Three takeaways from N.C. State’s emphatic, 39-20, college football win over North Carolina

North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye had one message before the annual rivalry game against N.C. State.

“If you go to Carolina, you want to beat State,” Maye said last week.

The Wolfpack (9-3, 6-2 ACC) took that to heart and defeated the Tar Heels (8-4, 4-4 ACC), 39-20, despite being the underdog by U.S. sports books. The victory gave N.C. State its fifth straight win, while the Heels lost their fourth in the last five FBS contests.

N.C. State has now won three straight against the Tar Heels, the second time that’s happened under head coach Dave Doeren.

Here are three takeaways from N.C. State’s win:

Wolfpack wins after huge first half

If anyone was worried about the Wolfpack being in a slump after Thanksgiving, those concerns were quelled pretty quickly. N.C. State dominated the first half, finding success in all three phases of the game.

The Wolfpack racked up 327 yards on offense, recorded 12 explosive plays and possessed the ball for 22:06 of the first two quarters. Quarterback Brennan Armstrong completed 16-of-24 passes, including a 43-yard toss to wide receiver Kevin “KC” Concepcion.

Additionally, Concepcion picked up 86 yards, including 43 after his catches, bullying his way through coverage to haul in passes and extend plays. He did a backwards somersault in the end zone to score. Fellow receivers Keyon Lesane, Bradley Rozner and Porter Rooks all added at least 30 receiving yards, as well.

The team went into the break with all the momentum after scoring on all six of its first half drives.

On defense, N.C. State held the Tar Heels scoreless through five drives and significantly pressured Maye by collapsing the pocket. He started 0-of-5 and finished with 58 yards and one touchdown through the first portion of play.

The hot start forced Carolina to punt four times – three of which put the Wolfpack near midfield – and N.C. State quickly regained possession on the second drive after a forced fumble.

When the offense couldn’t quite get into the end zone, place kicker Brayden Narveson came in clutch, kicking four field goals. Kicker Collin Smith and the remainder of the special teams forced UNC to start drives deep in its own territory.

Poor start dooms Heels

It was over by halftime for the Heels.

A lot of football was still to be played but the outcome all but decided. Players were slipping on the turf. Drake Maye was being harassed in the pocket and off target throwing the ball and Omarion Hampton, the ACC’s leading rusher, was a non-factor running the ball.

As for UNCs defense, it couldn’t stop the Pack from scoring points. The Pack was six-for-six in the red zone while the Heels were firing blanks on possession after possession. UNC could not convert a third down, going 0-5.

By halftime, NCSU’s Brennan Armstrong had thrown for 232 yards and two TDS and Maye had 58 yards after completing four of 10 passes. Maye did have a 15-yard scoring pass to John Copenhaver late in the half, but after the Pack took a 23-0 lead.

Maye had a 56-yard run early in the second half and then scored the TD. He also ran for a two-pointer, only to have it called back for spiking the ball.

It was that kind of night for Maye and the Heels.

Keeping it rolling

The Wolfpack offense continued its incredible turnaround on Saturday. It not only topped the four previous performances but put up some of its best numbers all season.

N.C. State finished with 504 yards, going 8-8 in the red zone – all on consecutive drives.

Armstrong also continued his comeback tour, topping out at a season-high 334 yards and three touchdowns. The graduate transfer threw for more passing yards in the regular season finale than his last two outings combined. He finished without an interception in the third straight contest, as well.

The Pack struggled with explosive plays early this season, but it looked competent and confident once again. N.C. State picked up 17 explosive plays, with seven different players accounting for the positive yardage.

Doeren previously said the team knew it would take awhile to get the offense where it wanted, but the last several games have proven offensive coordinator Robert Anae’s system is finally working.

Here are earlier updates from the game:

Maye with another TD pass

The Heels went 75 yards in 10 plays as Drake Maye finally found Tez Waker for a big play and TD. The completion went for 21 yards as Walker fumbled crossing the goal line but fell on the ball for the score. A try for two points failed.

Maye has passed for two TDs and run for a third. He’s 10-of-21 passing for 137 yards.

Mimms scores for Pack

Delbert Mimms scored on a bruising 7-yard touchdown run, giving N.C. State a 39-14 lead with 7:54 to play in the third quarter. The Wolfpack used just 56 seconds to move 75 yards for the score.

Heels answer Pack TD with a TD

Drake Maye can be dangerous running the ball and proved it with a 56-yard run down the left sideline that set up a TD as the Heels pulled within 33-14 on a short Maye run.

Maye then ran for a two-pointer, but was called for unsportsmanlike conduct for spiking the ball in the end zone. UNC added an extra point after the penalty.

Collins finds the end zone

Wide receiver Dacari Collins pulled down the 20-yard touchdown reception to officially start the second half, his second touchdown of the season. Collins’ grab ended a 75-yard drive and took 4:34 off the clock.

Pack ends half with fourth FG ... twice

Place kicker Brayden Narveson rushed onto the field with seconds left in the half, making a 19-yard field goal attempt. It was his fourth successful kick through the uprights in the half to end the 75-yard drive. Or did he?

It was clear during halftime that the Wolfpack had 12 men on the field for that hurried play, something the replay booth noticed as well. When the teams took the field for the third quarter, referee Adam Savoie announced that there was an illegal-substitution penalty on N.C. State and there would be an untimed down to conclude the second quarter, belatedly.

Narveson made the field goal again, from 5 yards farther, and it was 26-7 ... again.

UNC finds some life with TD drive

After being stymied by the Pack defense nearly all of the first half, UNC finally strung together some plays and put a touchdown on the board. Drake Maye, after a horrendous start, hit JJ Jones for 30 yards and 10 yards to start the drive and ended it with a 15-yard TD pass to John Copenaver. Maye also had a 15-yard run in the 75-yard drive.

Armstrong finds Concepcion again

Quarterback Brennan Armstrong found wide receiver Kevin “KC” Concepcion for a 6-yard touchdown. It was the second touchdown for both players and ended the 55-yard drive.

Wolfpack scores first TD

Concepcion somersaulted backwards in the end zone to grab an 11-yard pass from Armstrong to put the Pack up two possessions. N.C. State’s score capped an 83-yard, 11-play drive.

Photos: NC State football dominates UNC in season finale

NC State adds second FG

Kicker Brayden Narveson scored a 40-yard field goal, putting the Wolfpack up six to cap off a 24-yard drive. Quarterback Brennan Armstrong found the end zone earlier in the drive, evading multiple defenders, but his score was waved off after an offensive penalty.

Narveson FG gives Wolfpack early lead

Narveson put the Pack on the board with a 32-yard field goal. The 43-yard scoring drive included a 23-yard pass from Armstrong to wide receiver Kevin “KC” Concepcion, and 15 free yards on a Carolina penalty.

Wolfpack honors seniors

N.C. State recognized 26 players in its senior day ceremony. Several honorees, including linebacker Payton Wilson, do not have any remaining eligibility.

A number of players, such as Davin Vann, Anthony Belton, Rakeim Ashford, Aydan White and Timothy McKay, have eligibility remaining. Doeren said this week he wanted them to participate in the activities in case they opt to seek NFL opportunities.

NC State injury update

Wide receiver Julian Gray was not dressed during pregame warmups. He missed the game against Virginia Tech after getting “banged up,” against Wake Forest.

Head coach Dave Doeren previously said he hoped Gray would be available for the final regular season game. Receivers Keyon Lesane and Terrell Timmons Jr. and running back Kendrick Raphael warmed up at the position.

UNC injury update

Defensive back Alijah Huzzie, injured last week against Clemson, will not play. D.J. Jones will replace Huzzie at the star position.

Wide receiver Nate McCollum also will not play. Said UNC coach Mack Brown: “We’ve got a lot of guys banged up.”