UNC unable to overcome season-long obstacles in late game collapse against N.C. State
Junior defensive back Marcus Allen (29) makes a tackle during UNC's final regular season game against N.C. State at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. UNC lost 35-30.
No words could describe UNC’s defensive failure.
No words, not because it was indefinable, but because head coach Mack Brown didn't answer any questions after being fired on Monday. He gave a 15 minute statement concerning his departure, but did not detail the game itself.
“I'm not going to answer questions tonight for the first time in my life,” Brown said. “Because it wouldn't be fair to the administration for me to answer questions without them sitting here to answer them as well.”
All North Carolina needed was three more stops with 1:51 remaining in the game to break a three-year losing streak against the Wolfpack. Instead, the Tar Heels weren't able to stop the Wolfpack from scoring on any offensive possession in the second half. North Carolina fell to N.C. State, 35-30, for its fourth consecutive loss to the Wolfpack.
And without Brown’s insight, there’s no explanation for UNC’s ineptitude. But it isn't uncharacteristic. It's one more chapter in a series of misfortune this season.
UNC first-year defensive back Malcom Ziglar (3) knocks down N.C. State ball carrier at Kenan Stadium on Nov. 30, 2024, during the UNC v. N.C. State football game. UNC lost 35-30.
Graduate rush Kaimon Rucker — who left the game in the first quarter with a cracked fibula — answered more questions than Brown, even with crutches and a boot following an unfortunate end to his last game at UNC. Rucker reflected on the struggles of the season more than the game itself.
“This is definitely one of the most challenging years I've had as a football player,” Rucker said. “Like I've never dealt with so much loss before."
He continued to list everything the Tar Heels overcame this season.
Midway through its first game, UNC lost starting quarterback Max Johnson to a gruesome leg injury. The passing of Tylee Craft after a long battle with cancer added grief to a four-game losing streak for North Carolina. Members of the coaching staff have dealt with health issues, including offensive line coach Randy Clements' preseason bout of sepsis. The recent news about Brown was the final obstacle.
Throughout the off-field challenges, the defense also hit peaks and valleys. Holding its first three opponents to fewer than 100 rushing yards each. Giving up a record-setting 70 points to James Madison. Allowing Duke to score 21 points in the second half. Conceding a last-minute, game-winning touchdown to Georgia Tech.
Flashes of improvement: Dominant wins over Virginia and Florida State. Becoming bowl eligible with a victory over Wake Forest.
Then came the beatdown from Boston College. Next, N.C. State.
With just under two minutes to play, North Carolina seemed level. But the Wolfpack's longest play of the night shattered those hopes.
As the game clock rolled into the final minute, N.C. State quarterback CJ Bailey hoisted a deep ball into double coverage.
Junior cornerback Marcus Allen ran stride for stride with Wolfpack receiver Noah Rogers while Tar Heel strong safety Will Hardy rose to highpoint the ball. Bailey’s pass disappeared into a cluster of gloves as all three players fell to the turf.
Then sprung Rogers from the pile, ball in hand as he flexed around UNC’s 17-yard line. The 44-yard heave set up the Wolfpack inside the red zone before N.C. State scored the game-winning touchdown three plays later.
Graduate quarterback Jacoby Criswell (12) throws a pass at Kenan Stadium on Nov. 30, 2024, during the UNC v. N.C. State football game. UNC lost 35-30.
“You love being in ball games like that, but you hate losing them,” quarterback Jacolby Criswell said. “We just didn't capitalize when it mattered.”
In the second half, the Tar Heels surrendered 373 yards and allowed N.C. State to score on all six of its offensive possessions. Big plays plagued UNC’s secondary as the Tar Heels allowed five completions over 20 yards, and two plays over 40 yards coming inside the final seven minutes of the game.
North Carolina failed to contain Bailey late in the game, which put pressure on the Tar Heel secondary. In the fourth quarter, Bailey scrambled or stepped up in the pocket to complete his final nine attempts and throw for two touchdowns.
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With no confident answer offered as a reason for the second-half failure, questions dominating the end of the season were evaded once again in light of Brown's departure. All that's left is a season marked by obstacles the Tar Heels weren't able to overcome.
“There were a lot of trials and tribulations this year,” Rucker said. “But as one of those things where, you know, we only had control over what we control.”
