Sports

Photos: UNC falls to rival NC State in Mack Brown’s last game in Kenan Stadium

By Robert Willett and Ethan Hyman
N.C. State’s DK Kaufman (5) walks the field with a Wolfpack flag after N.C. State’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
N.C. State’s DK Kaufman (5) walks the field with a Wolfpack flag after N.C. State’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com

University of North Carolina football coach Mack Brown leads the Tar Heels in his final game in Kenan Stadium against rivals N.C. State in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday.

It was announced earlier in the week that Brown would be leaving his head coaching position. Both the Tar Heels and the Wolfpack are battling for a possible bowl spot in the final game of the regular season.

N.C. State head coach Dave Doeren talks with North Carolina head coach Mack Brown before N.C. State’s game against UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
N.C. State head coach Dave Doeren talks with North Carolina head coach Mack Brown before N.C. State’s game against UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina defensive lineman Desmond Evans (10) sack N.C. State quarterback C.J. Bailey (16) in the first quarter on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina defensive lineman Desmond Evans (10) sack N.C. State quarterback C.J. Bailey (16) in the first quarter on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina defensive lineman Beau Atkinson (12) gets on the face of N.C. State linebacker Sean Brown (0) after a defensive stop in the first quarter on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina defensive lineman Beau Atkinson (12) gets on the face of N.C. State linebacker Sean Brown (0) after a defensive stop in the first quarter on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina defensive lineman Desmond Evans (10) reacts after a sack of N.C. State quarterback C.J. Bailey (16) in the first quarter on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina defensive lineman Desmond Evans (10) reacts after a sack of N.C. State quarterback C.J. Bailey (16) in the first quarter on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State defensive end Davin Vann (1) tackles North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton during the first half of N.C. State’s game against UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
N.C. State defensive end Davin Vann (1) tackles North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton during the first half of N.C. State’s game against UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State offensive tackle Anthony Belton (74) has words with North Carolina linebacker Amare Campbell (17) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
N.C. State offensive tackle Anthony Belton (74) has words with North Carolina linebacker Amare Campbell (17) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
On fourth down, N.C. State cornerback Devon Marshall (16) is called for pass interference on North Carolina wide receiver Christian Hamilton (7) giving the Tar Heels the first down during the first half of N.C. State’s game against UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
On fourth down, N.C. State cornerback Devon Marshall (16) is called for pass interference on North Carolina wide receiver Christian Hamilton (7) giving the Tar Heels the first down during the first half of N.C. State’s game against UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State wide receiver Wesley Grimes (6) can’t pull in the pass while defended by North Carolina defensive back Jakeen Harris (2) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
N.C. State wide receiver Wesley Grimes (6) can’t pull in the pass while defended by North Carolina defensive back Jakeen Harris (2) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina quarterback Jacolby Criswell (12) looks for the ball after it was stripped from him during the first half of N.C. State’s game against UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. N.C. State would recover the fumble.
North Carolina quarterback Jacolby Criswell (12) looks for the ball after it was stripped from him during the first half of N.C. State’s game against UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. N.C. State would recover the fumble. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State linebacker Sean Brown (0) celebrates with Davin Vann (1) after Brown recovered a fumble forced by Vann during the first half of N.C. State’s game against UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
N.C. State linebacker Sean Brown (0) celebrates with Davin Vann (1) after Brown recovered a fumble forced by Vann during the first half of N.C. State’s game against UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina receiver J.J. Jones (13) scores a touchdown on a 17-yard pass from quarterback Jacolby Criswell in the second quarter ahead of N.C State’s Devon Marshall (16) on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina receiver J.J. Jones (13) scores a touchdown on a 17-yard pass from quarterback Jacolby Criswell in the second quarter ahead of N.C State’s Devon Marshall (16) on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State quarterback CJ Bailey (16) jumps over North Carolina linebacker Amare Campbell (17) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
N.C. State quarterback CJ Bailey (16) jumps over North Carolina linebacker Amare Campbell (17) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina defensive back Marcus Allen (29) intercepts the ball intended for N.C. State wide receiver Wesley Grimes (6) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
North Carolina defensive back Marcus Allen (29) intercepts the ball intended for N.C. State wide receiver Wesley Grimes (6) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina receiver J.J. Jones (13) reacts after scorning a touchdown on a 17-yard pass from quarterback Jacolby Criswell in the second quarter on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina receiver J.J. Jones (13) reacts after scorning a touchdown on a 17-yard pass from quarterback Jacolby Criswell in the second quarter on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State wide receiver KC Concepcion (10) breaks away from North Carolina linebacker Caleb LaVallee (34) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
N.C. State wide receiver KC Concepcion (10) breaks away from North Carolina linebacker Caleb LaVallee (34) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State quarterback CJ Bailey (16) passes to wide receiver Dacari Collins (4) during the second half of N.C. State’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
N.C. State quarterback CJ Bailey (16) passes to wide receiver Dacari Collins (4) during the second half of N.C. State’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State tight end Justin Joly (15) escapes North Carolina defensive back Will Hardy (31) after making a reception during the second half of N.C. State’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
N.C. State tight end Justin Joly (15) escapes North Carolina defensive back Will Hardy (31) after making a reception during the second half of N.C. State’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina defensive lineman Desmond Evans (10) sacks N.C. State quarterback CJ Bailey (16) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
North Carolina defensive lineman Desmond Evans (10) sacks N.C. State quarterback CJ Bailey (16) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State coach Dave Doeren reacts as North Carolina kicker Noah Burnette misses a 43-yard field goal attempt in the second quarter on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
N.C. State coach Dave Doeren reacts as North Carolina kicker Noah Burnette misses a 43-yard field goal attempt in the second quarter on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State running back Hollywood Smothers (20) breaks away from North Carolina defensive lineman Jahvaree Ritzie (5) during the second half of N.C. State’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
N.C. State running back Hollywood Smothers (20) breaks away from North Carolina defensive lineman Jahvaree Ritzie (5) during the second half of N.C. State’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State tight end Dante Daniels (87) celebrates a 14-yard touchdown reception during the second half of N.C. State’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
N.C. State tight end Dante Daniels (87) celebrates a 14-yard touchdown reception during the second half of N.C. State’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State safety Bishop Fitzgerald (7) breaks up a pass intended for North Carolina wide receiver Jordan Shipp (1) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
N.C. State safety Bishop Fitzgerald (7) breaks up a pass intended for North Carolina wide receiver Jordan Shipp (1) during the first half of N.C. State’s game against UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina receiver Chris Culliver (13) pulls in a 50-yard pass from quarterback Jacolby Criswell for a touchdown in the third quarter against N.C. State on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina receiver Chris Culliver (13) pulls in a 50-yard pass from quarterback Jacolby Criswell for a touchdown in the third quarter against N.C. State on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State defensive end Davin Vann (1) removes the helmet of North Carolina’s Jakiah Leftwich (75) during a scuffle in the fourth quarter on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
N.C. State defensive end Davin Vann (1) removes the helmet of North Carolina’s Jakiah Leftwich (75) during a scuffle in the fourth quarter on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina head coach Mack Brown argues with the officials during the first half of N.C. State’s game against UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
North Carolina head coach Mack Brown argues with the officials during the first half of N.C. State’s game against UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State wide receiver Noah Rogers (5) pulls in a 44-yard reception while being defended North Carolina’s Marcus Allen (29) and Will Hardy (31) late in the fourth quarter of N.C. State’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
N.C. State wide receiver Noah Rogers (5) pulls in a 44-yard reception while being defended North Carolina’s Marcus Allen (29) and Will Hardy (31) late in the fourth quarter of N.C. State’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State running back Hollywood Smothers (20) celebrates scoring on a two-yard touchdown run with 25 seconds left in the game during the Wolfpack’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
N.C. State running back Hollywood Smothers (20) celebrates scoring on a two-yard touchdown run with 25 seconds left in the game during the Wolfpack’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State quarterback CJ Bailey (16) hugs running back Hollywood Smothers (20) in the final moments of the Wolfpack’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
N.C. State quarterback CJ Bailey (16) hugs running back Hollywood Smothers (20) in the final moments of the Wolfpack’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Mack Brown congratulates N.C. State coach Dave Doeren following the Wolfpack’s 35-30 victory on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina coach Mack Brown congratulates N.C. State coach Dave Doeren following the Wolfpack’s 35-30 victory on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina head coach Mack Brown hugs N.C. State head coach Dave Doeren after N.C. State’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
North Carolina head coach Mack Brown hugs N.C. State head coach Dave Doeren after N.C. State’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State players including Anthony Belton (74), right, and North Carolina players, including Gibson Macrae (53) scuffled after N.C. State’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
N.C. State players including Anthony Belton (74), right, and North Carolina players, including Gibson Macrae (53) scuffled after N.C. State’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State and North Carolina players scuffle after N.C. State’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
N.C. State and North Carolina players scuffle after N.C. State’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State and North Carolina players scuffle after N.C. State’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
N.C. State and North Carolina players scuffle after N.C. State’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Mack Brown and his wife Sally leave the field following the Tar Heels’ 35-30 loss to N.C. State on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina coach Mack Brown and his wife Sally leave the field following the Tar Heels’ 35-30 loss to N.C. State on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s DK Kaufman (5) celebrates with KC Concepcion (10) after the Wolfpack’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
N.C. State’s DK Kaufman (5) celebrates with KC Concepcion (10) after the Wolfpack’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s DK Kaufman (5) and KC Concepcion (10) celebrate the Wolfpack’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
N.C. State’s DK Kaufman (5) and KC Concepcion (10) celebrate the Wolfpack’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State quarterback CJ Bailey (16) celebrates the Wolfpack’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
N.C. State quarterback CJ Bailey (16) celebrates the Wolfpack’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State defensive end Davin Vann (1) celebrates after N.C. State’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
N.C. State defensive end Davin Vann (1) celebrates after N.C. State’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State’s DK Kaufman (5) walks the field with a Wolfpack flag after N.C. State’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
N.C. State’s DK Kaufman (5) walks the field with a Wolfpack flag after N.C. State’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
N.C. State wide receiver KC Concepcion (10) takes one last look at Kenan Stadium before heading to the locker room after the Wolfpack’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
N.C. State wide receiver KC Concepcion (10) takes one last look at Kenan Stadium before heading to the locker room after the Wolfpack’s 35-30 victory over UNC at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina defensive lineman Travis Shaw (4) is consoled on the Tar Heels’ bench following their 35-30 loss to N.C. State on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina defensive lineman Travis Shaw (4) is consoled on the Tar Heels’ bench following their 35-30 loss to N.C. State on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
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This story was originally published November 30, 2024 at 3:26 PM.

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