Miami Hurricanes barely avoided the upset against North Carolina State tonight, beating the unranked opponent 44-41.
No.1 Clemson Tigers and No.2 Alabama Crimson Tide Record Big Victories
No.11 made a massive comeback in the last 11 minutes, scoring 13 straight points, and preventing what would be an enormous surprise.
Wolfpack had the chance to come back after everything, having the last attack of the game. However, their quarterback Bailey Hockman threw an interception, with DJ Ivey snapping the football and closing this event.
Both sides were exchanging hits in the first half, but the Wolfpack was up at halftime, 24-21, with the difference made by Christopher Dunn, who scored a 42-yard FG.
North Carolina pulled away at the end of the third period, with Zonovan Knight’s 100-yard kick off return. This is arguably the best move since the start of the NCAA season. Knight would easily avoid all the rivals’ players to record a spectacular score that will be a highlight reel for quite some time.
Dunn opened the final period with a 53-yard FG, just five seconds into the same. From that moment on, it was just about the Hurricanes who produced 13 straight points. Borregales had two field goals, and with 2:43, Mike Harley delivered a 54-yeard touchdown, which would shift the momentum and the lead onto Miami’s side.
Harley ended the night with two scores and 153 yards in 8 receptions. However, the star of the event was D’Eriq King, Miami’s QB, who was 31-for-41 for 430 yards and five touchdown passes. King was triple-digit in rushing as well, with 105 yards on 15 carries, the longest 42 yards.
Mark Pope rushed for 97 yards, Will Mallory had 78, Dee Wiggins 77, and all of them had a TD.
On the other side, Bailey Hockman had 248 yards through the air, 19-of-28, with two touchdowns and one interception, but with one 31-yard reception for a TD. Emeka Emezie caught four passes for 95 yards, Cary Angeline and Devin Carter also had a TD reception.
Miami had 620 yards from the scrimmage, and their opponents 410. The big difference was made in passing yards 431-279, and that was King’s impact. One of the most intriguing prospects at the upcoming draft continued to amaze the fans, and he really might be pretty high during the selections.
Miami meets Virginia Tech in the next round, and that game takes place at Worsham Field. Meanwhile, the Wolfpack await Florida State Seminoles.