RALEIGH, N.C. – Behind Kevin “KC” Concepcion’s two touchdowns and a Payton Wilson pick-six, NC State gave the Wolfpack faithful a homecoming victory as NC State defeated Clemson 24-17 from Carter-Finely Stadium Saturday afternoon.
With the victory, head coach Dave Doeren has now tied the record for most victories in program history with 77 wins. He joins Earle Edwards, who won 77 games from 1954 to 1970. It was also Doeren’s 100th career victory overall.
This marks the second straight meeting NC State has taken down Clemson from Carter-Finley and the first time since 2011 the Tigers have lost back-to-back games.
In a one-score game with Clemson in possession of the football with 4:23 left on the clock, the Wolfpack defense stood tall, not allowing the Tigers on the Wolfpack side of the field, forcing them to 14 plays for only 35 yards.
Offensively, MJ Morris was efficient with the football, going 11-20 138 yards, two touchdowns, and no turnovers. Concepcion once again led the receiving core with five receptions for 83 yards and two touchdowns, giving him six on the season. Concepcion also led NC State in the rushing department, totaling 51 yards on two attempts.
The Wolfpack struck first with a nine-yard touchdown from Morris to Concepcion to give NC State a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. NC State extended their lead to 10 as Brayden Narveson drilled a 41-yard field goal after an eight-play 55-yard drive.
The 10-point lead for NC State was cut to three as Clemson converted from the one-yard line, getting into the endzone for their first score of the game courtesy of a Phil Mafah run.
Clemson looked to tie the game up at 10 a piece with a field goal just before time expired, but after a time-out from NC State, the second attempt was missed, keeping the score 10-7 in favor of the Wolfpack.
Payton Wilson’s fifth career interception gave the Wolfpack a 10-point advantage as he took it back 15 yards to the endzone to make it 17-7.
After another defensive stop, the Wolfpack offense took advantage as Morris and Concepcion connected once again, this time a 72-yard score to give NC State their largest lead of the afternoon.
The 72 yards are both career-best for Morris’s longest completion and Concepcion’s longest reception.
Clemson put together 10 straight points, but it wasn’t enough as NC State held off the comeback. Sean Brown led the Wolfpack defense with 11 tackles and Jaylon Scott with 10. The defense forced two turnovers, had two sacks, and managed nine tackles for a loss.
Up Next: The Wolfpack host Miami for another ACC matchup from Carter-Finley on Saturday, Nov. 4, with kickoff slated for 8 p.m. and broadcast on the ACC Network.
