Photos: North Carolina defeats Appalachian State in 2 OT’s

The North Carolina Tar Heels host Appalachian State on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.

The Tar Heels hung on to defeat the Mountaineers 40-34 in two overtimes in a game where Carolina struggled on defense.

North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton (28) hurdles over Appalachian State’s Jordan Favors (11) after a 31-yard gain in the second quarter on Saturday September 9, 2023 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton (28) hurdles over Appalachian State’s Jordan Favors (11) after a 31-yard gain in the second quarter on Saturday September 9, 2023 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina running back Caleb Hood (4) breaks open for a 13-yard gain in the second quarter against Appalachian State on Saturday September 9, 2023 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina running back Caleb Hood (4) breaks open for a 13-yard gain in the second quarter against Appalachian State on Saturday September 9, 2023 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina offensive lineman Zach Rice (55) hoists running back Omarion Hampton (28) after a 68-yard romp for a touchdown to give the Tar Heels a 7-3 lead in the second quarter on Saturday September 9, 2023 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina offensive lineman Zach Rice (55) hoists running back Omarion Hampton (28) after a 68-yard romp for a touchdown to give the Tar Heels a 7-3 lead in the second quarter on Saturday September 9, 2023 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Appalachian State’s Eli Wilson (87) scores on a 5-yard pass from quarterback Joey Aguilar in the second quarter on Saturday September 9, 2023 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Appalachian State’s Eli Wilson (87) scores on a 5-yard pass from quarterback Joey Aguilar in the second quarter on Saturday September 9, 2023 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Appalachian State coach Shawn Clark reacts after a defensive stop in the first quarter against North Carolina on Saturday September 9, 2023 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Appalachian State coach Shawn Clark reacts after a defensive stop in the first quarter against North Carolina on Saturday September 9, 2023 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.