSN.com

Blog by Walker Johnson

CHAPEL HILL — The No.16 Virginia Cavaliers continued their dream season with a dramatic 17–16 overtime win over North Carolina, improving to 7-1 overall and 4-0 in ACC play. The Cavaliers’ defense bent but never broke, and their offense found a way to deliver when it mattered most.

Quarterback Chandler Morris guided the Cavs with efficiency, throwing for 200 yards and a touchdown, while tailback J’Mari Taylor provided the heroics in overtime. Taylor carried the ball 21 times for 69 yards, including the decisive 2-yard touchdown that proved to be the difference.

The game was a defensive struggle throughout. Both teams traded field goals in the first half, with neither offense able to sustain long drives. North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez threw for 208 yards and a touchdown, but Virginia’s secondary made key plays down the stretch, including a late interception that swung momentum in the fourth quarter.

In overtime, after Taylor’s go-ahead score, North Carolina responded quickly but decided to go for the win with a two-point conversion. Virginia’s defense stood tall, stuffing the run and preserving the narrow one-point victory.

413’s Bottomline 

This Virginia team continues to surprise the nation, combining resilience with strong fundamentals. Their defense has established itself as one of the most disciplined in the ACC, and Morris’ decision-making has brought balance to the offense. For North Carolina, the loss epitomized a frustrating season. UNC has had flashes of talent but is undone by costly late-game mistakes.