CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) Devontez "Tez" Walker kept getting a step on defenders, snagging catches and breaking loose to the end zone for No. 12 North Carolina.
Walker caught three of Drake Maye's four touchdown passes and UNC took over after halftime to beat No. 25 Miami 41-31 on Saturday night, extending what has been the program's best start in 26 years.
Walker had 132 yards on his six catches in his first start for the Tar Heels (6-0, 3-0 Atlantic Coast Conference), with that start having been delayed after a long eligibility fight with the NCAA.
The Kent State transfer didn't play the first four games when the NCAA wouldn't grant a waiver for immediate eligibility, citing tougher restrictions on athletes regarded as two-time transfers, before unexpectedly reversing itself last week.
Walker had six catches for 43 yards in a last-minute rush of preparation to get on the field last week against Syracuse. This time, he had a full week of practice to be fully integrated into the offense, then showed his ability as a game-breaking downfield threat for the Tar Heels' star passer.
Omarion Hampton scored two short TDs - one on the ground, one through the air - to go with 197 yards rushing for the Tar Heels, including a 60-yarder with UNC working on the clock in the fourth quarter with a two-touchdown lead. Maye threw for 273 yards and overcame early pressure from Miami's defensive front.
The Tar Heels trailed 17-14 at the break after a penalty-filled half, but ran off 24 straight points in the third quarter to push ahead for good.
Tyler Van Dyke threw for 391 yards and four touchdowns for the Hurricanes (4-2, 0-2), with two of those scores going to Xavier Restrepo. Jacolby George and Brashard Smith also had TD catches for Miami.
But a week after a crushing last-second loss to Georgia Tech, Miami struggled badly in the third quarter, both in moving the ball and slowing down the Tar Heels. Miami managed just 32 yards in the third, which included Miami losing a fumble on a low snap and Van Dyke throwing an interception.
Walker got loose on a deep route over the middle for an 18-yard touchdown grab in the first quarter. He struck again on Maye's perfectly placed deep ball - flying over the outstretched arm of Jaden Davis - that hit Walker in stride for a 56-yard TD in the opening minutes of the third.
Walker's third came when Maye hit him for a 34-yarder that had him cutting through the middle of the Miami defense and breaking into the clear for a 28-17 lead.
UP NEXT
Miami: The Hurricanes host Clemson next Saturday.
UNC: The Tar Heels wrap a three-game league homestand by against Virginia next Saturday.