The intensity of the game is driven by the universities' similar sizes, the fact the schools are separated by only 25 miles, and the large number of alumni that live within the state's borders.

[1] As the ACC has moved to a new scheduling system with protected rivalries, North Carolina and NC State are matched up as permanent rivals so as to allow both schools to face each other annually.

Former North Carolina basketball coach, Roy Williams, has an intense dislike for all things related to NC State.

Plenty of articles have been written about Williams' hatred for the Wolfpack, underlining the significance of the rivalry for the fans and alumni of both schools who work, eat, and live together throughout the state of North Carolina, regardless of the outcome of the games.

[10] Further support for the legitimacy of the rivalry stems from the events of the 2024 ACC Tournament, which concluded with NC State achieving an 84-76 upset of the top-seeded Tar Heels in the championship game.