The Wolfpacker Show: NC State picks up massive rivalry win vs. UNC
No. 21 NC State football picked up win No. 9 Saturday night, dispatching arch rival North Carolina in a prime-time senior day showdown. The Wolfpack wrapped up its 2023 regular season with a 9-3 record, winning its final five contests.
After going into an October bye week 4-3 with a loss to Duke, the program turned its season around and started to build positive momentum. NC State’s defense returned to its elite level after the open date, and the offense consistently improved each week.
A season full of reliable steps forward culminated in the Pack’s 39-20 win over North Carolina. The Tar Heels recorded 0 passing yards in the first quarter and only managed 3 scores against the Pack defense. NC State’s offense scored on its first eight offensive drives, featuring four field goals from graduate kicker Brayden Narveson.
Ethan McDowell and Noah Fleischman recorded another episode of The Wolfpacker Show following the exciting win. The hosts are all-in on NC State’s hot streak and effusively praised the program’s success over the past month.
In this episode, they discussed:
*** Their initial thoughts on the win. Ethan talked about the atmosphere around Carter-Finely Stadium Saturday. The tailgate lots were packed, and the students arrived early and stayed late. It was a raucous environment for the program’s senior day showdown.
*** Noah shared his take on the dominant Wolfpack win. Both hosts were really impressed by graduate quarterback Brennan Armstrong’s third-consecutive start under center. Notably, the signal-caller has not recorded a turnover since returning to the lineup. Armstrong battled an injury throughout Saturday’s contest but did not let that phase him, recording a 3 touchdown performance.
*** Defensively, NC State contained UNC star quarterback Drake Maye, forcing a fumble and picking off two passes. The Tar Heels averaged over 500 yards per game coming into this game and finished with 384 Saturday.
*** The hosts also talked about another outstanding performance for both freshman wide receiver Kevin Concepcion and graduate linebacker Payton Wilson.
*** Then, Noah and Ethan each shared their respective turning points for the game. Each host picked a key moment early in the game that set the tone for the matchup.
*** After a quick break, Ethan went through the list of players who participated in the Wolfpack’s senior day ceremony.
*** The hosts then handed out their game balls for this rivalry game clash, recognizing standout performances from senior receiver Keyon Lesane, the offensive line and others.
*** To wrap up the show, Noah and Ethan each gave their picks for NC State’s bowl game, sharing which game they would like to see the Pack play in next month.
All of those topics and more are discussed on Sunday’s show, which is available in audio and video on TheWolfpacker.com’s YouTube channel.
