North Carolina State University Athletics
Another Year, Another Win over North Carolina
11/30/2025 2:29:00 PM | Football
Senior Night is always special. It's a game you badly want to win to give those playing their final home game the memory of a lifetime.
You never forget what happens on Senior Night.
For NC State, the emotions of the night, coupled with a resounding 42-19 win over rival North Carolina, made it a perfect evening.Â
Some players, like fifth-year linebacker Caden Fordham, never lost to the Tar Heels. That's the ultimate bragging rights for life.
"Obviously, never losing to them is something I've always dreamed of coming here to NC State," Fordham said. "And it's something that's emphasized here every year, so it was awesome to go out there with a bang."
Whether you're a fifth-year player, freshman or in your second year; whether you are from the state of North Carolina or not, beating UNC is high on the priority list for the Pack program.
"I was introduced to the rivalry last year, and it was hectic," Florida native CJ Bailey said. "I just wanted to make a statement coming into this game, and we did."
Bailey and the offense scored touchdowns on their first four drives of the game, with two quarterbacks involved on all four scores. Bailey connected with Wesley Grimes and Justin Joly for a pair of passing scores, while freshman quarterback Will Wilson did the damage on the ground, scoring twice from the "Will-Cat" formation.
For the game, the Pack scored touchdowns on 6 of 7 red zone appearances. NC State has been a touchdown machine in the red zone, hitting pay dirt on 80% of its trips.
"Once we get down there, since I got here, [Offensive Coordinator] Coach Roper put it in my head to 'Be needy, not greedy,'' Bailey said. "When you get in that red zone, it's going to come to you. Just don't try to force anything. Don't try to be extraordinary."
Wilson has been a key reason for the Pack's red zone success with nine rushing touchdowns. The bruising runner has utilized the blocking of the offensive line, running back Darius Johnson, and two - sometimes three - tight ends in the formation.
Against North Carolina, Wilson cracked the end zone four times, a program record for rushing touchdowns for a quarterback in a game.Â
How did he find such success? He just keeps following the advice he wears every game.Â
"I got a wristband that says 'Go get it,'" Wilson said. "That's the mindset with everything you do in life: just go get it every single time. Don't think twice about it."
It was a methodical win for the Pack on a chilly night for a heated rivalry. It marked the fifth straight over UNC, which matches a school record.Â
Coach Dave Doeren joined Tom O'Brien and Dick Sheridan as the only Wolfpack coaches to achieve that feat. "To me, losing to them is unacceptable," Doeren said. "I take a lot of pride in that rivalry game."
Many players and fans also carry the pride of the rivalry. and Saturday's win gives them another one-year renewal on bragging rights.Â
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