CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — CJ Carr threw four touchdown passes and added a rushing score as third-ranked Notre Dame overcame a late North Carolina surge to secure a 37-26 victory on Saturday.

The Fighting Irish (5-0) appeared poised to extend their lead to 28-7 in the first half before the Tar Heels (2-2) mounted a goal-line stand and responded with a lengthy touchdown drive just before halftime. North Carolina opened the second half with Jaden Jefferson’s 98-yard kickoff return in rainy conditions, narrowing the gap to 21-20.

Notre Dame then relied heavily on its running game to regain control. Facing wet weather, the Fighting Irish employed a series of physical, time-consuming drives, consistently pushing through North Carolina’s defense. The ground attack produced a season-best 241 rushing yards, helping Notre Dame rebuild a comfortable advantage.

“That we could run the ball effectively in those conditions speaks to our team’s toughness and physicality,” said Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman.

Following Jefferson’s kickoff return, Notre Dame mounted a 17-play, 75-yard drive lasting over nine minutes, culminating in Carr’s fourth-down quarterback keeper for a touchdown. After forcing a North Carolina three-and-out, the Irish extended their lead early in the fourth quarter when Nolan James Jr. broke a tackle on a short catch from Carr and raced six yards into the end zone to make it 34-20.

Freshman Jonaz Walton led Notre Dame’s rushing effort with 120 yards, while James contributed an additional 65 yards. The Irish rushed for 122 yards in the third quarter alone, stifling the Tar Heels’ momentum and offsetting the loss of key running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price to the NFL.

Carr passed for 234 yards, connecting often with Jordan Faison, who caught eight passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns.

“We felt like we were imposing our will on them whenever we wanted to,” Carr said of the offensive line’s dominance.

North Carolina’s offense was led by quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., who threw for three touchdowns but was intercepted twice. The Tar Heels struggled to establish a running game, gaining just 77 yards on 23 carries.

“We were certainly competitive but missed some opportunities,” North Carolina coach Bill Belichick said. “We have to do a better job coaching and playing to capitalize on those chances. Notre Dame is a strong team; nothing came easily.”

Despite Notre Dame’s victory, their defense allowed more points than usual in their 15th consecutive win. The Fighting Irish, ranked first nationally in rushing defense (199.3 yards allowed per game) and second in scoring defense (8.3 points), saw North Carolina come within seven points of matching the total they had conceded in the previous four games combined.