Dave Doeren lists graphic metaphor as biggest motivation to beat North Carolina
NC State head coach Dave Doeren did not hide his disdain for the North Carolina Tar Heels and their coaching staff this week. After prevailing against the ‘Heels on Friday night in a 30-27 2OT thriller, Doeren was sure to remind everyone just how much the victory meant to the Wolfpack players and their coaches in the locker room. In his post-game press conference, Doeren gave everyone a graphic reminder of precisely why N.C. State will savor the victory for a whole season.
Check out the press conference below. You can also read the transcribed version below the YouTube video.
“I don’t know that it re-shapes anything. I think it just proves the staying power that our guys have. The resiliency, toughness, and grit. The love. I told them all week nobody’s gonna care about anything other than this win. This will make a lot of things feel better. It’s a 365-day-you-know-what-sandwich that the other school gets to eat. And we didn’t want to eat it, you know. We wanted to have that. And we wanted to finish with that pride. And that’s what happens in rivalry games, you know. One team gets to feel good for a year and the other one doesn’t,” Doeren said.
Dave Doeren was overwhelmed with emotion when being interviewed by ESPN’s Tom Luginbill on the field
Immediately following the emotional victory, Doeren was in tears when he was speaking with ESPN’s Tom Luginbill on the field.
“I mean, these guys got so much heart. I’m so proud of them. It’s our fourth-string quarterback. He was on the scout team, you know?! I mean, we’re down so many players. The heart of these guys. The staff. I’m super blessed and thankful. Thank you, God. Giving him all the glory,” Doeren said.
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Then the NC State head coach had to give his defense credit for a spectacular performance against one of the best offenses in the country. They frustrated North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye for most of the evening. “It’s the best defense in the conference, hands down. These guys. Tony Gibson. That staff. Those players. The heart they’ve got. I love it. I love that. Such a great win,” Doeren said.
He also discussed how resilient his team was after battling through so many injuries. “You can’t say enough. And the guys that have been hurt have stepped in as leaders and coaches to help their teammates. So, and I mean, it’s a beautiful group of guys, man. I’m blessed to be their coach and thankful to have this W with them. It’s gonna be a great night. Turn the red light on, Chancellor Woodson. Go Pack!”
The win was the 5th win in the last 7 games for NC State against North Carolina. The win was not only big for the Wolfpack’s season but also made a substantial impact on Dave Doeren’s wallet. He picked up a $50,000 bonus as they got their 8th win of the season by defeating the ‘Heels. Doeren has now earned $75,000 in bonuses this year, according to Steve Berkowitz of USA Today.
NC State had numerous players step up in the big win
NC State receiver Devin Carter had a spectacular evening, hauling in six catches for 130 receiving yards and a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, he hauled in an absolutely beautiful 26-yard touchdown catch from Ben Finley to put the Wolfpack up 24-17. It was a back-shoulder fade that was one of the most gorgeous spirals of the evening. NC State kicker Christopher Dunn hit of his four field goal attempts and drilled all three of his extra points. He drilled two kicks in the overtime sessions, one in the first overtime and one in the second overtime. The last one would end up being the difference after North Carolina’s Noah Burnette missed the final kick in double overtime, hooking it far left of the uprights.