Welcome back to rivalry week.
It’s feels like a bit of a throwback NC State-UNC matchup this week, with both fanbases feeling a bit resigned at the moment, as both teams conclude mediocre seasons. Reminds me of the heady days of 2004ish, when sometimes this game wasn’t even televised.
NC State will head to Chapel Hill a modest underdog on Saturday, though given how uneven both teams have been throughout the season, it’s anyone’s guess what’ll actually happen. State’s still looking for bowl eligibility, while UNC is perhaps on the verge of a coaching search (if Mack Brown retires). No shortage of storylines here.
The Heels’ season has been one of streaks: started 3-0, lost four straight, then won three straight before getting smacked around at Boston College. The best win of UNC’s season was its opener at Minnesota, and that is also the only team with a winning record that the Heels have beaten.
These teams are capable of putting together a classic this weekend, though whether that involves five incredibly stupid mistakes from both sides or a cleanly-played high-scoring affair, I have no idea.