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UNC football falls on the road as losing streak hits three
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- UNC football falls on the road as losing streak hits three
The North Carolina Tar Heels came out of their second bye week hoping to change the narrative around the program after a turbulent past two weeks. But right away, you could just tell it was going to be one of those nights.
UNC fumbled on the first offensive play of the game, setting up Cal in great field position. A few plays later, the Golden Bears took a 7-0 lead and never relinquished it.
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This was another sloppy performance for the Tar Heels , struggling to move the football. They fell behind 14-10 at halftime, getting a touchdown from Benjamin Hall and then a field goal to cut into the lead. While Cal scored in the third quarter to make it 21-10, UNC had a rally in them.
UNC found the end zone in the fourth quarter on a Davion Gause touchdown run and then got the two-point conversion to pull to within three.
But another crucial turnover sealed UNC's fate.
Nathan Leacock caught a pass and went to the end zone for what would have been the go-ahead score with just over three minutes left in the game. However, as he was set to cross the goal line, the ball was punched out as Cal recovered and took over. From there, they burned clock and added another loss to North Carolina's record.
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North Carolina loses third-straight, fall to Cal
Ballgame. Cal's drive at the end of the game seals it as the Tar Heels fumble a chance to go ahead at the goal line late. UNC falls to 2-4 overall and 0-2 in ACC play.
UNC turns it over in the end zone
After an impressive drive for the Tar Heels, what would have been the go-ahead touchdown ends up being a touchback as Nathan Leacock fumbles at the one. Cal recovered for the touchdown and now has the ball with just over three minutes left. Just brutal.
North Carolina cuts into the lead in the fourth quarter
Arguably UNC's best offensive drive, the Tar Heels get a touchdown run from Davion Gause and the two-point conversion is good. UNC has cut the lead down to 21-18 in the fourth.
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End of third: Cal 21, UNC 10
Cal scored the only touchdown in that third quarter as they take a 21-10 lead going into the fourth. North Carolina does have the ball past midfield which has been one of their best drives of the game.
Cal scores quickly in the third quarter
North Carolina's defense can't stop Cal and a key pass interference call keeps the drive alive. Cal extends the lead with a short rushing touchdown as they lead 21-10.
HALFTIME: Cal 14, UNC 10
Cal takes a 14-10 lead in the first half as it has been a sloppy first two quarters for both teams. North Carolina's offense has struggled to move the ball while Cal has struggled with some big drops. The Golden Bears will get the ball out of the break.
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Tar Heels trim into lead
After going for it on fourth down and converting, the Tar Heels get a field goal. They trail 14-10 with 6:14 left in the first half.
Cal responds
It didn't take long for Cal to respond. They get an impressive drive capped off by a touchdown run to take the 14-7 lead in the first quarter.
Tar Heels tie it up with a touchdown!
North Carolina finally puts together a good drive and it's capped off by a Benjamin Hall touchdown run. We are tied at 7.
Cal takes advantage and scores early
North Carolina turns the ball over on their first offensive play with a fumble. A few plays later, Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele runs it in for a three-yard touchdown.
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Gio Lopez is likely to start?
As we continue to count down until kickoff, it's likely Gio Lopez will be the starter after missing the Clemson game with an injury. Max Johnson will be the backup.
Other reports state that Lopez and Max Johnson will both play.
What channel is North Carolina at Cal on Friday? Time, TV schedule, radio
TV Channel:ESPN
Time:10:30 p.m. ET
Radio: SiriusXM (Channel 82 or 371)
Website: WatchESPN
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Two key turnovers doom UNC football program vs. Cal
