After Minnesota went three-and-out, UNC marched 49 yards in 12 plays to make it 14-13. A third Burnette field goal, following a three-and-out by the Gophers, gave UNC a 16-14 lead with 9:05 left in the fourth.

Hampton rushed 30 times for 129 yards, including 11 times for 74 yards in the second half.

“Omarion is a really good tailback,” Fleck said. “I think when we look back at the film, we’ll see we missed a lot of tackles.”

Ultimately, the Gophers had a few chances to pull out the win.

Before taking a 17-16 lead with 3:40 left on a 30-yarder by Kesich, the Gophers had a key opportunity when Brosmer found Le’Meke Brockington for an 18-yard gain. Brockington lost it, however, and the ball ended up in the hands of Major, who ran another 20 yards to the North Carolina 10-yard line. Minnesota couldn’t reel the ball in and missed an opportunity.

And after Minnesota’s defense gave up a 13-yard run to Hampton and a 32-yard hookup from backup QB Conner Harrell to JJ Jones, leading to the Tar Heels’ game-winning punt, Brosmer made sure the Gophers had a chance to win.