Closing out a difficult season filled with injuries and disappointment can be arduous.  The task is made easier though with a win over your arch rival.  There I stood, singing along to the alma-mater and staring up at the 28-27 scoreboard wrapping my head around what I had just seen.  I had just witnessed a 4-7 State team, with little confidence and little more to play for than pride, take down an 8-3 Carolina team brimming with confidence after four straight wins.  I saw a defense that had given up 30 points or more points in eight straight games, hold an offense to just 27 after 24 first half points.  I saw jubilation on the faces of the victors as if they were playing for a national championship.  I saw fans young and old come together one last time despite the struggles of the past.  Most importantly, I saw hope.  I witnessed a gritty win by the Wolfpack, when not many believed a victory was possible.  After being down 24-14 at the half, State hung in and chipped away at the Tar Heel lead.  Making the most out of their opportunities, the Wolfpack surged back in the game and held on late to preserve the shining moment of the season.

I know this post is very late, but between the aftermath of the excitement, other sporting events and the last week of classes, well you get the idea.  Though it is five days after the Pack’s 28-27 victory over the Tar Heels, the memory is still fresh in our minds as Wolfpack fans and will remain there for at least another year.  Between Russell Wilson’s amazing day and Alan Michael-Cash’s block of the go-ahead field goal, it is hard to pick a favorite moment.  State forced two turnovers in crucial situations and played disciplined football with only five penalties on the day.  The crowd was into it, the players were into it (even those who weren’t playing) and somehow the stars aligned to seal a win for the Pack.  I guess my favorite moment would have to be the realization of defeat felt by the Carolina fans.  As State was draining time off the clock after Michael-Cash’s huge block, UNC fans began to realize the inevitable.  They were about to have their ninth win of the season stripped away from them by the hands of their hated enemy.  As the Tar Heel fans left in confusion and disappointment, I couldn’t help but get a feeling of utter satisfaction.  For one more year, State is better than Carolina!

I’ll have more on the impact of this game and my picks of the litter results later.  Thanks for your patience ACC fans and Go Pack!!!!