NC State Host North Carolina On Senior Day
Senior day has finally arrived for NC State where they will host tobacco road rival North Carolina looking to send their seniors out on a high note.
Members of NC State's 20-man recruiting class, one of the largest and most productive in recent memory, will step onto the green grass at Carter-Finley Stadium for the final time Saturday afternoon when the Wolfpack (7-4, 5-2) hosts rival North Carolina (3-8, 1-7) in the regular season finale for both teams. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/23/football-wolfpack-clashes-with-tar-heels-on-senior-day.aspx
Prior to the 2017 campaign, this NC State team had a long list of goals, one of which was to send the seniors off in style with a victory over the Tar Heels. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/23/football-wolfpack-clashes-with-tar-heels-on-senior-day.aspx
"Our main goal is to beat UNC," said defensive end Bradley Chubb "It's one of the last goals when you look at the goals sheet. This is our rival and when we play this game, records don't matter. They're going to give us their best and we're going to give them our best. We're excited about it." "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/23/football-wolfpack-clashes-with-tar-heels-on-senior-day.aspx
Chubb, along with H-back Jaylen Samuals , will always be viewed as the headline acts from the 2014 recruiting class, although no one could have possibly predicted the impact they would make on coach Dave Doeren's program back when they first signed. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/23/football-wolfpack-clashes-with-tar-heels-on-senior-day.aspx
But as it stands now, Chubb will leave as the school's all-time leader in career sacks and tackles for loss. Samuels' still has two games left to further make his mark on the NC State record book. Currently second on the career list for touchdowns with 45, the Charlotte native is six shy of tying Ted Brown's record of 51. Samuels also has a realistic chance to chase down Jericho Cotchery's mark for career receptions, needing nine to move into the number one spot. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/23/football-wolfpack-clashes-with-tar-heels-on-senior-day.aspx
When Samuels was a freshman, the offensive staff spent an entire season trying to figure out his role in the offense and what position he should play, but on those limited occasions when he did get on the field, he always seemed to do something that caught everyone's attention. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/23/football-wolfpack-clashes-with-tar-heels-on-senior-day.aspx
"When I first got here, I just wanted to find a way to make plays," said the versatile Samuels. "When I did get the ball, I wanted to make the most of the opportunity. That's kind of how it was when I was a freshman. Every time I had a chance to get the ball, I wanted to make a play because I wasn't getting the ball as much as I am now." "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/23/football-wolfpack-clashes-with-tar-heels-on-senior-day.aspx
And once NC State's coaches did figure out a wide variety of ways to utilize his formidable skill-set, Samuels was on his way to becoming a match-up nightmare for opposing defenses. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/23/football-wolfpack-clashes-with-tar-heels-on-senior-day.aspx
One thing NC State's seniors haven't done in their careers is to beat North Carolina at home. In a rather quirky turn of events, the road team has won the last four games in the series."according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/23/football-wolfpack-clashes-with-tar-heels-on-senior-day.aspx
"You can look at records and stats and all those things, but in these kinds of games it doesn't matter," Doeren said. "It's always going to be an emotional game where both teams are playing for a lot, and so I look forward to that as always." "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/23/football-wolfpack-clashes-with-tar-heels-on-senior-day.aspx
Doeren's coaching counterpart agrees with those sentiments. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/23/football-wolfpack-clashes-with-tar-heels-on-senior-day.aspx
"I don't know why, but anything can happen in a rivalry game," said North Carolina head coach Larry Fedora. "That's one of the great things about rivalry games is that you can throw records out the door. Guys are going to battle and it's always a heck of a game." "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/23/football-wolfpack-clashes-with-tar-heels-on-senior-day.aspx
Fedora no doubt would like to throw this year's record 'out the door,' although the Tar Heels have shown signs of life the last two weeks with back-to-back victories over Pitt and Western Carolina. While injuries and youth have been frisky adversaries for UNC most of the year, it appears Carolina has made positive strides of late thanks to the stable hand provided by quarterback Nathan Elliott. One of three signal callers used by UNC this season, Elliott has six touchdown passes with no interceptions over the last two games. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/23/football-wolfpack-clashes-with-tar-heels-on-senior-day.aspx
Now a sophomore, receiver Anthony Ratliff-Williams has become a force both as a wide-out and return man on special teams. Along with a team-leading 30 receptions for 499 yards this season, Ratliff-Williams has two kickoff returns for touchdowns. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/23/football-wolfpack-clashes-with-tar-heels-on-senior-day.aspx
"They've gotten better with their quarterback change," said Doeren. "I know they've been banged up, but they are getting some players back. Ratliff-Williams has been their playmaker at receiver." "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/23/football-wolfpack-clashes-with-tar-heels-on-senior-day.aspx
Another thing that gets Doeren and NC State's attention: Carolina has won 11 of its last 14 road games dating back to 2014. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/23/football-wolfpack-clashes-with-tar-heels-on-senior-day.aspx
Senior-day salutes are always emotional before the game begins, but the celebration for NC State won't be complete unless the Wolfpack can knock off its rival to become the first State team to post six conference wins since 1994."according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/23/football-wolfpack-clashes-with-tar-heels-on-senior-day.aspx
"I feel like this university has helped me become a man," Chubb said. "The situations I've been put in, whether it's in the classroom, on the field, off the field, the coaches being like father figures to me, I've grown up a lot and become a lot more mature since I got here. It's been a fun journey and I'm looking forward to finishing it off here at Carter-Finley." "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/23/football-wolfpack-clashes-with-tar-heels-on-senior-day.aspx
Prior to the NC State-North Carolina matchup, the Wolfpack Sports Network will begin pregame coverage with the Matthews Motors Pregame Show starting at 1:30 p.m. In the second hour of the pregame, network analyst Johnny Evans will answer questions from fans on 'Ask the Analyst.' Questions to Johnny can be submitted via Twitter@packradio or by clicking HERE "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/23/football-wolfpack-clashes-with-tar-heels-on-senior-day.aspx
As for NC State's last game, they were edged by Wake Forest at BB&T Field in Winston Salem a week ago.
With the score tied 24-24 midway through the fourth quarter, Wake Forest went ahead after an 18-yard TD pass with 8:03 left in the game and held on for the 30-24 win in Winston-Salem. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/18/football-wolfpack-falls-at-wake-forest.aspx
NC State (7-4, 5-2 ACC) took the ensuing kick down to the Wake 11-yard line, but Wake (7-4, 4-3) forced a fumble on the one-yard line and recovered it in the end zone for a touchback with 1:51 left. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/18/football-wolfpack-falls-at-wake-forest.aspx
The Demon Deacons ran the clock down to 0:41 before the Wolfpack got the ball back at its own 45-yard line. After getting the ball down to the Wake 30, the Pack was picked off in the end zone with one second left. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/18/football-wolfpack-falls-at-wake-forest.aspx
The two teams were never more then seven points apart, as there were four ties but the Wolfpack never held the lead. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/18/football-wolfpack-falls-at-wake-forest.aspx
The Wolfpack came out of the locker room and tied the game back at 21-21 after a Ryan Finley to Emeka Emezie 20-yard TD pass less then five minutes into the second half. Wake added a field goal to retake the lead at 24-21 late in the third. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/18/football-wolfpack-falls-at-wake-forest.aspx
The Pack forced the fourth tie of the game (24-24) with a field goal on its first possession of the fourth quarter. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/18/football-wolfpack-falls-at-wake-forest.aspx
The teams traded touchdowns in the first half, with the Demon Deacons holding a 21-14 lead at the break. The Pack got a pair of TD runs in the first half – Jaylen Samuels from 11 yards out and Reggie Gallaspy from 1. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/18/football-wolfpack-falls-at-wake-forest.aspx
WOLFPACK SPOTLIGHT DRIVE – 1st half
10 plays, 75 yards in 4:46 – Jaylen Samuels 11-yard TD rush "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/18/football-wolfpack-falls-at-wake-forest.aspx
After Wake Forest opened the scoring, NC State responded on the ensuing drive to tie the game with five minutes to go in the first quarter. The Pack went 75 yards in 10 plays, capped by a Jaylen Samuels 11-yard TD run on 4th & 2. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/18/football-wolfpack-falls-at-wake-forest.aspx
WOLFPACK SPOTLIGHT DRIVE – 2nd half
8 plays, 78 yards in 3:14 – Ryan Finley to Emeka Emezie 20-yard TD pass "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/18/football-wolfpack-falls-at-wake-forest.aspx
Coming out of the locker room down seven, the NC State defense forced a Wake Forest 3 and out on the first possession of the second half, and the offense tied up the game on its first drive. Ryan Finley found freshman Emeka Emezie from 20 yards out for his first career TD catch. The drive covered 78 yards in eight plays over 3:!4. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/18/football-wolfpack-falls-at-wake-forest.aspx
STAT LEADERS
• QB Ryan Finley
34-of-52 for 327 yards, 1 TD
• H Jaylen Samuels
7 rushes for 50 yards, 1 TD
4 catches for 23 yards
• WR Kelvin Harmon
8 catches for 105 yards
• WR Jakobi Meyers
10 catches for 90 yards
• DE Kentavius Street
6 tackles, 0.5 TFLs
"according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/18/football-wolfpack-falls-at-wake-forest.aspx
NOTABLES
• WR Kelvin Harmon finished with over 100 yards receiving for the sixth time this season. He is tied for fourth in school history for the most games with 100+ receiving in a single season, and the most at NC State since Jerricho Cotchery in 2003. "according tohttp://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/18/football-wolfpack-falls-at-wake-forest.aspx
• Sr. Shawn Boone started at safety for the first time this season, he started the previous 10 games this season at nickel. He started 14 previous games during his career at safety, including 12 last season. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/18/football-wolfpack-falls-at-wake-forest.aspx
• In the third quarter, Boone recorded his third interception of the season, the second straight week he has had an INT. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/18/football-wolfpack-falls-at-wake-forest.aspx
• Fr. Chris Ingram started the game at nickel, his first career start. Ingram is also the first true-freshman to start a game this season for the Wolfpack. Here are the previous true-freshmen starts under Doeren: 2016 – 8, 2015 – 35, 2014 – 32, 2013 – 18). "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/18/football-wolfpack-falls-at-wake-forest.aspx
• The Pack's fourth quarter field goal was after a 19-play 76 yard drive that covered 8:08. It was the most plays in a drive for NC State since Clemson in 2013 (23) and the most time in a drive since South Alabama in 2015 (9:15). "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/18/football-wolfpack-falls-at-wake-forest.aspx
As for North Carolina's last game, unlike NC State who came out on the losing end against Wake North Carolina meanwhile came out on the other end of the spectrum as they won by routing Western Carolina.
North Carolina quarterback Nathan Elliott could feel the momentum, both in a game-changing second quarter Saturday and a possibly redemptive November for the Tar Heels. "according to http://www.goheels.com/news/2017/11/18/football-tar-heels-roll-past-catamounts-65-10.aspx
Elliott, a sophomore making his second start, threw four first-half touchdown passes as UNC cruised past Western Carolina 65-10. The victory gives the Tar Heels (3-8) their first win streak of what has been a disappointing season, one that would look far better if UNC could continue the winning next weekend at rival N.C. State. "according to http://www.goheels.com/news/2017/11/18/football-tar-heels-roll-past-catamounts-65-10.aspx
Elliott credits the senior class, which played its last game in Kenan Stadium, with keeping the Tar Heels on task despite falling to 1-8 on Oct. 28 with a 24-19 loss to unbeaten Miami. "according to http://www.goheels.com/news/2017/11/18/football-tar-heels-roll-past-catamounts-65-10.aspx
"They have kept this team together this year when we were falling apart," he said. "I cannot thank them enough, and I am glad we were able to send them out the right way." "according to http://www.goheels.com/news/2017/11/18/football-tar-heels-roll-past-catamounts-65-10.aspx
North Carolina scored 21 points in a span of 2 minutes, 46 seconds in the second quarter to take control against the outmanned Catamounts. "according to http://www.goheels.com/news/2017/11/18/football-tar-heels-roll-past-catamounts-65-10.aspx
After punting on its first possession, UNC scored six touchdowns the next six times it touched the ball, including a 28-yard fumble return by Jonathan Smith for a 28-7 lead. "according tohttp://www.goheels.com/news/2017/11/18/football-tar-heels-roll-past-catamounts-65-10.aspx
Josh Cabrera caught two touchdown passes in the second quarter to stake the Tar Heels to a 42-7 halftime lead. Elliott, who had a first-half streak of 10 consecutive completions, finished 18 of 28 passing for 240 yards and no turnovers. "according to http://www.goheels.com/news/2017/11/18/football-tar-heels-roll-past-catamounts-65-10.aspx
"You just keep building off it, you could feel the momentum," Elliott said. "We were going out there just expecting to score." "according to http://www.goheels.com/news/2017/11/18/football-tar-heels-roll-past-catamounts-65-10.aspx
Michael Carter had 16 carries for 103 yards and a touchdown for the Tar Heels, who outgained the Catamounts 231-32 in the second quarter. "according to http://www.goheels.com/news/2017/11/18/football-tar-heels-roll-past-catamounts-65-10.aspx
Western Carolina (7-5), a member of the Football Championship Subdivision, led 7-0 on Connell Young's 1-yard reception but found little success after that in dropping to 0-54 all-time against Football Bowl Subdivision teams. "according to http://www.goheels.com/news/2017/11/18/football-tar-heels-roll-past-catamounts-65-10.aspx
THE TAKEAWAY
Western Carolina: The Catamounts had North Carolina grasping at air early behind the nifty moves of quarterback Tyrie Adams. But Western Carolina couldn't slow the UNC offense and fell to 0-29 all-time against Atlantic Coast Conference opponents. Detrez Newsome led the Catamounts with 107 yards on 26 carries, putting him over the 1,000-yard mark for the third consecutive season. "according to http://www.goheels.com/news/2017/11/18/football-tar-heels-roll-past-catamounts-65-10.aspx
North Carolina: The Tar Heels, who outgained WCU 611-304, were uplifted by the return of senior wide receiver Austin Proehl Playing for the first time since Sept. 23 against Duke, Proehl had three catches for 52 yards."according to http://www.goheels.com/news/2017/11/18/football-tar-heels-roll-past-catamounts-65-10.aspx
"He got healthy, and the doctors released him," UNC coach Larry Fedora said. "He's been wanting to play for a while, and each time they were checking him out, they weren't going to release him. So finally on Tuesday we got the word they were going to release him. He wanted to get back out there with his teammates." "according to http://www.goheels.com/news/2017/11/18/football-tar-heels-roll-past-catamounts-65-10.aspx
KEY PLAY
The Tar Heels led 21-7 but had trouble early containing Adams, who rushed eight times for 49 yards in the first half. One way to stop a good runner? Make him fumble. Malik Carney dislodged the ball and Smith picked it up for a score early in the second quarter. "according to http://www.goheels.com/news/2017/11/18/football-tar-heels-roll-past-catamounts-65-10.aspx
NO FCS STRUGGLES
North Carolina under Fedora has not allowed lower-division teams much of a chance. The Tar Heels improved to 8-0 in his tenure against FCS teams or those making the transition to FBS, as Old Dominion was doing in 2013. The average score in those games, all at home, is 57-15. UNC has surpassed 50 points in those games six times. North Carolina's last loss to an FCS team was against Furman in 1999.ed Western Carolina on senior day at Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill. "according to http://www.goheels.com/news/2017/11/18/football-tar-heels-roll-past-catamounts-65-10.aspx
Kick-off is set for 3:30pm. The game will be televised on ESPNU. "according to http://www.gopack.com/schedule.aspx?path=football