Hollywood Smothers ran through the middle of the line for a 2-yard touchdown with just 25 seconds left, leading N.C. State to a 35-30 win over rival North Carolina on Saturday night in the Tar Heels’ last game under coach Mack Brown.
Smothers’ touchdown completed a 75-yard drive that gave the Wolfpack (6-6, 3-5 Atlantic Coast Conference) the lead and bowl eligibility. The key play came when CJ Bailey threw a deep pass to Noah Rogers, who made a tough 44-yard catch while being hit by two defenders to set up the score.
The exciting finish saw the Tar Heels (6-6, 3-5) take a 30-29 lead when Omarion Hampton caught a 47-yard pass and ran into the end zone with 1:51 left. Hampton had a huge game, rushing for 185 yards and a touchdown, plus four catches for 78 yards.
“These kids just get up and fight — these grown men get up and fight, and I’m proud of them,” said Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren. “Every time they made a play on their sideline, we responded with a play on our sideline.”
Brown, reflecting on his team’s effort, said, “I’m absolutely amazed that they were able to compete like they did tonight and play as hard as they did, with all the pressure on them and with the uncertainty in their future. So I’m really, really proud of them.”
After the game, tempers flared as players from both teams had to be separated near midfield, with at least one N.C. State player trying to plant a Wolfpack flag on UNC’s field.
The moment came after UNC posted a tribute to Mack and his wife Sally Brown on the video board. The teams then went to their respective locker rooms, with Wolfpack players celebrating in front of their fans and even doing somersaults, while the Tar Heels walked somberly to their locker room.
