Recap: UNC football overwhelms N.C. State 41-10 to close out regular season

In a game that would decide the Tar Heels' postseason fate, the North Carolina football team pulled out a dominant victory over rival N.C. State on Saturday, 41-10. 

Thanks to a 28-point third quarter, the Tar Heels (6-6, 3-3 ACC) put away the Wolfpack (4-8, 1-6 ACC) and earned bowl eligibility for the first time since 2016.

What happened?

The Wolfpack brought energy early, quickly driving down the field on their first possession, quickly putting up three points while UNC struggled to find its footing. 

The Tar Heels were later able to capitalize on a roughing the passer penalty, and with a 33-yard pass to Dyami Brown and rushes by Michael Carter and Sam Howell. The game would be tied up at 3-3 with a Noah Ruggles field goal. 

Another field goal gave UNC a 6-3 lead, but a Sam Howell interception in the second quarter allowed N.C. State’s Devin Leary to find Tabari Hines in the end zone, putting the Wolfpack up 10-6. 

True to fashion this season, the Tar Heels found their stride in the second half. 

After just two plays, a Javonte Williams touchdown put UNC up 13-10 and a strong defensive push deflated the Wolfpack offense. UNC quickly found the end zone again with Williams on the ensuing drive.

A forced fumble by Jeremiah Gemmel put the UNC offense back on the field. More Howell to Williams chemistry set up the Tar Heels in the red zone, and a quick six-yard touchdown rush from Williams gave UNC a 27-10 lead. 

Then, a Trey Morrison interception led to a 52-yard Brown touchdown, then a score from Newsome gave the Tar Heels a 31-point advantage in the eventual win.

Who stood out?

Javonte Williams had himself a field day. After quiet outings in UNC’s last two games against Mercer and Pittsburgh, the sophomore running back left his mark on the rivalry game. 

Williams finished with 58 yards and two touchdowns on the ground; the Wallace, N.C., native caught three passes for 42 yards and a touchdown, too. All three of his scores came in the third quarter, when UNC outscored N.C. State 28-0 to run away with the game. 

When was it decided?

The Tar Heels came out after halftime and looked to put all doubt to rest that they were the superior team. UNC dominated N.C. State in every facet of the game in the third quarter, totaling 219 yards of offense to the Wolfpack’s 43 yards.

N.C. State quarterback Devin Leary also threw two interceptions in the frame. The combination of UNC’s second-half offensive explosion and N.C. State getting in its own way ended any chance for a Wolfpack upset. 

Why does it matter?

With the opportunity to make a bowl game for the first time in three years, the Tar Heels clinched a huge victory on enemy territory. It's the most wins for UNC since 2016's 8-5 season under Larry Fedora. 

The win also broke the Tar Heels’ recent history of losing to the in-state rival, having lost nine of the previous 12 matchups coming into today.

When do they play next?

With a victory at Carter-Finley Stadium, UNC will wait to see where it will be bowling. The Tar Heels will play in a bowl game for the first time since 2016. 

@macyemeyer

@DTHSports | sports@dailytarheel.com