North Carolina and NC State have been facing off on the gridiron for over a century. The two programs simply don’t like each other, no matter what they’re playing for. This year is different; this has the makings of a war in Raleigh on Saturday night. North Carolina is playing for a sixth win and a postseason berth. The Tar Heels’ bowl hopes depend on beating NC State.<\/p>\n
The North Carolina-NC State rivalry entered a new phase at the end of last season, on the day Mack Brown<\/a><\/strong> was hired in Chapel Hill. The Wolfpack had just beaten the Tar Heels in overtime, and North Carolina fired Larry Fedora<\/strong> after two consecutive dismal seasons. NC State’s victory gave it three straight wins in the series. Many of the top recruits in North Carolina had been choosing NC State or leaving the state altogether.<\/p>\n While many questioned the hiring of Brown, the Wolfpack made plans for the Gator Bowl, where they took on Texas A&M. However, Brown had already gone to work on the recruiting trail, flipping quarterback Sam Howell<\/a><\/strong> from his commitment to Florida State. This past February, Brown added receiver Josh Downs<\/strong> to the class of 2020. Downs is the top-ranked receiver in the state of Georgia, and he is also the son of former NC State running back Gary Downs<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n North Carolina dealt two major recruiting blows to NC State during one week in October. Wide receiver Stephen Gosnell<\/strong> and offensive lineman Jonathan Adorno<\/strong> both flipped their commitments to North Carolina after previously committing to the Wolfpack. Earlier in October, Desmond<\/strong> Evans<\/strong>, the top recruit in the state, committed to North Carolina. It a turn of events that put NC State and coach Dave Doeren<\/strong> on notice. The Tar Heels now have one of the top recruiting classes in the country. The Wolfpack is struggling both on the field and on the recruiting trail, while North Carolina is moving on a rising trajectory.<\/p>\n North Carolina has dealt with numerous injuries this season, and NC State has been hammered with health issues. At one point, eleven Wolfpack starters were out of action. The Tar Heels can relate, as one injury has followed another. Defensive back Patrice Rene<\/a><\/strong> and center Nick Polino<\/a> <\/strong>went down during the second game of the season. More injuries would follow, with left tackle Charlie Heck<\/a><\/strong> and defensive tackle Jason Strowbridge<\/a><\/strong> both missing time. Defensive back Myles Wolfolk<\/a><\/strong> missed games before being lost for the season during the Virginia game.<\/p>\n NC State experienced the injury bug from the outset of the season. Receiver C.J. Riley<\/a><\/strong> tore his ACL against East Carolina. Tight end Dylan Autenrieth<\/a><\/strong> sustained the exact same injury three weeks later. Tackle Justin Witt<\/a><\/strong> and cornerback Taiyon Palmer<\/strong><\/a> suffered season-ending injuries at the beginning of October. Two more defensive backs, Teshaun<\/strong> Smith<\/strong><\/a> and Chris Ingram<\/a>,<\/strong> saw their season come to an end in October. Cornerback Nick<\/strong> McCloud<\/strong><\/a> is questionable for Saturday’s game.<\/p>\nBoth Teams Have Been Plagued by Injuries<\/h3>\n