‘This one runs deeper’: NC State gets final shot at bowl eligibility against rival UNC

Athletes often say all games are the same, even at N.C. State. When the team played Tennessee in Charlotte, several players said they didn’t put extra stock in it.

Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren disagrees — at least when it comes to rivalry week. N.C. State and North Carolina play for the 114th time on Saturday in a rivalry that began in 1894.

“I’m a little different,” Doeren said Monday during his weekly press conference. “I guess I don’t treat it as a normal game.”

He said rivalry games are the same as all of the others in the sense that teams still practice, watch film, and do the typical preparation, but there’s always a little more on the line.

Even going back to high school, Doeren said they’re always big games. They’re about pride and bragging rights between fan bases. There’s often a recruiting element. And, it ups the ante when teams like N.C. State and UNC are closely located. It’s common to see opposing fans, alumni, coaches and players at regular spots — like the grocery store — making the rivalry more unique.

“(Rivalries) are not just a game that, ‘Hey, next year, we’ll beat them,’” Doeren said. “It’s a game that gets talked about, and you hear about for the next 365 days, sometimes, if you’re out in public.”

“That’s one of the cool parts of college football, the pageantry that goes with it.”

The 12th year head coach, despite not being from the Triangle, understands the significance. Donors and fans told Doeren after his introductory press conference they were glad he joined the Wolfpack and “hope you beat Carolina.” Then-athletic director Debbie Yow told him not to wear Carolina blue.

Doeren understood quickly what the rivalry meant to the school and its supporters, and it’s become important to him, too.

Wolfpack staff teaches history against the Heels

N.C. State welcomed more than 40 new players to the roster in 2024. Like any other season, the Pack educated the team on the history of significant matchups. Players learned about how long the program has played opponents, if there are games or traditions of significance and other important facts.

When N.C. State plays Wake Forest, Doeren and his staff told the team its matchup against the Demon Deacons is the longest consecutive rivalry in the ACC.

The program talks about the rivalry with the Tar Heels even when it’s not rivalry week. Director of strength and conditioning Dantonio Burnette and nickel back coach Freddie Aughtry-Lindsey are two Wolfpack alumni on staff. Talk of the Carolina rivalry takes place all year.

“My approach is to make sure they understand the value of winning games like this,” Doeren said. “It’s something that matters deeply. Not just to Dave Doeren. It matters a lot to the former players. It matters a lot to the alumni, to the donors, to the administration. It’s not that the other games don’t matter. They do, but this one runs deeper.

“I take pride in educating them about that, making sure they understand that. There’s guys in our locker room that haven’t played against them. There’s guys in our locker room that have played a lot against them, and so getting them all on the same page with what this game is. Because it’s the oldest rivalry in the ACC. It deserves that kind of attention.”

The Wolfpack trails the all-time series 68-39-6, but it’s 15-9 since 2000 and 7-4 under Doeren. N.C. State has won three straight.

Doeren doesn’t have a favorite win against the Tar Heels, but the 2021 game sticks out as an example of great college football. N.C. State trailed Carolina, 30-21, with 2:12 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Wide receiver Emeka Emezie scored two consecutive touchdowns in less than a minute, thanks to an onside kick recovery. Then, cornerback Derrek Pitts sealed the comeback win when he intercepted a pass from UNC quarterback Sam Howell with five seconds remaining.

“That was a pretty awesome ending to a football game, not just a rivalry, but just a comeback win period,” Doeren said. “I thought that was really cool game to be a part of that.”

N.C. State hopes for similar magic this weekend.

The Wolfpack must win this game to become bowl eligible. It’s been a tough year, but the team is desperate. Quarterback CJ Bailey and safety Bishop Fitzgerald said on Thursday they wanted to win. Baseball coach Elliot Avent spoke to the team after practice, expressing his support and experience on the diamond.

Doeren-coached teams have historically played well, and the team has won three straight. It would like to make that four.

N.C. State looks to use its emotions as fuel to play with discipline and effort, working to earn one more victory. The Wolfpack doesn’t want Saturday to be the last time the 2024 squad suits up together.

“Great opportunity and match up between two teams that don’t like each other a whole lot,” Doeren said. “There’s a lot to play for. Excited to get up there.”