Dave Doeren on finishing UNC: 'This is gonna be a four quarter game or more'

At the half, the NC State Wolfpack are all over their in-state rivals, the North Carolina Tar Heels, 26-7. The Wolfpack was able to tack on three more points just before the half by successfully executing a mayday field goal just before the time expired on the game clock. As North Carolina headed into the locker room at the half, head coach Dave Doeren credited his team for tacking on to lead just before intermission.

“Mayday field goal. Yeah, we practice it all the time,” said Doeren, chuckling. “We don’t really use it on the 1-yard line like that, but I’m proud of the guys for getting it in.”

Doeren also addressed the play of quarterback Brennan Armstrong, who is having a solid first half. Despite being banged up, Armstrong has the Wolfpack offense playing particularly well against their ACC rivals. But Doeren didn’t just address the play of his quarterback; he also revealed what he believes NC State needs to do in order to finish off their Week 13 contests with a win over North Carolina.

“He’s doing a great job. I mean, obviously, he’s playing a little banged up, tough as nails. The kids are playing hard for him. It’s a heck of half. This is going to be as long as it takes to win this game. They’re a prideful team; this is gonna be a four quarter game or more… don’t give them big plays. We gotta control their tempo with our defense and then stay on the field. The turnover margin will tell the story at the end.”