Game Balls: Standouts from No. 22 NC State’s win over North Carolina
NC State exited its bye week with a five-game season on its mind. Five games later, the Wolfpack did what it wanted to do after its open week: be the best team in the ACC.
The Wolfpack won its fifth straight game as it beat North Carolina 39-20 on Saturday night at Carter-Finley Stadium, which marked the third straight win over the Tar Heels.
TheWolfpacker.com is acknowledging those that sparked the Wolfpack in the victory with five game balls after NC State’s ninth win of the 2023 campaign.
WR Kevin Concepcion: It seems like a question that could be asked every week, but what can the freshman wide receiver not do for the Wolfpack. Concepcion’s impact was felt on virtually every aspect of the game yet again. He logged a team-high seven receptions for 131 yards and two touchdowns — his fifth game of the season with multiple scores. Concepcion has not logged a game in which he has scored just one touchdown. He has found the end zone in five games this season, and has 10 receiving touchdowns to show for it. Concepcion added 11 carries for 55 yards as well for the Wolfpack, the most rushing yards in the contest for NC State.
QB Brennan Armstrong: It took the Virginia transfer eight starts to hit 300 passing yards in a game, but he did it against North Carolina. Armstrong’s 22-of-31 passing day for 334 yards and three touchdowns was his most in a game in 728 days (400 yards against Virginia Tech on Nov. 27, 2021). Armstrong added nine carries for 22 yards in his last ACC game of his career.
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LB Payton Wilson: Wilson made his mark in his last game inside Carter-Finley Stadium — and the linebacker did it against the Pack’s archrival. The Hillsborough, N.C., native led the Wolfpack defense with 15 total tackles, including eight solo stops. He logged eight more tackles than the next closest player (senior linebacker Jaylon Scott, eight tackles). Wilson also added an interception, which halted a North Carolina potential fourth-quarter scoring drive, as well as a forced fumble and an interception.
LB Jaylon Scott: The veteran linebacker was all over the field early and often for the Wolfpack. He logged two tackles, including 0.5 tackles for a loss, and a fumble recovery in the first quarter. Scott finished the day with eight total tackles with one tackle for a loss and a quarterback hurry for the Wolfpack as he helped pace the team to the win.
Offensive line: The Wolfpack’s front five did a superb job against North Carolina’s pass rush for the entire contest. NC State had consistent push on the offensive front, which allowed the Wolfack to run for 170 yards on 43 carries. The unit also allowed Armstrong to be efficient through the air, and it kept him on his feet. NC State did not concede a sack until the fourth quarter while it controlled the time of possession battle (40:00 to 19:54).
