RALEIGH
Dave Doeren said this week that the victor in a rivalry game can make as much noise as he wants afterward. Those also may be words the N.C. State coach comes to regret.
It took North Carolina less than a quarter to match N.C. State’s 35-7 win a year ago on its way to a 45-34 win Saturday, the Tar Heels’ 11th straight and, with wins over Duke and Wake Forest, an undisputed state title.
Saturday was the apex of North Carolina’s amazing turnaround, from 35-7 a year ago to 35-7 this season, a defense that went from silly to solid, team chemistry that went from toxic to tight, 6-7 to 11-1 and counting.