College Football Highlight: Wild Finish as Wolfpack Beat Tar Heels

North Carolina punter Ben Kiernan (91) is upended after North Carolina State linebacker Vi Jones (31) blocked his punt during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Raleigh, N.C., on Nov. 26, 2021. (Chris Seward/AP Photo)

North Carolina Tar Heels (6–6) 30 | #20 NC State Wolfpack (9–3) 34

One of the wildest college football finishes happened Friday night between in-state rivals North Carolina Tar Heels and North Carolina State Wolfpack; bizarre plays one after another allowed the Wolfpack to obtain a late come-from-behind victory, keeping their ACC Atlantic Division championship hopes alive.

Enormous momentum shifts occurred throughout as the Wolfpack jumped out to a 14 point lead in the first quarter; the Tar Heels would counter with scoring the next 24 points before the Wolfpack could muster another touchdown, to pull within three points by the end of the third quarter (24–21).

Fourth-quarter scoring began late (7:44 and 2:12) with two field goals by Tar Heel kicker, Grayson Atkins, of 21 and 50 yards adding to a lead of 30–21.

With 1:35 remaining, Wolfpack QB, Devin Leary connected to a wide-open Emeka Emezie for a 64-yard touchdown pass along the sideline to bring them within two points, 30–28.

A successful on-side kick immediately gave the Wolfpack possession again on their 46-yard line. 

Several Tar Heels penalties ensued including offsides, roughing-the-passer, and a pass interference to set up another, 24-yard, TD strike from Leary to Emezie. The two-point conversion failed, and the Wolfpack had a final advantage of 34–30.

North Carolina State quarterback Devin Leary (13) hands off to running back Zonovan Knight (7) during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against North Carolina in Raleigh, N.C., on Nov. 26, 2021. (Chris Seward/AP Photo)

“I’ve never seen anything like it. I’ve got to do a better job,” Tar Heels coach Mack Brown said. “We’ve still got work to do, and that comes back to me.”

With 1:09 remaining, the Tar Heels drove the ball 45 yards to throw a hail-Mary into the end zone, only to be intercepted by Derrek Pitts Jr. to end the game.

What a football game,” Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren said. “What a game. That’s why you play until the last second’s off the clock.”

The Wolfpack beat their biggest rival, Tar Heels, for the first time since 2018; who have been successful playing spoiler to NC State.

Wolfpack QB Leary threw for 247 yards completing 19–30 attempts and four touchdowns; giving him 35 total for the season, and surpassing Phillip Rivers’ 34 for the highest single-season mark in NC State history.

Emezie caught 112 yards for the two crucial late touchdowns. Donovan Knight rushed for 69 yards, and Ricky Person Jr. had 63 yards.

Of his 147 yards passing, Tarheel QB Sam Howell threw a touchdown; and ran for 98 yards while scoring two touchdowns from the ground.  Running back British Brooks ran for 124 yards on 15 carries.

North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell (7) rolls out while being chased by North Carolina State defensive tackle Davin Vann (45) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Raleigh, N.C., on Nov. 26, 2021. (Chris Seward/AP Photo)

The Wolfpack win also officially dethroned Clemson from the Atlantic Division title; who were six-time reigning league champions.

For the Wolfpack to reach the ACC Championship game, #21 Wake Forest would have to lose at Boston College on Saturday. NC State would get the nod since they tie the best division record, while also beating Clemson head-to-head.

The Tar Heels wait in hopes of receiving an invitation to a Bowl game.