The UNC football team has taken the field against N.C. State many times since the teams first played in 1894, but the last-minute 30-24 win for the Tar Heels last Saturday was one that fans of both teams will remember for years to come.
That said, the total lack of preparation for accommodating the incredible student turnout, the asinine decision to stop students from entering the field safely once the game was won, and the appalling fan reaction while an N.C. State player lay injured on the field demonstrated that the University has plenty of soul-searching to do in the coming weeks.
For some big games - Florida State, for example - an organized ticket distribution generally has been held to ease the human traffic and lessen confusion at the gates. The last time UNC played N.C. State at home, that distribution system was still in place.
But Saturday's match was treated the same way as the contest against William & Mary: students were allowed to swipe their UNC ONE Cards to gain entry to the stadium - first come, first served.
That just didn't work.
There was standing room only in the student section, and the lines outside caused some to miss the game entirely.
Student Body President Matt Calabria managed to get a few more students through the gates by persuading University officials to open up remaining seats in the chancellor's box. But that swift thinking on Calabria's part did little to mask an egregious problem.
The Carolina Athletic Association has few significant responsibilities, but among these is the charge to assist in the creation of ticket distribution policies that maximize the potential for students to enjoy games. In that, on Saturday, they failed.
Last year, Clint Gwaltney, the assistant athletics director for the Smith Center and ticket operations, told The Daily Tar Heel, "We take (ticket distribution) on a game-by-game situation." If Saturday's game wasn't the right occasion for organized ticket distribution, what game ever will be? Just because an opponent isn't a perennial contender for a national title does not mean a game is not a big event. In fact, Tobacco Road rivalries probably hold more appeal for the average student than games against newer rivals that happen to be ranked in the top 25.