Ryan Houston, UNC running back
The junior ran for three touchdowns and 56 yards on 15 carries. It was the first three-touchdown performance of his career and the first time a UNC player has scored three touchdowns on the ground since 2006.
PLAY OF THE GAME
Georgia Southern cut the score to 14-7 at the end of the first quarter and, after a UNC punt at the start of the second, was driving down the field. But Quan Sturdivant forced a fumble at the 49-yard line and returned it for a touchdown to give UNC a 21-7 lead.
STAT OF THE GAME
After scoring a combined 10 points in back-to-back losses to Georgia Tech and Virginia, UNC's offense finally got some points on the board. The Tar Heels recorded 289 yards of offense, including 164 rushing yards.
WHAT THIS WIN MEANS
The big win was exactly what the Tar Heels needed before entering their bye week, followed by a Thursday night matchup with Florida State. The offense got some confidence back, and UNC finished the first half of the season with a winning record.
-- BRIANA GORMAN
