RALEIGH — In its final game of the regular season, the No. 11 North Carolina football team enters halftime with a 35-14 lead over N.C. State at Carter-Finley Stadium. Here are three things to note about the game so far.
1. First-quarter frenzy
The Tar Heels started the game with the ball and drove 73 yards on eight plays to take a 7-0 lead on a 5-yard touchdown pass from Marquise Williams to Quinshad Davis.
The touchdown marked the first of five by UNC in the first quarter, as North Carolina scored on every drive in the quarter and mustered 308 total yards.
The Tar Heels' 35 first-quarter points tied the school record for most points in a single quarter. UNC accomplished the feat against Old Dominion in 2013 and against Duke in 2000.
2. All downhill
UNC's offensive attack was driven by its steady performance on the ground, as the team rushed for 292 yards in the first half. N.C. State entered today's game allowing 123.1 rushing yards per game.
North Carolina seized a 14-0 advantage when junior running back T.J. Logan rushed for a 42-yard touchdown on the team's second possession. Two possessions later, he ripped off a 40-yard touchdown run to give the Tar Heels a 28-7 lead.
In addition to Logan — who has rushed for 92 yards on four carries — sophomore tailback Elijah Hood has imposed his will on the ground. On just 10 carries, Hood has rushed for 152 yards.
The Tar Heels are averaging 14.6 yards per carry at halftime.
3. Another one for Hollins
UNC's third touchdown of the game came on a 53-yard reception by junior receiver Mack Hollins.
The score marked his eighth of the season, and after catching eight touchdowns a season ago, he is now tied for fifth in school history 16 career receiving touchdowns.
To get the day's news and headlines in your inbox each morning, sign up for our email newsletters.
