NC State’s Hollywood Ending: Smothers’ Late TD Sparks Chaos in Rivalry Win Over UNC
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Rivalries are supposed to be intense, but Saturday night’s clash between NC State and North Carolina took things to a whole new level. The Wolfpack’s dramatic 35-30 victory over the Tar Heels wasn’t just about football—it was about pride, tempers, and a whole lot of fireworks, both on and off the field. And if you thought the game itself was wild, wait until you hear about the postgame chaos.
Let’s start with the hero of the night: Hollywood Smothers. With just 25 seconds left on the clock, Smothers bulldozed his way through the middle of the line for a 2-yard touchdown, capping off a clutch 75-yard drive that secured bowl eligibility for NC State (6-6, 3-5 Atlantic Coast Conference). The key moment? A jaw-dropping 44-yard catch by Noah Rogers, who hauled in a deep ball from CJ Bailey while absorbing contact from two defenders. Talk about clutch!
But let’s not forget the Tar Heels (6-6, 3-5), who had their own moments of brilliance. With just under two minutes to play, Omarion Hampton electrified the crowd with a 47-yard catch-and-run touchdown that gave UNC a 30-29 lead. Hampton was an absolute beast all night, racking up 185 rushing yards, a touchdown on the ground, and four catches for 78 yards. If this was a heavyweight fight, Hampton was throwing haymakers.
Mack Brown’s Emotional Farewell
Saturday’s game also marked the end of an era for UNC head coach Mack Brown, who announced earlier in the week that he wouldn’t be returning next season. Brown, the winningest coach in Tar Heels history and the man who led Texas to the 2005 national title, was emotional in his final postgame press conference.
“Great time for me to get out; this isn’t the game I signed up for,” Brown said. “I’m leaving it better than I found it.”
Brown praised his players for their effort despite the uncertainty surrounding the program. “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,” he said. “So I’m really, really proud of them.”
After the loss, Brown confirmed he would not coach the Tar Heels in their bowl game, calling the defeat “another sign from God that it’s time to go.” He added, “As far as the new coach goes, I will get out of the way.”
Tempers Flare in Heated Rivalry
As if the stakes weren’t high enough, the game was filled with chippy moments that kept tensions boiling over. The drama started early when NC State offensive lineman Timothy McKay delivered a low block on UNC’s Kaimon Rucker, hitting his planted left leg and leaving the Tar Heels pass rusher writhing in pain. Rucker had to be helped off the field and didn’t return, sparking outrage from his teammates.
Things escalated two possessions later when officials handed out offsetting unsportsmanlike-conduct penalties to every player on the field after a post-play scuffle. And in the second quarter, UNC offensive lineman Howard Sampson was flagged for unnecessary roughness after delivering a late hit on NC State cornerback Brandon Cisse, leaving him shaken up.
Postgame Chaos at Midfield
As the final whistle blew, the drama wasn’t over. NC State players attempted to plant their flag at midfield, a move that didn’t sit well with the Tar Heels. The situation quickly devolved into a heated exchange, with players from both teams squaring off during the postgame handshakes. It was a fittingly chaotic end to a game that had been brimming with tension from the opening kickoff.
Key Takeaways from the Game
- Hollywood Smothers: The NC State running back delivered when it mattered most, scoring the game-winning touchdown with just 25 seconds left.
- Omarion Hampton: Despite the loss, Hampton’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing his versatility as both a runner and a receiver.
- Mack Brown’s Exit: The legendary coach’s final game at UNC was a bittersweet farewell, marked by a hard-fought effort from his players.
- Rivalry Intensity: From early-game injuries to postgame confrontations, this matchup had all the hallmarks of a classic rivalry showdown.
In the end, NC State walked away with the win and a ticket to a bowl game, while UNC was left to reflect on a tumultuous season and the end of an era under Mack Brown. One thing’s for sure: this rivalry isn’t cooling off anytime soon.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
