NC State’s Nearly Perfect 2nd Half Propels them Past Rival UNC 35-30, & Into a Bowl Game

NC State wants to beat UNC. They hate them, and they don’t need any extra motivation.

But in the final game of the 2024 regular season today, the Wolfpack had a tad more to play for.

A win over the Tar Heels was the ticket to a bowl game.

This year was about more than bragging rights. It was desperation.

With 1:51 left, NC State trailed UNC 29-30. With ice in their veins, the Wolfpack cut through the Tar Heel defense precisely.

With 58 seconds left, True Freshman Quarterback CJ Bailey connected with Redshirt Freshman Wide Receiver Noah Rogers for a 44-yard connection. It might have been Bailey’s best pass of the season, and it was easily Rogers best and most significant catch of the season.

So serious.#1Pack1Goal https://t.co/h58xas88dK pic.twitter.com/5TcGvucZtu

— NC State Football (@PackFootball) December 1, 2024

Earlier in the game, Rogers dropped two passes. This catch more than made up for it, I’d say.

With 25 seconds left on the clock, Redshirt Freshman Running Back Hollywood Smothers ran the ball into the end zone from 2 yards out, putting the Wolfpack up by 5 points, which ultimately sealed the deal.

NC State’s offense only produced 7 points in the first half. In the 2nd half, the Wolfpack scored on every drive, producing 28 points.

In the first half, Bailey struggled mightily, completing only 3 of his 8 passes for 19 yards and an interception. His Passing Efficiency Rating was an abysmal 25.11. After playing poorly the prior two games, it would have been easy for the young signal caller to fold under the pressure. Instead, Bailey proved in the 2nd half that he is the future of the NC State Football program. He completed 11 of 12 in the 2nd half. By the end of the game, Bailey was 14 of 20 for 242 yards and 2 touchdowns (1 interception).

Redshirt Freshman Running Back Hollywood Smothers racked up 100+ yards of offense, with 83 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. He also had 3 receptions for 34 yards.

Sophomore Wide Receiver KC Concepcion caught his 6th touchdown pass of the season and finished the game with 3 receptions for 44 yards.

KC making them look silly.#1Pack1Goal pic.twitter.com/kzVnao1Oc1

— NC State Football (@PackFootball) November 30, 2024

Junior Tight End Dante Daniels caught his first touchdown at NC State.

What a time for your first Wolfpack TD, Dante Daniels!#1Pack1Goal pic.twitter.com/JptL6s3qoe

— NC State Football (@PackFootball) November 30, 2024

The Wolfpack won the turnover margin (2:1), and possessed the ball for 11 minutes more than the Tar Heels.

Sure, UNC Junior Running Back Omarion Hampton had 263 yards of offense (185 rushing and 73 receiving) and two touchdowns. He’s a stud.

But it wasn’t enough.

NC State had played in five 1-score games leading into today’s game, with a record of 2-3 in those contests.

They finished the regular season with a record of 3-3 in 1-score games.

This team was very close to being 9-3, but hindsight is always 20-20.

NC State has now beat UNC in 4 straight games, which is the 2nd longest streak in school history (the longest streak is 5, which has been done 2 times).

While this season didn’t go according to preseason expectations, the Wolfpack approach national signing day, the opening of the Transfer Portal and the upcoming Bowl Game with a good taste in their mouth.