Wilson beats blitz for four TDs

Inside the game

North Carolina's coaches decided to pressure N.C. State and got 10 tackles for losses out of it Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium.

But the Wolfpack also took advantage of the one-on-one coverage opportunities the blitzes created, and Russell Wilson threw four touchdown passes in a 28-27 defeat of No. 23 North Carolina.

With offensive coordinator Dana Bible in the hospital fighting leukemia, N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien called a strong game, and Wilson had one of his most efficient performances while facing an outstanding defense.

Penalty flags

N.C. State's poor special teams play has been overshadowed all season because the defense was so miserable. It's imperative that special teams coach Jerry Petercuskie upgrade the team on kickoffs and at punter next season to give the defense a chance to start in better field position.

Game balls

QB Russell Wilson: Completed 20 passes in 27 attempts for 259 yards without an interception and helped the Wolfpack milk more than four minutes off the clock by engineering a big fourth-quarter drive.

S Clem Johnson: Senior's interception of T.J. Yates with 16 seconds remaining clinched the win. Also credited with eight tackles unofficially.

Looking ahead

For the fourth straight season, N.C. State (5-7, 2-6 ACC) finished with a losing record.

The team's primary concern is the health and recovery of Bible, to whom the ball from Saturday's win will be given.

On the field, N.C. State awaits word from Wilson on whether he plans to stay in school or turn pro in baseball and from running back Toney Baker on whether he will return for his sixth year of eligibility.

Should both fail to return, the Wolfpack will lose five starters on offense along with six senior starters on defense.