At the start of October in 2004, the Pack was still trying to find it's way in the post-Rivers era. But coming off a dramatic last second win over Virginia Tech, the Pack was 1-0 in the league and ready to face Wake Forest. Wake was still finding it's way in the Jim Grobe era, and was still two years away from winning the ACC, but on this day, they gave everything the Pack could handle.
Marcus Stone was the starter at QB, coming off of his manage the game win at Virginia Tech the week earlier, but the Wolfpack offense went nowhere in the first half. Late in the first quarter, Stone (who would go 3 for 7, and only 15 yards) did complete one, but it was to Wake Forest's Marcus McGurder who returned it 22 yards for the game's opening score. Following another 3 and out, Wake marched down the field again for another score. Wake now led 14-0 and the restless crowd was feeling uneasy.
A decent Wolfpack drive ended in a Deraney missed 41 yard field goal, and the Pack went to the half trailing Wake 14-0.
Enter Jay Davis. The fourth year junior had waited his turn behind Philip Rivers, and entered the season as the starter. But after struggles against Ohio State and early against Virginia Tech, he was benched in Blacksburg. But coming out of the locker room, it was his turn to put on Superman's cape. He took over for Marcus Stone, and on the first possession hit Sterling Hicks on a 57 yard touchdown pass to close the gap to 14-7.
The NC State defense, who had completely shut down Virginia Tech the week before for three and a half quarters, forced a quick 3 and out, with a negative 6 yard possession, and after Wake's short punt was returned to the Wake 40, NC State had the momentum. But the story of this Wolfpack era seemed to crop up again, as two negative rushing plays were sandwiched by a holding penalty and a delay of game. NC State faced a 3rd and 32. But not to be stopped, Davis hit Tramain Hall over the middle who raced through the Wake defense for 58 yards to the three. One TA McLendon rush later the Pack was in the end zone and the game was tied at 14-14.
Following another 3 and out, the Pack marched quickly down the field. 66 yards later, Bobby Washington punched in a 2 yard run, and NC State had it's first lead at 21-14.
In the fourth quarter, Wake was able to stabilize, and drove the field 80 yards in 10 plays, all run plays, and tied the game at 21-21. On the ensuing possession, the Wolfpack drove all the way to the 6 yard line, but on fourth down from the 10, the normally reliable John Deraney missed a 27 yard field goal with under 3 minutes to play. Both teams had one more chance, but didn't threaten, and this baby was going to overtime.
NC State won the toss and went on defense first. Three plays later, on 4th and 2, Wake attempted a field goal which banged off the post. NC State ball, and any score would win. The answer....TA McClendon. An 11 yard run, a 4 yard run, and a 2 yard run, left the Pack with 3rd and 4 on the Wake 8. Would Amato kick? No, one more hand off to McClendon. TA plowed through the middle, breaking tackles all the way to the end zone. TOUCHDOWN WOLFPACK! And NC State wins 27-21.
Today's Honorable Mention:
2008 NC State over Wake Forest 21-17
1982 NC State over Wake 30-0 (honorable because of this old video I unearthed from wral)
Next up tomorrow: Duke
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