In a game that started out as a defensive battle, but gradually became a shootout, the North Carolina Tar Heels outlasted the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, 35-30. The Deacons relied on the arm of quarterback T.J. Yates, who threw for 426 yards and 4 touchdowns against the beleaguered Deacons' secondary.

The Deacons opened up an early lead behind a 36-yard touchdown run from Josh Adams, who had his strongest game of the season, as he finished the day with 117 yards on the ground and two touchdowns. Yates threw for three touchdowns before halftime. After a chip-shot field goal in the closing seconds of the half, the Deacons trailed 21-10.

The Deacons scored quickly at the start of the second half, as Riley Skinner connected with Casey Hill for a 53-yard touchdown. UNC maintained a steady lead throughout the second half, however, as Skinner was unable to consistently move the ball. The Deacons made a valiant comeback effort, led by cornerback Channing Schofield, who picked off a pass and forced a fumble in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. Skinner, however, was unable to move the ball, and he was ultimately knocked out of the game with less than a minute remaining.

The Deacons also struggled to stop the Tar Heels' running game, as they allowed them to pick up several first downs on the ground in the closing minutes. The key play of the game occurred with approximately two minutes left, when Jamal Womble ran for a 64-yard touchdown on 3rd and 15.

Backup quarterback Brett Hodges threw a short curl to Hill , who eluded two tacklers and scored an 82-yard touchdown with 35 seconds left. UNC recovered the onside kick, however, and ran out the clock.