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Local News

Kentucky Knocks Off Wolfpack in 2021 Gator Bowl

Alexis Bailey

JACKSONVILLE, F.L. – The North Carolina State Wolfpack took the field one last time for a versus against the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday afternoon as the Wildcat would hold on to pull out a 23-21 victory in the 2021 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl.

These programs haven’t played in over 50 years but the matchup was quite chippy against the two teams. 

N.C. State (8-3) was missing their top-four defenders Alim Mcneil (opted-out, NFL prep), Payton Wilson (injury), Drake Thomas (injury), and Tanner Ingle (suspended due to targeting), This showed as the Wolfpack defense seemed just one step behind Wildcats the entire game. The Wolfpack was defeated by only two points with a score of 23-21, ending the season 8-4. 

Finishing the season Kentucky (4-6) head coach Mark Stoops was overjoyed with the win over the Wolfpack after the challenging season they took on this year.  Quarterback Terry Wilson led the Kentucky Wildcats to their victory against the Wolfpack, ending the game 12-for-20 and 99 passing yards. 

Saturday’s M.V.P, running back Asim Rose Jr. finished with 148 yards on 12 carries, while running mate Chris Rodriguez Jr. chipped in 84 yards on 17 carries with two touchdowns. 

Quarterback Bailey Hockman finished the game 27-for-40 with 268 passing yards, one passing touchdown, and three interceptions for N.C. State. While his fellow Wolfpack teammate receiver Thayer Thomas ended the game with three receptions for 35 yards.

M.V.P of the game Sophomore running back Zonovan “Bam” Knight put together some tough runs to end the game with 52 yards on 12 carries and one touchdown.  Knight talked a little about the energy on the sideline the last couple minutes of the game “it just raised after the last touchdown and not being able to get the onside kick the momentum just changed for everyone”.

Head Coach Dave Doeren was extremely proud of the way the Wolfpack fought back in the second half, being without several players in the matchup Saturday afternoon, he felt “the kids who had to step in today did a great job, this is very encouraging for next season”.