The heavily favored Tar Heels led just 21-15 at the half and after a fumble return by Liberty, the Heels trailed 22-21 in the third period.
But Carolina struck quickly and often during a stretch where Liberty turned the ball over three times in five plays. Within about four minutes, the Heels scored four times to take a commanding 49-22 lead.
“The defense started creating all those turnovers,” UNC coach Larry Fedora said. “We’ve spent a lot of time focusing on that… I think we created more turnovers tonight than we did all of last year. I’m proud of that.”
UNC safety Dominiquie Green recovered three fumbles while linebacker Jeff Schoettmer intercepted a pass and ran it in for a score during that third-quarter onslaught.
“I read the quarterback’s eyes and he threw it right to me,” Schoettmer said. “We had just scored on offense and we wanted to get the ball back.”
Starting QB Marquis Williams found Mack Hollins who ran it in from 33 yards out to give Carolina a 28-22 lead before Schoettmer’s interception.
Seven different Tar Heels scored with Williams running in for two scores. Backup QB Mitch Trubiskey played significant time as well and tossed his first collegiate touchdown to tight end Jack Tabb.
The No. 23 Tar Heels played eight true freshmen and four redshirt freshmen on offense and defense during the game. The inexperience showed as Carolina turned the ball over four times and made several unnecessary penalties (18 for 120 yards). Plus, the Tar Heels, while taking advantage of six Liberty turnovers, turned the ball over four times themselves.
“We had too many interceptions (three) and wasted opportunities,” said Fedora, who added however that he was impressed that his team came out in the third quarter with a lot of energy.
The Tar Heels finished with 443 yards on offense and converted all six times they got in the red zone.