Game Summary - January 1, 1994
Michigan 42, N.C. State 7
In the first of a two year agreement to match Big Ten and ACC teams, the Hall of Fame Bowl pitted a return of the Wolverines vs North Carolina State in their first-ever meeting.
Michigan proved their might this day, scoring by almost every conceivable means on the Wolfpack. After a scoreless first period Heisman candidate RB Tyrone Wheatley scored from 26 yards out en route to a 103 yards first half performance. Derrick Alexander then returned a punt 79 yards for another score and a 14-0 lead. Then with just three seconds remaining in the half from the State 31 it appeared the Wolverines would attempt a field goal. But following a timeout, QB Todd Collins lofted a pass to the endzone and Amani Toomer made a leaping catch as time ran out, stunning the Wolfpack players and fans.
N.C. State would never recover as Michigan continued the onslaught in the third period with an interception return for a TD and another Wheatley score.
Wheatley earned MVP honors with 124 yards rushing and two TDs despite being pulled in the third quarter. The Wolfpack's Gary Downs rushed for 102 yards and caught 4 passes for 34 yards in a losing effort.