RALEIGH – NC State left no doubt in its regular-season finale, overpowering North Carolina 42-19 at Carter-Finley Stadium. The Wolfpack scored touchdowns on their first four possessions, built a 28-10 halftime lead, and never looked back, finishing 7-5 overall and 4-4 in ACC play. The Tar Heels closed their season at 4-8 (2-6).
Running back Will Wilson was the difference-maker, scoring
four rushing touchdowns on just 12 carries. Quarterback CJ Bailey added balance
with 201 passing yards and two scores, plus 65 rushing yards. Together, they
gave NC State the kind of offensive rhythm that UNC never matched.
First-Half Control
NC State’s opening drives set the tone. Bailey capped the
first with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Wesley Grimes, then Wilson finished the
next with a 7-yard run. UNC answered briefly with a 20-yard touchdown pass from
Gio Lopez to Jordan Shipp, but the Wolfpack responded with two more scores
before halftime, including Bailey’s quick-strike drive to Justin Joly in the
final minute.
By intermission, NC State led 28-10, having scored on every
possession.
Second-Half Push
UNC managed two field goals from Rece Verhoff, from 49 and
29 yards, but Lopez exited in the third quarter with an injury. Backups Max
Johnson and Au’Tori Newkirk split time, with Newkirk adding a late touchdown
pass to Jordan Owens.
Wilson’s fourth-quarter touchdowns sealed the outcome, one
on a 15-yard run and another after a fumble recovery set up a short field.
Defensive Edge
NC State’s defense registered four sacks and held UNC to 265
total yards. Caden Fordham led with 12 tackles and a sack. The Wolfpack also
converted all four of their fourth-down attempts, underscoring their aggressive
approach.
UNC’s offense was hampered by penalties (11 flags for 129
yards) and a ground game limited to 70 yards on 24 carries.
Rivalry and Records
The win marked NC State’s fifth straight victory in the
rivalry, reinforcing its recent dominance over the Tar Heels. It also secured a
winning season and bowl eligibility, giving the Wolfpack momentum heading into
December.
For UNC, the loss capped a frustrating campaign defined by
inconsistency. Shipp’s 90 receiving yards stood out, but the team managed just
two offensive touchdowns and struggled to sustain drives.
Top Performers
NC State
- Will Wilson: 12 carries, 54 yards, 4 TD
- CJ Bailey: 21/30, 201 yards, 2 TD; 65 rush yards
- Wesley Grimes: 5 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD
- Caden Fordham: 12 tackles, 1 sack
North Carolina
- Jordan Shipp: 8 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD
- Rece Verhoff: 2 FGs (49, 29 yards)
The Takeaway
NC State didn’t just win – It controlled every phase of the game. Behind Wilson’s scoring, Bailey’s efficiency, and a defense that kept UNC off balance, the Wolfpack turned a rivalry clash into a statement. For the Tar Heels, the season ended with disappointment, while NC State heads into bowl season with confidence and momentum.
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