NC State Wolfpack

NC State 56, Kansas 26
December 22, 2003
Florida Citrus Bowl • Orlando, Fla.

The Philip Rivers era came to a close at NC State as the outgoing senior led the Wolfpack over Kansas on 37-of-45 passing at the 2003 Mazda Tangerine Bowl. Rivers, the ACC’s career passing and total offense leader, created Tangerine Bowl best’s of five touchdowns and 475 yards passing to help bring down Kansas, 56-26.

The effort served as Rivers’ fifth 400-yard game during the season, and seventh total, paving the way for his third straight bowl MVP honor.

The Wolfpack amassed 653 yards, including 30 plays of at least 10 yards. NC State marched 64, 68 and 97 yards on its first three possessions to build a 21-7 lead. Rivers led an 88-yard drive in the third quarter, then broke the game open by taking advantage of a blocked punt to put the Wolfpack up 42-17.

Richard Washington scored on receptions of 45 and 14 yards, and Jerricho Cotchery had 13 catches for 171 yards and one TD. McLendon got into the end zone three times, scoring on a 3-yard reception and runs of 1 and 26 yards.

The Wolfpack defense closed out the season in dominating fashion, surrendering only 463 yards after allowing 417.5 yards and just shy of 30 points during each contest in the regular season.

NCSU - Washington 45-yard pass from Rivers (Kiker kick), 13:58 in 1st
KU - Gordon 23-yard pass from Whittemore (Brooks kick), 10:41 in 1st
NCSU - Washington 14-yard pass from Rivers (Kiker kick), 8:43 in 1st
NCSU - McLendon 1-yard run (Kiker kick), 1:23 in 1st
KU - Brooks 28-yard field goal, 4:01 in 2nd
NCSU - McLendon 3-yard pass from Rivers (Kiker kick), 0:45 in 2nd
KU - Green 11-yard pass from Whittemore (Brooks kick), 10:45 in 3rd
NCSU - Clark 40-yard pass from Rivers (Kiker kick), 7:24 in 3rd
NCSU - Davis 10-yard run (Kiker kick), 6:03 in 3rd
KU - Beck 39-yard field goal, 3:42 in 3rd
KU - Whittemore 9-yard run (Whittemore pass failed), 14:18 in 4th
NCSU - Cotchery 21-yard pass (Kiker kick), 12:57 in 4th
NCSU - McLendon 26-yard run (Kiker kick), 10:06 in 4th

INDIVIDUAL LEADERS
RUSHING: NCSU - McLendon 7-72-2TDs
                KU - Green 14-87, Whittemore 17-84-1TD
PASSING: NCSU - Rivers 37-45-475-5TDs-0INTs
               KU - Whittemore 20-41-243-2TDs-2INTs
RECEIVING: NCSU - Cotchery 13-171-1TD, Washington 7-97-2TDs
                  KU - Rideau 9-109, Gordon 4-73-1TD

ATTENDANCE: 26,482