Saturday was full of action and close games in the world of college football as No. 5 Washington, No. 6 Oklahoma and No. 8 Texas narrowly escaped disaster with narrow wins. The No. 10 North Carolina Tar Heels were not as lucky, falling 31-27 to a Virginia team that entered the day 1-5 and without a victory over an FBS team.
The Cavaliers came in with a great game plan, going toe-to-to with the Heels in a back-and-forth affair. Down four with 1:12 remaining, UNC quarterback Drake Maye had the home team marching down the field looking for the game-winning touchdown.
MORE: North Carolina continued its annual tradition of losing as a massive favorite in upset vs. Virginia
With 30 seconds left, UVA defensive end Paul Akere got free and pressured Maye. His subsequent wobbly pass ended up in the hands of linebacker James Jackson’s outstretched hands.
As officials reviewed the play, the camera affixed to one of the ref’s hats came in clutch.
DRAKE MAYE IS HIT AND #UVA GRABS THE INT
THEY WILL UPSET #UNC pic.twitter.com/AdIQK119S5
— Lincoln Heimbach (@LincHeimbachTSP) October 22, 2023
The game was broadcast on The CW, and college football fans absolutely loved the new view.
REF CAM ON THE CW NETWORK IS AMAZING
— Jessica Smetana (@jessica_smetana) October 22, 2023
Ref hat cam is wonderful. https://t.co/jsOTMPrapg
— Sickos Committee (@SickosCommittee) October 22, 2023
Okay somehow the CW ref cam just had the best angle of the season
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) October 22, 2023
CW Network got the ref cam hats pic.twitter.com/vfbJHxHRNB
— Cole Adams (@coleadamss) October 22, 2023
I enjoy college football on The CW. The got a good ref cam, and they're talking about some F-Boy show. I'm serious, that's the name of the show.
— Ken Carman (@KenCarman) October 21, 2023
All I know is that the ref cam used by the CW is awesome and should be used in every game.
— Jeremy Hefner (@hefdaddy42) October 22, 2023
Ref Cam replay of the pick in the Virginia-Carolina game is the coolest shot I’ve seen in televised football…maybe ever.
— Eric Little (@TheEricLittle) October 22, 2023
Ref cam needs to be in every game from now on. https://t.co/JFhbWC71WB
— Danny Neckel (@DNeckel19) October 22, 2023