NC State football's Will Wilson follows wristband motto in record game vs UNC

RALEIGH — N.C. State backup quarterback Will Wilson wears a wristband in every game and the Wolfpack’s short-yardage specialist lived up to it against rival UNC.

Wilson, a 6-foot-1, 220-pound freshman quarterback, made school history as the first N.C. State QB to log four rushing touchdowns in a game. He had two in each half, crossing the goal line on runs of 7, 1, 15 and 3 yards against the Tar Heels (4-8, 2-6 ACC).

“Just go get it,” Wilson said of his wristband after N.C. State (7-5, 4-4) earned its fifth straight win against UNC for the third time in school history.

“That’s the mindset with everything you do in life. Just go get it, don’t think twice about it.”

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Though he was mostly used in short-yardage situations, Wilson nearly logged more rushing yards (54) than UNC (70) in the regular-season finale. He broke multiple tackles, logged a slew of first downs and carried defenders into the end zone on his touchdown carries.

“A lot of freshmen don’t get this opportunity, so I take full advantage of it,” Wilson said. “I’m just trying to experience being on the field in crucial moments and executing, doing what the team needs me to do. It’s awesome, it’s a blessing.”

N.C. State coach Dave Doeren hasn’t been surprised about Wilson’s production this season. The QB had five touchdowns before the four-TD explosion against UNC.

“We were hopeful that he’d be able to do what he’s doing for us,” Doeren said.

Highlighting Wilson’s athleticism and strength as a player with the “ability to squat over 600 pounds,” Doeren hasn’t been worried about Wilson being knocked back by defenses.

“He’s growing in confidence,” Doeren said, “which helps, too.”

And Wilson’s breakout performance helped N.C. State earned its biggest margin of victory against UNC since a 28-point win at Kenan Stadium in 2014.

“Feels good, sounds good,” Doeren said of the success against the Tar Heels. “. … It’s very meaningful. Our kids understand what it means to this fanbase.”

Rodd Baxley covers North Carolina Tar Heels athletics for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Got questions regarding UNC? Send them to [email protected].

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Will Wilson has record-breaking performance for NC State vs UNC