North Carolina defeated Wake Forest 31-24 in Week 12 action, though the Demon Deacons covered the 10-point spread in a tightly contested affair. The game featured significant momentum swings, with 14 lead changes throughout and win probability fluctuating from 10.6% to 100%.

UNC dominated early with a 10-point second quarter to build an advantage, while Wake Forest struck back with 14 third-quarter points to stay competitive. The Tar Heels' defense generated critical plays, including a high-impact stop in the second quarter and another defensive stand in the third, helping them maintain control despite the close margin.

Wake Forest's Hank Bachmeier led the passing attack, while Demond Claiborne rushed for 95 yards. North Carolina's Omarion Hampton delivered a crucial 38-yard scoring run in the third quarter. Both teams traded scores in the fourth quarter, but UNC's 31 points proved sufficient.

The game finished under the 64-point over-under, with an excitement index of 9.18 reflecting the competitive nature of the contest.