Scrum breaks out after wild play during UNC-NC State game (Video)

Things got chippy on the field in the first half Friday in Chapel Hill.

With visiting NC State already leading rival North Carolina 21-7 in the second quarter, a wild scrum emerged after what looked like a fumble. Wolfpack quarterback Ryan Finley looked to running back Matthew Dayes on a quick throw, but Dayes quickly lost possession. What followed was a loose ball that bounced all the way out to midfield from the 25-yard line and the chaos that comes with a bouncing ball.

As a UNC defender finally pounced on the ball, a big pile formed. As officials tried to sort out which team had possession of the ball, things got heated and at least one punch — by UNC defensive lineman Jalen Dalton — was thrown. From there, the benches cleared and players flooded the field.

You can see here where Dalton, No. 97, throws the punch. Dalton, who was ejected, was held back (sort of) by head coach Larry Fedora.

And after all of that, it was ruled after a replay that Dayes never even had possession of the ball. The play was ruled an incomplete pass and NC State, which leads the Tar Heels 21-7 at the half, retained possession.

With a win and a Virginia Tech loss on Saturday, North Carolina would clinch an ACC Coastal Division title. On the other side, NC State is looking to clinch a spot in a bowl game with its sixth win.

For more North Carolina news, visit TarHeelIllustrated.com.

For more North Carolina State news, visit TheWolfPacker.com.

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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!

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