Emily Peedin
Graduate quarterback Brennan Armstrong looks for a teammate to pass the ball to during the game against UNC-Chapel Hill at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Armstrong made three touchdowns for the Wolfpack. NC State beat UNC-Chapel Hill 39-20.
NC State football defeated in-state rival UNC-Chapel Hill 39-20 under the lights at Carter-Finley Stadium in its final home game of the season. On senior night, the offense and defense came out and did what they were always able to do — dominate on all sides of the field.
“It’s a statement win,” said head coach Dave Doeren. “Everything I asked these kids to do, they did … No matter what, just keep playing and play harder than the team across the field.”
From the start, it was clear that NC State (9-3, 6-2 ACC) was the more talented and more physical team. The Pack posted a whopping 504 total yards of offense in the team’s most impressive offensive showing of the season. Scoring on its first eight drives of the game, the Wolfpack offense put the win far out of reach for North Carolina (8-4, 4-4 ACC).
The Wolfpack’s defense jumped out quickly during the first snap of the game, blitzing the Tar Heel offense. Silly mistakes cost Carolina possession, placing the ball into the hands of graduate quarterback Brennan Armstrong early and often. The Virginia transfer pushed the Pack down the field far enough for graduate kicker Brayden Narveson to kick field goals on two consecutive drives.
After the Tar Heels failed to score on their next drive, the visitors needed another stop to hang in the game. Instead, Armstrong lasered a pass to freshman receiver Kevin Concepcion in the endzone to start the second quarter off strong.
Up 13 points, the Pack still wasn’t satisfied. On the very next drive, Armstrong connected with Concepcion for a second touchdown, extending NC State’s lead to 20-0.
To close out the half, the Wolfpack tacked on another pair of field goals, and Carolina eventually scored a touchdown, making the halftime score 26-7. The story of the first half was no doubt the offensive outburst.
Armstrong led the way on offense, throwing for 334 yards and three touchdowns over the course of the game. In his return to a starting role, Armstrong has written an unforgettable redemption story and guided the red-and-white to a trio of wins. With his play and leadership on full display against Carolina, Armstrong saved his best for last.
“It means everything,” Armstrong said. “I’ve had a few senior days, I have no more eligibility left so this is my last game, and it feels really good to put up a five-game winning streak … it just feels really good to get a team win.”
While Armstrong performed incredibly, his top receiver, Concepcion, also did his part to torch the Tar Heels — the freshman posted 131 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Concepcion also led the Pack in rushing with 55 yards and an impressive average of five yards per carry.
In addition to the offensive explosion, the Wolfpack defense performed admirably all night. Carolina quarterback Drake Maye, a projected first round draft pick, struggled throughout the night. The Pack held the Tar Heel signal caller to just three yards in the first quarter, and while Maye eventually racked up more significant yardage later in the game, he still struggled and tossed a pair of interceptions.
While the entire defense showed out, graduate linebacker Payton Wilson stole the spotlight, as he has all season. He tallied 15 total tackles, a sack, an interception and a forced fumble. The former Tar Heel commit made it clear where his loyalties lie tonight, hounding Carolina all night long. With a stellar senior night performance, Wilson made one final case for ACC defensive player of the year.
“Love it for our fanbase,” Wilson said. “Just credit to our coaches. The season people thought we were going to have after we lost to Duke and then to end how we did, it’s credit to the culture … That’s credit to NC State.”
This win marks a five-game winning streak since a disappointing matchup against Duke on Oct. 14. After that 24-3 loss, NC State completely changed offensively, scoring over 20-plus points in all five matchups that have transpired since.
“I think it’s been one heck of a five-week window,” Doeren said. “Super proud of our players and our coaches … Great job from our fanbase tonight, they were phenomenal, it was special for our seniors.”
With the regular season finished, NC State will await its bowl decision. The bowl will be a chance for NC State to win its 10th game of the season — something that hasn’t happened in Raleigh since 2002.