{
  "id": 18794780,
  "title": "'When in doubt, find 45': Jelani Thurman matches UNC football record vs UConn",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/when-in-doubt-find-45-jelani-thurman-matches-unc-football-record-vs",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-07T21:35:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/doubt-45-jelani-thurman-matches-213530347.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On a rainy afternoon, tight end Jelani Thurman matched a 47-year-old single-season record with his 45th touchdown reception, setting off celebration among the UNC football team. Despite his individual success, quarterback Billy Edwards did not describe it as a \"big\" performance, stating that Thurman has proven himself repeatedly throughout the season. Edwards praised Thurman, saying, \"He's a dog. He's proved himself time and time again this season. Makes my job easier as a quarterback. When in doubt, find 45 and get him the ball.\"\n\nThurman, a 6-foot-6, 245-pound Ohio State transfer, caught seven passes for 64 yards and two touchdowns against UConn (4-5). His performance was a significant contribution to the Tar Heels' 38-21 victory over the Huskies. Offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino and head coach Dean Smith expressed their confidence in Thurman, with Petrino stating, \"He's one of our best players\" and Smith adding, \"He's a guy that the whole team can count on.\"\n\nOffensive coordinator Bobby Petrino and head coach Dean Smith were impressed with Thurman's abilities, describing him as having \"good length, he's fast, he's got really good hands, he's good running after the catch, he blocks well.\" They emphasized that Thurman is a threat in the running game, catch-and-run plays, and down the field.\n\nThe Tar Heels' win over UConn puts them within one victory of becoming bowl eligible and highlights their ability to put together a complete performance. Thurman was excited about the team's success, stating, \"It feels good to actually come out here and get a win, put four quarters of football up, execute and just show the world what we got.\"",
  "summary": "Tight end Jelani Thurman continues to show why he's such a weapon for UNC football. The Tar Heels saw it again in a record-matching game at UConn.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}