Despite a season that was nothing short of a roller coaster ride, the Wolfpack showed tremendous resiliency today, defeating their archrival UNC 28-27. After trailing a majority of the game, NC State took the lead with 14:31 left in the game on a 38-yard pass from Russell Wilson to Owen Spencer, and the Pack never looked back.
Things started off slow for the NC State, posting 15 total yards of offense in the first quarter, compared to UNC’s 146. The Tar Heel defense was very effective out of the gate, holding the Wolfpack offense to three straight 3-and-outs to start the game. Even though NC State’s defense didn’t appear as dominant in the first quarter, they were able to cause one turnover and hold UNC to one 3-and-out as well, holding the Tar Heels to only 3 points on a Casey Barth 31-yard field goal on the first drive of the game. The turnover was a fumble by Johnny White at the 6:13 mark in the 1st quarter, caused by cornerback Jarvis Byrd right before he crossed the goal line, which was recovered by the other Wolfpack cornerback CJ Wilson. This turnover would prove to be extremely costly for the Heels.
The beginning of the 2nd quarter didn’t bring good tidings for the Wolfpack, as TJ Yates connected with Jheranie Boyd for a 35-yard touchdown pass on the first play, putting the Tar Heels up 10-0. The NC State offense came out of their first quarter funk, and notched their first 1st down of the day, at the 12:52 mark in the 2nd quarter, on a 8-yard run by Toney Baker. The Pack would eventually drive down the field and make it a 3-point game, when Russell Wilson and Jarvis Williams connected for a 6-yard touchdown pass.
The Tar Heels squashed any momentum that might have been created by the NC State touchdown, and attacked their vulnerability to give up the big play, scoring quickly on a 40-yard run by Johnny White. This drive was comprised of only 2 plays and only lasted 44 seconds. The Tar Heels had managed to score 14 points in a matter of 89 seconds, which can be very deflating to an opponent, but the Wolfpack would persevere.
The Pack’s next drive was highlighted by penalties, with an intentional grounding call, two pass interference calls and a personal foul. Through all of the madness, the Wolfpack managed to find their way into the end zone on a 14-yard pass to Jarvis Williams, his second on the day, bringing the Pack within 3 points. This touchdown pass brought Williams total on the season to 11, which is the 3rd most in NC State history for a single season.
NC State was hoping to ride into halftime with a 17-14 lead, but was able to roll out of the pocket and attack the Wolfpack’s man-to-man coverage with a 70-yard strike to Boyd, resulting in a touchdown with only 46 seconds left in the half, putting the Heels up 24-14 at the break.
Many people might have thought that NC State was out of the game at halftime, facing a 10-point deficit, against the #1 defense in the ACC. The Wolfpack fought past all odds in the second half, and it was the NC State defense that stole the show, only giving up 3 points.
Russell Wilson continued to have a big day against a UNC defense that has been efficient against the pass, chucking a 56-yard bomb to Owen Spencer, resulting in a touchdown, bringing the Pack within 3 points at the 10:23 mark in the third quarter. UNC had two very short drives in the first half, but this would be the shortest of the day, consisting of 1 play that only saw 7 seconds tick off of the clock.
The Tar Heels looked like they were going to return the favor, after Greg Little reeled in a 42-yard halfback option pass at the beginning of the next drive, but with the help of a personal foul penalty on the Heels, the NC State defense was able to hold them to a 20-yard field goal. Barth’s field goal came at the 2:48 mark in the third quarter, and it would be the last points the Tar Heels would put on the scoreboard.
With UNC leading 27-21 at the beginning of the 4th, Russell Wilson made quick work of the Tar Heel secondary, connecting with Owen Spencer for his 4th touchdown pass of the day, on a 38-yard strike. With 14:31 left on the clock, many would have thought that 28-27 would not be the final score, but the Wolfpack defense were able to defend the 1-point lead for nearly a whole quarter. Things got scary for the Pack with a little less than 5 minutes to play, when Casey Barth lined up to kick his 3rd field goal of the day, from 38 yards out. Senior defensive tackle Alan-Michael Cash may have been the hero of the game, after getting his hand on Barth’s kick, preventing the Heels from going up by 2. Russell Wilson and Toney Baker were able to put the offense on their back and widdle 4:21 off of the clock. With approximately 30 seconds on the clock, Coach O’Brien decided to go for it on 4th and 12 on the UNC 28-yardline. Wilson threw a pass that bobbled out of the hands of Owen Spencer in the end zone, giving the ball back to the Tar Heels with 23 seconds left on the clock. Senior safety Clem Johnson stole any dream TJ Yates had of a heroic comeback, intercepting his first pass, which was the first play of the drive, and sealing the deal for a momentous day in Carter-Finley Stadium.
While the whole Wolfpack team showed tremendous heart, there were a few people that stepped up in a big way in the win over archrival UNC. In a day in which offensive coordinator Dana Bible was unable to make the play calls on offense, Coach O’Brien stepped in and filled the void as the offensive play caller, something he hasn’t done in over a decade. O’Brien’s play calling accumulated 335 yards of total offense and was able to win the time of possession battle. Russell Wilson also played like a seasoned veteran, completing 20 of his 27 passes for 259 yards and 4 touchdowns, while managing to not throw a single touchdown. Receivers Owen Spencer and Jarvis Williams both reeled in 2 touchdowns a piece and combined for 180 yards receiving. Toney Baker ran like a warrior, carrying UNC defenders on his back on numerous occasions, totaling 105 yards of total offense. On the defensive end, Audie Cole posted his second straight game of double-digit tackles and Willie Young collected two tackles in the backfield. It was only fitting that Young collect two tackles for loss in the game, giving him sole possession of 2nd place in the NC State history books for tackles for loss.
This win for the Pack is not only huge for the seniors, but it is also huge for the future of the football program. After the game Coach O’Brien stated that one day we might look back and realize “this was the day it all turned around.”
