Top Ten NCCFB Moments From 2023

 

Let's take a look back at the 2023 college football season in North Carolina, where we find a bunch of exciting moments and games that caught the interest of fans across the state. In these top ten matchups, there were surprising wins that no one saw coming and thrilling comebacks that will be remembered for a long time. Each game showed how unpredictable and exciting football can be, with teams trying to make it to the postseason and be the best in their conferences. Join us as we go back and revisit these awesome games that made the North Carolina college football season memorable, remembering the wins, challenges, and fun times from the year.

#10 - Fayetteville State Grabs Comeback Victory Over Livingstone

The Fayetteville State Broncos secured a 19-14 victory over the Livingstone Blue Bears in a thrilling game at Jeralds Stadium, with a standout offensive performance, a crucial comeback from a 14-0 deficit, and a strong defensive effort led by Dylan Morris, ultimately maintaining their 5-0 record in CIAA play.

#9 - Elon Holds Off Campbell Comeback And Goes to 2-0 in CAA Action With 28-24 Win

Elon secured a 28-24 victory against Campbell in a closely contested game, marked by Jalen Hampton's four rushing touchdowns, despite a valiant comeback effort by the Camels; standout performances included Hajj-Malik Williams' 367 yards passing and VJ Wilkins' ten receptions for 114 yards.

#8 - Gardner-Webb Stages Thrilling Comeback Victory Over Eastern Kentucky

Gardner-Webb's Runnin' Bulldogs staged a thrilling comeback, overcoming Eastern Kentucky 35-32 in a game marked by dramatic twists, including key interceptions by Ja’Kai Young and Raequan Ousley, a pivotal sack by Cam Junior, and a standout performance by Jayden Brown, culminating in a last-minute victory.

#7 - Duke's Comeback Bid Foiled by Notre Dame in 21-14 Nail-Biter

No. 17 Duke faced a heart-pounding defeat against No. 11 Notre Dame in a top-25 college football clash at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium, with a thrilling comeback effort culminating in a 14-13 lead late in the game, but a dramatic fourth-and-16 play turned the tide in favor of Notre Dame, leading to a game-winning touchdown and a final score of 21-14.

#6 - Mars Hill Secures Thrilling 16-14 Victory over Barton in SAC Clash

In a thrilling South Atlantic Conference (SAC) showdown, the Mars Hill football team secured a 16-14 victory over the previously undefeated Barton Bulldogs, overcoming a halftime deficit with a remarkable comeback highlighted by Lon Teachey's field goals, a crucial sack by Tarshawn Reed, and a game-winning 34-yard field goal; JR Martin led the Lions' offense with an impressive 327 total yards.

#5 - Mars Hill Stuns Wingate in Dramatic Second-Half Comeback

In an exhilarating NCAA Division II football season opener, the Mars Hill Lions staged a remarkable second-half rally to defeat the Wingate Bulldogs 15-10, overcoming an early 10-0 deficit; key moments included Lon Teachey's field goal, JR Martin's touchdown pass to Beau DeBerry, and Tristan Rankin's game-changing fumble recovery for a touchdown.

#4 - Tar Heels Triumph in Thrilling 2OT Battle Against Blue Devils

In a thrilling 2OT game, the #24 North Carolina Tar Heels emerged victorious over the Duke Blue Devils with a final score of 47-45. Quarterback Drake Maye's touchdown and successful two-point conversion in the second overtime secured the win for the Tar Heels. The game featured an offensive showcase, with both teams accumulating over 500 total yards.

#3 - Wingate Pulls Off Last-Minute Stunner, Upsets No. 7 Lenoir-Rhyne

In a thrilling South Atlantic Conference football showdown, the Wingate University Bulldogs secured a stunning upset with a 34-30 victory over the seventh-ranked Lenoir-Rhyne University Bears. The game featured high-stakes drama and concluded with a remarkable 75-yard touchdown pass with just 50 seconds left on the clock, propelling Wingate to victory.

#2 - Electrifying Overtime Showdown Sees NCCU Edge Out Campbell 49-48

In a thrilling college football matchup at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium in Durham, the North Carolina Central Eagles secured a nail-biting overtime victory against the Campbell Camels with a final score of 49-48, featuring standout performances by senior quarterback Davius Richard and an unforgettable game marked by both teams trading blows and the Eagles' special teams making a decisive difference.

#1 - App State Edges Out #18 James Madison in Overtime Thriller

Appalachian State pulled off a stunning 26-23 overtime victory against 18th-ranked James Madison University, with quarterback Joey Aguilar connecting with Kaedin Robinson for the game-winning 8-yard touchdown pass. The Mountaineers showcased resilience, overcoming a late rally from the Dukes and relying on a strong defensive performance, including key plays from Nate Johnson and Michael Fletcher, to break a streak of five straight overtime losses.

What are your thoughts? Did we miss one? Let us know!