CHAPEL HILL (N.C.) -- Sam Howell threw two touchdowns and ran two more to help North Carolina beat Miami, 45-42. This was the Hurricanes' worst record at the halfway mark of a season since more than 20 years.

Miami had the opportunity to tie or win the game when it reached the North Carolina 16 yard line in the last minute. However, Cedric Gray, linebacker, intercepted a tipping pass with 6 seconds remaining.

It's like riding a rollercoaster. It makes you feel good and then you go down and come up again," Mack Brown, North Carolina coach said. "This team has not won a difficult game at the end. That's one thing that they haven't done."

Ty Chandler ran for 2 touchdowns for Tar Heels (3-3 Atlantic Coast Conference), in a matchup between two teams that started the season in Top 15. However, they are trying to gain momentum midway through.

The Hurricanes (2-4, 0.2) are now 2-4 for their first time since 1997, when they were on NCAA probation. They also had to adhere to scholarship restrictions.

"I am proud of how these guys fight. Manny Diaz, Miami coach, said that he knows another win is on the horizon. "There is a very good team in that locker-room. Our record is not good."

Howell ran for 98 yards on 17 carries and was 17 for 26 for the 154 yard in the air. Chandler gained 104 yards from the ground after 18 attempts.

Howell's touchdown runs were 30 and 11 yards respectively, with both of them pinballing Miami defenders.

Brown stated that Brown had seen Brown run through his arms and twist a few times before scoring.

Miami almost erased an 18 point deficit by pulling within 38-34 of North Carolina before stalling in North Carolina territory in the fourth quarter. The Tar Heels then drove 58 yards to score a touchdown, with 30 yards of Miami penalties.