If you walked into a sports bar in Raleigh or Chapel Hill recently, you probably didn't need to see the TV to know the nc state unc score. You just had to look at the faces. One side usually looks like they’ve seen a ghost, while the other is busy planning a celebratory parade down Hillsborough Street.
The rivalry hasn’t just been intense lately; it’s been lopsided in ways that defy the historical "blue blood" narrative. While the Tar Heels often walk into these matchups with the higher recruiting rankings and the national hype, the Wolfpack has developed a nasty habit of ruining their neighbor's weekend. Whether it’s the gridiron or the hardwood, the recent numbers tell a story of grit versus glamour.
The Football Fallout: 42-19 and Five in a Row
Let’s talk about the most recent "Duel in the Triangle." On November 29, 2025, the NC State Wolfpack didn't just beat the North Carolina Tar Heels; they dismantled them. The final nc state unc score of 42-19 in Raleigh was a statement that echoed far beyond Carter-Finley Stadium.
This wasn't some fluke. It was the fifth consecutive year that State walked away with the win. Think about that for a second. In a rivalry that dates back to 1894, five-game win streaks are rare air. The Pack has now tied the longest winning streak in the history of the matchup, a mark Dave Doeren’s squad treats like a badge of honor.
How the 2025 Game Fell Apart for UNC
Honestly, it was the Will Wilson show. The freshman quarterback for NC State played like a seasoned pro, racking up four rushing touchdowns. He was the "short yardage specialist" who basically became a human battering ram. Every time UNC thought they had a stop, Wilson would sub in and punch it through.
UNC’s defense, led by head coach Bill Belichick (yes, that coach in his first year in the college ranks), simply had no answer for the ground game. The Wolfpack outgained the Heels 185 to 70 on the ground. When you can’t stop the run in a rivalry game, you’re basically asking for a blowout.
The Tar Heels tried to make it a game in the second quarter. Gio Lopez found Jordan Shipp for a 20-yard touchdown to make it 21-7, but the momentum was as fleeting as a summer storm. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the score was 42-13. A garbage-time touchdown by Au’Tori Newkirk made the final 42-19, but nobody in the stands was fooled. It was a beatdown.
Basketball Bragging Rights: A Different Story?
While the football field has been painted red, the basketball court remains a battleground of inches. On January 11, 2025, we saw one of the gutsiest performances in recent memory. The nc state unc score ended 63-61 in favor of the Tar Heels, but the box score barely does justice to the chaos.
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Jalen Washington was the hero that day in Raleigh. He didn't just score the winning bucket; he blocked the potential game-tying shot to seal it. NC State had fought back from a nine-point deficit to actually take a 59-58 lead with just over two minutes left. The Lenovo Center was shaking. But the Heels found a way, proving that even when they’re struggling, they have that "refuse to lose" DNA.
Key Stats from the 63-61 Thriller
- UNC’s First Half: They led 26-20 but shot poorly from the line.
- NC State’s Surge: The Pack shot 60% in the second half.
- The Decider: Elliot Cadeau’s over-the-shoulder pass to Washington for the dunk with 24 seconds left.
It’s these 2-point games that keep the rivalry healthy. If football is about physical dominance right now, basketball is about who blinks last.
Breaking Down the "Culture Gap"
Why does the nc state unc score keep favoring the "underdog" in football? Many local analysts point to the "blue-collar vs. wine-and-cheese" divide. It sounds like a cliché, but when you watch Dave Doeren’s teams, they play with a chip on their shoulder that UNC often struggles to match.
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Dave Doeren is now 9-4 against Chapel Hill. That’s a stat that keeps UNC boosters up at night. He has turned the rivalry into the cornerstone of his program's identity. For State, beating Carolina isn't just a goal; it’s the season. For UNC, it sometimes feels like just another hurdle on the way to a bowl game or the NCAA tournament.
Historical Context You Should Know
The all-time series still favors North Carolina (68-41-6 in football), but that lead was built mostly before the 1950s. If you look at the modern era, say from 2000 to 2025, NC State actually leads the football series 17-9. That is a massive shift in power that the national media often ignores because of the "UNC" brand.
What’s Next for the Rivalry?
As we look toward the 2026 matchups, the pressure is squarely on Chapel Hill. In basketball, the Heels are trying to maintain their status as the kings of the ACC. In football, they are desperate to stop a slide that is starting to feel permanent.
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If you're betting on the next nc state unc score, don't just look at the star ratings of the recruits. Look at the line of scrimmage. Look at the "grit factor." Because lately, the team with the louder fans and the bigger hype hasn't been the one holding the trophy at the end of the night.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
- Watch the Trenches: In the last four football meetings, the team that won the rushing battle won the game. If UNC can't establish a run game, they won't break the streak.
- Track the Freshman QBs: With players like Will Wilson (NC State) and Au’Tori Newkirk (UNC) gaining experience, the next three years of this rivalry will be defined by young signal-callers.
- Check the Venue: State has been surprisingly dominant in Chapel Hill lately. Don't assume home-field advantage means a win for the Heels in 2026.
- Follow the Recruiting Trail: Keep an eye on local "flip" candidates. When a kid from Charlotte or Greensboro chooses Raleigh over Chapel Hill, it usually shows up on the scoreboard two years later.