NC State beats UNC in double overtime on a missed field goal attempt
The North Carolina Tar Heels have now lost two-straight games to close out the 2022 season, falling to N.C. State in double overtime on Saturday in disappointing fashion.
And for the second straight week, it was a third-string quarterback that beat the Tar Heels.
Ben Finley got the start for the Wolfpack and finished the game 27 of 40 for 271 yards and 2 touchdowns, outplaying Drake Maye and the Tar Heels.
UNC got off to an ugly start, struggling to move the ball on offense, and could not stop the Wolfpack from moving down the field. The game started in North Carolina’s hands and quickly left them as UNC went three and out in just 51 seconds of action. NC State matched the three-play drive, but instead of a punt, scored a touchdown in 49 seconds, with a big chunk of the drive coming from quarterback Ben Finley completing a 52-yard pass to Devin Carter.
The drive for UNC shared the same fate as the first one, going three and out again. The Tar Heel’s fortune on defense changed for the better, forcing NC State to a three and out of their own to get the ball back for UNC. After a 15-parlay drive, North Carolina finally got points on the board, with kicker Noah Burnette hitting a 37-yard field goal to bring the score 7-3 in Wolfpacks’ favor.
After both teams went three and out again, NC State added to their lead with another touchdown three minutes into the second quarter, with Finley finding Terrell Timmons Jr. to give the Wolfpack a 14-3 lead. The two teams would then again deliver back-to-back punts before North Carolina’s offense finally found its groove, as running back Elijah Green reached the end-zone with a 9-yard rushing touchdown.
The next drive started looking scary for UNC as NC State walked the ball down the field after a horrendous 15-yard penalty for a face mask. Before the Wolfpack could capitalize with points, the North Carolina defense came to life, forcing a fumble on running back Jack Chambers. Despite getting the ball back, UNC’s offense failed to deliver, giving NC State a chance to score with just 38 seconds left in half. That chance was converted into three as UNC’s defense could not contain the Wolfpacks’ pressure.
The second half started suitable for North Carolina’s defense, forcing NC state to a three-and-out. Much like their first half, the offense went flat again, punting after a 17-yard, five-play drive. The third quarter continued to be a nightmare for both offenses, as they failed to muster up any points in the period.
The fourth continued the trend of lackluster offensive play, but eventually, North Carolina broke threw, with quarterback Drake Maye using his feet to score a touchdown with a 14-yard run. With the score tied at 17 a piece, the clock played a significant part in both teams’ offensive attacks.
UNC’s offensive struggles continued on their next possession as their drive ended with a Maye interception. NC State quickly turned that pick into points, with Finley finding Carter for a 26-yard touchdown, giving the Wolfpack a 24-17 lead. North Carolina got the ball back with 3:54 left in the game and showcased the offense that disappeared the last two weeks.
Maye led the Heels down the field as the time dwindled. UNC found themselves with the perfect opportunity to tie it to overtime with under 10 seconds left on the clock. On third and goal, Maye nearly came in clutch with a 4-yard touchdown to tight-end John Copenhaver to set up the extra point try for overtime. However, after replay, the touchdown would not count… Then with just two seconds left, Maye completed the comeback, finding Antoine Green in the back of the end-zone to force overtime.
Overtime started slow for UNC, failing to score a touchdown but did convert the field goal to give the Heels a 27-24 lead. NC State had their crack at a tie or won with a touchdown. However, UNC’s defense forced the Wolfpack into a field goal attempt, tying the game at 27 a piece and forcing double overtime.
NC State started with the ball in the second overtime, and UNC’s defense held up again, forcing them into another field goal. It was now in UNC’s hands with a shot to win it with a touchdown. After a few attempts at a touchdown, much like NC State, they settled with a field goal. However, the field goal would go wide left, giving NC State the win 30 to 27.
UNC will return to action on December 3rd as they travel to Charlotte to take on the Clemson Tigers in the ACC championship game.
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