Saturday, November 28
Raleigh, N.C.
3:30 PM
NC State
vs
UNC-Chapel Hill
NC State and UNC Set for Another Showdown
11/27/2015 10:41:00 AM | Football
Game Day Central | Thursday Football Notebook | A Special Day
Security Enhancements Remain in Place for Home Finale
Game 12: NC State Wolfpack (7-4, 3-4) vs. #11 UNC Tar Heels (10-1, 7-0)
November 28, 2015 • 3:30 p.m.
Raleigh, N.C. • Carter-Finley Stadium (57,600)
TV: ABC/ESPN2/ESPN3 | Radio: Wolfpack Sports Network, Sirius 134, XM 193
Live Stats | Game Notes | @PackFootball Twitter | Ask the Analyst
RALEIGH, N.C. - No matter the circumstances and regardless of the records, the NC State-North Carolina football game is always meaningful.
It matters for the alumni and supporters of each school. For the players on each side, this game serves as a prime motivator during those grueling off-season workouts. And when the coaches meet with boosters during those spring caravan events, they're always reminded about the importance of winning this particular game above all others.
No, there's no love lost between the two teams, yet there is a healthy respect for the rivalry and the historical significance behind it.
On Saturday, the Wolfpack (7-4, 3-4 ACC) and Tar Heels (10-1, 7-0) will again add to that history when they meet for the 105th time. Kickoff from Carter-Finley Stadium is set for 3:30 p.m.
"It's an exciting game for both programs and I look forward to being a part of the match-up," said NC State head coach Dave Doeren. "I know our players are going to give everything they have to make it a special week for our seniors and to make it a memorable game. Any time you get to play in games that have been going on since 1894, you have to take pause and think about your place. There have been a lot of players and a lot of coaches who have been involved with this rivalry. To be in one that's in the same neighborhood, that really makes it special."
All seniors remember their last home game, which makes this one doubly important for NC State's 10-member senior class. The majority of the Wolfpack's relatively small senior group have played their very best football this season.
Defensive end Mike Rose leads the ACC in sacks, while cornerback Juston Burris suddenly finds himself on the radar of NFL scouts after emerging as one of the ACC's most improved players. Left tackle Joe Thuney hasn't allowed a sack to a league opponent all year, while tight end Benson Browne went his entire career without a touchdown before scoring a pair this season. Center Quinton Schooley and guard Alex Barr have joined Thuney on an offensive line that has helped produce one of the league's top rushing attacks.
Senior free safety Hakim Jones, who provides a steady hand at the back end of the NC State defense, leads the team in interceptions with two. And of course, there's quarterback Jacoby Brissett, whose will to win has drawn the ultimate praise and respect of his teammates and coaches.
Two other seniors, NaQuan Brown and Maurice Morgan, have shown up every day to do what was necessary to help make their teammates better.
Saying goodbye will be difficult for Doeren and his staff.
"It's sad because these guys have put a lot of time in," said Doeren. "You love seeing seniors play, and watching the events that happen on the field on senior day is emotional. We'll miss coaching those guys. I'm going to miss being around those 10 guys."
Of course, sadness will give way to jubilation if the Wolfpack seniors and their teammates can walk off the Carter-Finley Stadium turf with a precious victory over the sizzling hot Tar Heels. Since dropping its opener, UNC has run off 10 straight victories, the third longest current winning streak in the country.
After clinching a spot in the ACC Championship game against Clemson with last weekend's overtime victory at Virginia Tech, the Tar Heels have inched up to No. 11 in both major college football polls.
A revamped defense orchestrated by first-year coordinator Gene Chizik has made a stunning turnaround from a year ago. Last season, Carolina yielded an average of 498 yards per game and ranked dead last in most of the ACC's defensive statistics. This fall, UNC is allowing 114 fewer yards and 20 fewer points per game.
North Carolina remains explosive on offense, ranking 10th in the country in scoring offense (40.9). As usual, quarterback Marquise Williams has spread the ball around to a host of big-play threats on the outside. What's different this season has been the running of big tailback Elijah Hood, whose 14 rushing touchdowns lead the ACC. Hood also ranks third in the ACC in rushing with 1,060 yards.
"I really think their running game has come around," said Burris. "They always have good receivers and obviously, Marquise Williams can get the ball and launch the long ball. I think their running back is having a tremendous season, and that added facet has improved their offense. We have to stop his production and do what we need to do to limit their receivers."
The team that has held the rushing advantage has won 20 of the last 23 games in the series. In its one-sided 35-7 rout of UNC 12 months ago in Chapel Hill, NC State rushed for 388 yards, 167 of which came compliments of Brissett.
"They've done a really good job offensively," said North Carolina coach Larry Fedora. "You know the quarterback is for real. He's a big guy that can beat you with his legs and beat you with his arm. They've added speed with the [Nyheim] Hines kid. He can really go. I know they've got some injuries at the tailback position, but their offensive line has improved over last year. I think they're a much better football team offensively that what they were last year."
Both offenses can run and throw, while the two defenses are good at taking the ball away. With 11 takeaways in its last three games, NC State owns a plus-8 turnover margin for the season, second only to North Carolina's plus-11. The Wolfpack has turned the ball over just 10 times in eleven games, a figure that ranks 4th in the BCS.
A win for State, and the Wolfpack would finish 8-4, an improvement upon last year's 7-5 regular season mark. UNC needs a victory to secure the fourth 11-win season in school history.
An important game? Isn't it always?
"Rivalry games are what college football is all about," said Benson Browne. "These guys are close to us and we've been going at it for years now. During my time here, it's been back and forth as far as who wins and who loses. I'd like to end it the right way and finish off with a win.
Saturday's 3:30 p.m. kickoff will be preceded by Wolfpack Sports Network coverage, which begins at 1:30 p.m. In the second hour of the pregame show shortly after 2:30 p.m., former NC State All-American and color analyst Johnny Evans takes your questions about Pack football on 'Ask the Analyst.' Send Johnny a question on Twitter/@packradio or through email by clicking here.
A full recap of the NC State-North Carolina game will be available on the Dave Doeren TV Show, which will air in the Triangle on Sunday night at 11:30 p.m. on WRAL TV-5. For other times and stations, click here.
Â
Security Enhancements Remain in Place for Home Finale
Game 12: NC State Wolfpack (7-4, 3-4) vs. #11 UNC Tar Heels (10-1, 7-0)
November 28, 2015 • 3:30 p.m.
Raleigh, N.C. • Carter-Finley Stadium (57,600)
TV: ABC/ESPN2/ESPN3 | Radio: Wolfpack Sports Network, Sirius 134, XM 193
Live Stats | Game Notes | @PackFootball Twitter | Ask the Analyst
RALEIGH, N.C. - No matter the circumstances and regardless of the records, the NC State-North Carolina football game is always meaningful.
It matters for the alumni and supporters of each school. For the players on each side, this game serves as a prime motivator during those grueling off-season workouts. And when the coaches meet with boosters during those spring caravan events, they're always reminded about the importance of winning this particular game above all others.
No, there's no love lost between the two teams, yet there is a healthy respect for the rivalry and the historical significance behind it.
On Saturday, the Wolfpack (7-4, 3-4 ACC) and Tar Heels (10-1, 7-0) will again add to that history when they meet for the 105th time. Kickoff from Carter-Finley Stadium is set for 3:30 p.m.
"It's an exciting game for both programs and I look forward to being a part of the match-up," said NC State head coach Dave Doeren. "I know our players are going to give everything they have to make it a special week for our seniors and to make it a memorable game. Any time you get to play in games that have been going on since 1894, you have to take pause and think about your place. There have been a lot of players and a lot of coaches who have been involved with this rivalry. To be in one that's in the same neighborhood, that really makes it special."
All seniors remember their last home game, which makes this one doubly important for NC State's 10-member senior class. The majority of the Wolfpack's relatively small senior group have played their very best football this season.
Defensive end Mike Rose leads the ACC in sacks, while cornerback Juston Burris suddenly finds himself on the radar of NFL scouts after emerging as one of the ACC's most improved players. Left tackle Joe Thuney hasn't allowed a sack to a league opponent all year, while tight end Benson Browne went his entire career without a touchdown before scoring a pair this season. Center Quinton Schooley and guard Alex Barr have joined Thuney on an offensive line that has helped produce one of the league's top rushing attacks.
Senior free safety Hakim Jones, who provides a steady hand at the back end of the NC State defense, leads the team in interceptions with two. And of course, there's quarterback Jacoby Brissett, whose will to win has drawn the ultimate praise and respect of his teammates and coaches.
Two other seniors, NaQuan Brown and Maurice Morgan, have shown up every day to do what was necessary to help make their teammates better.
Saying goodbye will be difficult for Doeren and his staff.
"It's sad because these guys have put a lot of time in," said Doeren. "You love seeing seniors play, and watching the events that happen on the field on senior day is emotional. We'll miss coaching those guys. I'm going to miss being around those 10 guys."
Of course, sadness will give way to jubilation if the Wolfpack seniors and their teammates can walk off the Carter-Finley Stadium turf with a precious victory over the sizzling hot Tar Heels. Since dropping its opener, UNC has run off 10 straight victories, the third longest current winning streak in the country.
After clinching a spot in the ACC Championship game against Clemson with last weekend's overtime victory at Virginia Tech, the Tar Heels have inched up to No. 11 in both major college football polls.
A revamped defense orchestrated by first-year coordinator Gene Chizik has made a stunning turnaround from a year ago. Last season, Carolina yielded an average of 498 yards per game and ranked dead last in most of the ACC's defensive statistics. This fall, UNC is allowing 114 fewer yards and 20 fewer points per game.
North Carolina remains explosive on offense, ranking 10th in the country in scoring offense (40.9). As usual, quarterback Marquise Williams has spread the ball around to a host of big-play threats on the outside. What's different this season has been the running of big tailback Elijah Hood, whose 14 rushing touchdowns lead the ACC. Hood also ranks third in the ACC in rushing with 1,060 yards.
"I really think their running game has come around," said Burris. "They always have good receivers and obviously, Marquise Williams can get the ball and launch the long ball. I think their running back is having a tremendous season, and that added facet has improved their offense. We have to stop his production and do what we need to do to limit their receivers."
The team that has held the rushing advantage has won 20 of the last 23 games in the series. In its one-sided 35-7 rout of UNC 12 months ago in Chapel Hill, NC State rushed for 388 yards, 167 of which came compliments of Brissett.
"They've done a really good job offensively," said North Carolina coach Larry Fedora. "You know the quarterback is for real. He's a big guy that can beat you with his legs and beat you with his arm. They've added speed with the [Nyheim] Hines kid. He can really go. I know they've got some injuries at the tailback position, but their offensive line has improved over last year. I think they're a much better football team offensively that what they were last year."
Both offenses can run and throw, while the two defenses are good at taking the ball away. With 11 takeaways in its last three games, NC State owns a plus-8 turnover margin for the season, second only to North Carolina's plus-11. The Wolfpack has turned the ball over just 10 times in eleven games, a figure that ranks 4th in the BCS.
A win for State, and the Wolfpack would finish 8-4, an improvement upon last year's 7-5 regular season mark. UNC needs a victory to secure the fourth 11-win season in school history.
An important game? Isn't it always?
"Rivalry games are what college football is all about," said Benson Browne. "These guys are close to us and we've been going at it for years now. During my time here, it's been back and forth as far as who wins and who loses. I'd like to end it the right way and finish off with a win.
Saturday's 3:30 p.m. kickoff will be preceded by Wolfpack Sports Network coverage, which begins at 1:30 p.m. In the second hour of the pregame show shortly after 2:30 p.m., former NC State All-American and color analyst Johnny Evans takes your questions about Pack football on 'Ask the Analyst.' Send Johnny a question on Twitter/@packradio or through email by clicking here.
A full recap of the NC State-North Carolina game will be available on the Dave Doeren TV Show, which will air in the Triangle on Sunday night at 11:30 p.m. on WRAL TV-5. For other times and stations, click here.
Â
Players Mentioned
QB
/ Football
WR
/ Football
TE
/ Football
CB
/ Football
S
/ Football
WR
/ Football
C
/ Football
OG
/ FootballPack Rewind 🎥 : East Carolina
Wednesday, September 03
Coach Doeren Weekly Press Conference (Sept. 1)
Monday, September 01
Coach Doeren Postgame Presser vs ECU
Thursday, August 28
FB Players Postgame Presser vs ECU
Thursday, August 28