After falling behind 21-0 early to in-state rival N.C. State, the North Carolina football team roared its way back to within seven points in the fourth quarter. But the Tar Heels (8-4, 5-3 ACC) were unable to climb all the way back, falling 28-21 to the Wolfpack (6-6, 3-5 ACC) on senior day at Kenan Stadium.
What happened?
Before UNC could even react, the game had gotten out of hand. After a promising start — highlighted by a 34-yard scramble from quarterback Mitch Trubisky — the Tar Heels’ drive stalled.
Though the empty possession seemed harmless at the time, it was the beginning of one of UNC’s worst halves this season. Just over three minutes later, the Tar Heels would fall down two scores.
After a quick 89-yard scoring drive from the Wolfpack on its first possession, Trubisky started UNC’s second possession with a fumble. N.C. State capitalized on the mistake with yet another quick touchdown drive to take a 14-0 lead.
The Tar Heels seemed stunned. The slow start had given N.C. State the momentum, and UNC struggled to get it back. The Tar Heel offense found some success moving the ball but couldn’t produce any points before N.C. State powered its way to another score and a 21-point lead.
With its back against the wall, UNC began to battle back. After finally getting on the scoreboard on a 4-yard pitch and catch from Trubisky to senior Ryan Switzer, UNC entered the locker room with momentum on their side.
But to come back from the large deficit, North Carolina needed a near-perfect second-half performance. And it almost got it.
The offense began to put complete drives together as the defense settled in. All of the sudden, UNC had the ball and trailed by just seven with 6:53 left in the fourth quarter.
