Sexton TD Run Lifts Tar Heels To 29-24 Win Over Irish

October 11, 2008 7:31 p.m. EST

Chapel Hill, NC (AHN) - Quarterback Cam Sexton's four-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter gave North Carolina a 29-24 win over Notre Dame Saturday in Chapel Hill in a battle of 4-1 teams.

James Aldridge's two-yard touchdown run gave Notre Dame a 24-16 third quarter lead.

Ryan Houston answered with a one-yard scoring dash later in the third for the Tar Heels, who were unsuccessful on a pass attempt for the tw0-point conversion.

Quan Sturdivant intercepted Irish quarterback Jimmy Clausen just after intermission and returned it 23 yards for a score to bring the Tar Heels within a point at 17-16.

Clausen, who passed for a career-high 393 yards, hit Golden Tate on a 19-yard touchdown pass and Michael Floyd on a seven-yard scoring strike, helping Notre Dame take a 17-9 first half lead.

Casey Barth connected on a 41-yard field goal for the Tar Heels, one of three he has booted.

Brandon Walker answered for a 42-yard field goal to briefly restore the Irish' one touchdown lead.