North Carolina Snaps NC State Rivalry Win Streak in Most Ridiculous Fashion

Oct 27, 2012; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Giovani Bernard (26) and quarterback Bryn Renner (2) celebrate on the bench in the last few seconds of the 4th quarter. The Tar Heels defeated the Wolfpack 43-35 at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-US PRESSWIRE

NC State came into Chapel Hill for today’s rivalry meeting with North Carolina with a four-year win streak. After overcoming an early 25-7 deficit to pull ahead 35-25, it appeared the Wolf Pack was on its way to No. 5. But the Tar Heels roared back, book-ending the streak-snapping win in the most ridiculous fashion imaginable.

North Carolina scored 18 fourth quarter points, capped by Giovani Bernard’s 74-yard punt return for a touchdown in the game’s final seconds. Aside from lending credence to the notion coach’s should eschew the punt with under minute left and simply run out the clock, NC State put its divisional title pursuit in serious jeopardy. The Wolfpack had the inside track on representing the Atlantic in December’s ACC championship, the result of upsetting favorite Florida State. But as of this writing, FSU is thrashing Coastal leader Duke and the Seminoles are unlikely to drop another conference game.

The return also squandered quarterback Mike Glennon’s best individual performance of the season. Glennon struck for five touchdowns and 469 yards in the loss.

North Carolina didn’t simply snap a dubious losing streak with today’s win, but avoided a most unfortunate, unofficial distinction as the state’s worst team — the Tar Heels had already dropped decisions to Wake Forest and Duke.

He won’t get Heisman consideration this year, but he’s truly been one of the most valuable offensive players in college football. Bernard had another tremendous showing today, going for two rushing touchdowns and the decisive punt return. He and quarterback Bryn Renner are both returning next season; keep an eye on the Heel offense under Larry Fedora’s guidance in 2013. It should be one of the nation’s most excitement, and the ridiculous like below could become routine.