1997 Gator Bowl

North Carolina finished 2nd in the Atlantic Coast Conference to undefeated Florida State.

It started when Oscar Davenport threw an 18-yard pass to Octavus Barnes in the back corner of the end zone to give the Tar Heels a 7–0 lead with 13:05 remaining in the half.

West Virginia scored on a touchdown pass to make it 17–10, but a UNC field goal by McGee made it 20–10 going into the final quarter.

But on 4th and 6 at the 25, the Mountaineers were stopped short as the Tar Heels hung on to win.

In a losing effort for the Mountaineers, David Saunders caught 9 passes for 130 yards.