RALEIGH – For 30 minutes Saturday afternoon, NC State appeared positioned to defend its home field against one of its oldest rivals. By the time the fourth quarter arrived, Wake Forest had turned a four-point halftime deficit into a 17-point advantage and taken complete control of the game.

Behind quarterback Gio Lopez and a defense that shut out the Wolfpack in the second half, Wake Forest scored 31 unanswered points to defeat NC State 38-14 at Carter-Finley Stadium in this week's Carolina Gridiron Old North State Showdown.

The Demon Deacons (5-1, 3-1 ACC) trailed 14-10 at halftime before scoring touchdowns on their first four possessions of the second half. Wake Forest outgained NC State 265-63 over the final two quarters, turning what had been a competitive rivalry matchup into a decisive road victory.

Lopez completed 26 of 33 passes for 303 yards and three touchdowns while adding a one-yard scoring run. He finished the game with 13 consecutive completions, accounting for 184 passing yards during that stretch.

His primary targets were Jack Foley and Carlos Hernandez, who combined for 20 receptions, 273 yards and two touchdowns. Foley established a career high with 156 yards on eight catches, while Hernandez set a career high with 12 receptions for 117 yards.

It marked the first time Wake Forest had two receivers surpass 100 yards in the same game since A.T. Perry and Jaquarii Roberson accomplished the feat against North Carolina on November 6, 2021.

A Rivalry Game That Changed After Halftime

NC State (3-3, 1-2 ACC) recovered from a disastrous opening possession to control much of the first half.

The Wolfpack lost a fumble on their third offensive play when Wake Forest linebacker Vincent Firenze stripped quarterback CJ Bailey. Defensive back Braylon Johnson recovered the ball and returned it 28 yards to the NC State two-yard line.

Two plays later, Lopez connected with tight end Matthew Lusardi for a one-yard touchdown, giving the Demon Deacons a 7-0 lead just 1:57 into the game. It was Lusardi's first career reception and touchdown.

NC State responded with a nine-play, 75-yard drive, tying the game on Bailey's 24-yard touchdown pass to Chance Robinson with 8:17 remaining in the first quarter.

The Wolfpack then produced their longest scoring possession of the afternoon, marching 96 yards in 13 plays after taking over at their own four-yard line. Will Wilson capped the drive with a two-yard jump pass to Hunter Provience, whose one-handed touchdown reception gave NC State a 14-7 advantage with 9:42 remaining in the second quarter.

Wake Forest threatened late in the half, moving 89 yards in 16 plays, but the Wolfpack defense held near the goal line. Connor Calvert converted a 23-yard field goal as time expired, sending NC State into halftime with a 14-10 lead.

The Wolfpack had limited Wake Forest to 122 total yards in the opening half, while Bailey had completed his first 16 passes.

Those advantages disappeared quickly after intermission.

Wake Forest opened the third quarter with an 11-play, 73-yard touchdown drive. Hernandez caught four passes for 54 yards during the possession, including a six-yard touchdown reception that put the Demon Deacons ahead 17-14 with 10:44 remaining in the period.

After forcing NC State's first three-and-out of the afternoon, Wake Forest needed only four plays to travel 64 yards. Foley accounted for 63 yards on the possession, finishing it with a 10-yard touchdown reception from Lopez to extend the lead to 24-14.

The Wolfpack subsequently advanced to the Wake Forest 32-yard line but failed to convert on fourth down. The Demon Deacons capitalized again, driving 68 yards before Lopez scored from one yard out on fourth-and-goal.

Wake Forest had scored 21 unanswered points in the third quarter alone, transforming a 14-10 halftime deficit into a 31-14 advantage.

The Demon Deacons added another touchdown early in the fourth quarter when Deuce Lawrence scored on a 17-yard run, completing a seven-play, 66-yard possession and pushing the lead to 38-14 with 11:24 remaining.

NC State never answered.

Wake Forest's Defense Takes Over

While Lopez and his receivers provided the offensive production, Wake Forest's second-half defense was equally decisive.

NC State managed just 63 yards after halftime and finished the game with only 15 net rushing yards on 24 attempts. The Wolfpack averaged 0.6 yards per carry and surrendered three sacks for 37 yards in losses.

Wake Forest defensive lineman Langston Hardy recorded eight tackles, including two tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Firenze also finished with eight tackles to accompany his first-quarter forced fumble.

The Demon Deacons held NC State to two conversions on nine third-down attempts in the second half after the Wolfpack had converted four of six before halftime.

Bailey finished 28-of-39 passing for 241 yards and a touchdown, but NC State's inability to establish a rushing attack left the offense increasingly dependent on the passing game.

The Wolfpack entered the matchup without three starting offensive linemen and leading running back Duke Scott because of injuries.

Keenan Jackson led NC State with five receptions for 61 yards, while Robinson caught three passes for 53 yards and a touchdown. Preston Douglas added five receptions for 45 yards.

Linebacker Popo Aguirre led all defenders with 12 tackles, including one for loss. Freshman Ziggy Moore contributed nine tackles, while fellow freshman Elijah Satchell recorded NC State's lone sack.

Bailey also reached a career milestone, increasing his passing total to 7,025 yards and moving past Devin Leary into sixth place on NC State's all-time list.

Road Success Continues for the Demon Deacons

Saturday's victory was Wake Forest's third road win over a Power Four opponent this season, following a 38-36 double-overtime victory at Purdue on September 12 and a 30-27 win at No. 16 Louisville on September 26.

The Demon Deacons have scored at least 30 points in all three victories, strengthening their position in the ACC race under second-year head coach Jake Dickert.

For NC State, the defeat marked its first home loss of the season and its second loss in three conference games. The Wolfpack still lead the all-time series 70-44-6, but Saturday's result belonged emphatically to the visitors.

Wake Forest will travel to California next Saturday for its first meeting with Cal, while NC State will return to action Friday, October 23, at Stanford.

RALEIGH – Seven days earlier, NC State was one play away from leaving Nashville with a victory.

Instead, the Wolfpack experienced about as painful a finish as football can provide.

NC State took possession at its own 2-yard line with 1:04 remaining against Vanderbilt and a 31-28 lead. But as the Wolfpack attempted to run out the clock, quarterback CJ Bailey was hit and lost the football in the end zone. Vanderbilt recovered for a touchdown as time expired, turning what appeared to be an NC State victory into a stunning 35-31 loss. 

So when a 21-point lead disappeared Saturday night at Carter-Finley Stadium, when App State turned an interception, a touchdown, a surprise onside kick and another touchdown into a 31-31 tie, NC State found itself facing another late-game test.

This time, the Wolfpack finished.

NC State answered App State's furious comeback with a nine-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, reclaimed the lead on Duke Scott's 16-yard touchdown run and scored the final 10 points of a wild 41-31 victory before 56,919 fans.

“Everything this week's been about finish for obvious reasons,” NC State coach Dave Doeren said. “We needed to finish, and we did.” 

The victory moved NC State to 2-2 and handed App State its first loss of the season after a 3-0 start. It also extended the Wolfpack's perfect record against the Mountaineers to 7-0 in the first meeting between the programs since 2006. 

For much of the first half, there was little indication NC State would need any late-game heroics.

The Wolfpack took the opening possession 75 yards in 10 plays, with Bailey scoring on a five-yard run.

The drive also produced the first of two plays App State might look back on and wonder what could have been.

Near the goal line, Colton Phares appeared to rip the football from Scott and raced 49 yards in the opposite direction. Instead of a turnover that would have given App State possession in NC State territory, officials ruled Scott's forward progress had been stopped before the ball came free. Two plays later, Bailey scored.

App State coach Dowell Loggains disagreed with the ruling but wasn't interested in blaming it for the loss.

“I know it's a judgment call,” Loggains said. “In real time, it felt like it was a fumble and felt like holding the ball on the 50-yard line, and the official saw it differently.” 

NC State kept rolling.

Scott scored from nine yards out with five seconds remaining in the opening quarter before Bailey found Ashton Locklear for a 10-yard touchdown midway through the second.

It was 21-0.

App State finally broke through with a five-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. Singleton completed passes of 27 and 30 yards to Darrin Fugitt before scoring himself on a three-yard keeper.

But NC State answered again.

Bailey found Keenan Jackson for a 17-yard touchdown with 39 seconds remaining, restoring a three-touchdown advantage at 28-7.

App State could easily have gone quietly to halftime.

Instead, Singleton completed four consecutive passes in the final 39 seconds, including a 30-yarder to Nate Branch, setting up James London's 48-yard field goal as time expired.

The three points made it 28-10. More importantly, they gave the Mountaineers something positive to carry into halftime.

“We needed something good to happen right there,” Loggains said. “It was really huge just coming in the locker room.” 

App State refuses to go away

That momentum carried immediately into the second half.

On App State's first offensive snap, Singleton connected with Sam Pickett III for 54 yards to the NC State 21.

The Mountaineers converted a fourth-and-one later in the possession, and Jaquari Lewis scored from two yards out to make it 28-17.

NC State responded with a much different kind of drive.

The Wolfpack consumed 6:45 with a 13-play, 69-yard march. App State kept NC State out of the end zone, but Kanoah Vinesett kicked a 23-yard field goal to push the advantage back to 31-17. 

That possession included another potential App State takeaway.

Alex Mitchell stripped the ball from an NC State receiver near the sideline and recovered it. After review, officials ruled the football was touching the receiver while he was out of bounds, allowing NC State to retain possession.

This time, Loggains said he believed officials got the call right.

He also made clear afterward that neither ruling was why App State lost.

“I think it was us,” Loggains said. “There were too many self-inflicted things.”

NC State's efficiency demonstrated his point.

The Wolfpack converted 11 of 17 third downs, possessed the football for 36:23 and went a perfect 7-for-7 on red-zone opportunities. NC State ran 79 offensive plays compared with App State's 61 and finished with 459 yards. 

“You want to go on the road and play an ACC opponent and you want to beat them, you've got to play a lot better,” Loggains said. “You can't make errors.” 

But if App State hadn't played cleanly enough to win through three quarters, the Mountaineers were about to give themselves a chance anyway.

107 seconds changes everything

NC State still led 31-17 early in the fourth when Keaton Braddock drilled Bailey as the quarterback attempted to throw.

The ball popped forward and landed in the arms of defensive tackle Aaron Clark.

This turnover counted.

App State took possession at the NC State 42, and five plays later Singleton found Pickett for an 18-yard touchdown.

The Mountaineers were within seven.

Then came the play that transformed the atmosphere inside Carter-Finley.

Because NC State was penalized for roughing the passer on the touchdown, App State kicked off from midfield. London tapped a dribbling onside kick straight ahead, catching the Wolfpack off guard.

Joe Reddish recovered.

App State had stolen another possession.

Loggains said the Mountaineers had seen an opportunity and were prepared to take advantage of it.

“We knew when we got in the situation — and plus where the field position was — it was kind of a no-risk play,” Loggains said. “You got to try to find a way to steal a possession.” 

Four plays later, App State was in the end zone again.

Singleton hit Lewis for 18 yards to reach the red zone. Then, facing third-and-one from the 9, the Mountaineers got aggressive again.

Singleton faked the handoff.

True freshman tight end Gavin Barber slipped into the end zone uncovered.

Touchdown.

London's extra point tied the game at 31 with 9:41 remaining.

In 107 seconds, App State had scored 14 points.

A team that once trailed 21-0 had erased the entire deficit.

“I think our guys believe and I think they've got a lot of fight in them,” Loggains said. “They battled, they fought.”

But App State hadn't come to Raleigh looking for a moral victory.

“We came here to try to win the football game,” Loggains said, “and we didn't get that done.” 

One more chance to finish

If anyone understood the weight of NC State's next possession, it was Bailey.

A week earlier, the football had come out of his hands on the final play at Vanderbilt.

Now NC State had watched another late lead disappear, and Bailey was heading back onto the field with the game tied.

He said there was no panic.

“Everybody relax,” Bailey recalled telling his teammates on the sideline. “Just calm down. We got this, bro. One play at a time.”

He gathered the offense together before it returned to the field.

“We've all been in positions before like this,” Bailey said. “We just had to keep a level head.” 

Then NC State did exactly that.

The Wolfpack went 75 yards in nine plays and took 4:33 off the clock.

And when NC State needed someone to finish the drive, it turned to Scott.

The running back bounced outside and raced 16 yards into the end zone.

NC State 38, App State 31.

Scott finished with 148 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries, leading a Wolfpack rushing attack that accumulated 206 yards. App State managed only 62 yards on the ground. 

Doeren called Scott a “workhorse.”

“He's got a second gear that can run away from people, but he's low to the ground,” Doeren said. “He's patient and explosive.” 

Bailey was even more appreciative of having Scott behind him.

“It's very relieving,” Bailey said. “It takes a lot of stress off of me as well.”

He also directed credit toward an offensive line that allowed NC State to lean on its ground game when it mattered most.

“It starts with y'all,” Bailey said of the message to the linemen. “It don't start with me. It starts with y'all up front.” 

App State still had 5:08 to answer.

The Mountaineers moved near midfield but soon faced third-and-two.

Singleton's pass fell incomplete.

On fourth-and-two, Jackson Vick broke up another attempt across the middle.

NC State took over at the App State 33 with 3:59 remaining.

The Wolfpack didn't immediately settle for a kick. They kept the football for more than two minutes before Vinesett connected from 35 yards, finally giving NC State some breathing room at 41-31.

App State made one final push and moved inside the Wolfpack 25. Needing two scores, the Mountaineers attempted a 42-yard field goal on fourth-and-one with 47 seconds left.

London missed.

This time, Bailey could finish the night in victory formation.

Two teams leave Raleigh with something to remember

The final numbers reflected two very different offensive approaches.

NC State established control on the ground, rushing 46 times for 206 yards while Bailey completed 24 of 33 passes for 253 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Ten Wolfpack players caught passes.

App State relied heavily on Singleton's arm. He completed 26 of 38 attempts for 317 yards and two touchdowns without throwing an interception. Pickett finished with 97 receiving yards, Branch had 87 and Fugitt added 63. 

The Mountaineers leave Raleigh at 3-1 knowing they were capable of climbing out of a 21-point hole against an ACC opponent.

They also leave knowing the comeback wasn't enough.

“Our kids fought hard,” Loggains said. “I'm really proud of their resiliency, but you're not going to beat a team like that making self-inflicted things.” 

App State now gets an open week before beginning Sun Belt play at home against Old Dominion on Oct. 10. NC State remains home to face Louisville next Saturday.

For the Wolfpack, though, Saturday night's significance went beyond getting back to .500.

Seven days earlier, NC State had walked off a field in Nashville after seeing a victory disappear on the final play.

Against App State, another comfortable lead vanished.

The Mountaineers kept coming. They forced the turnover. They recovered the onside kick. They erased 21 points and silenced much of a sold-out Carter-Finley Stadium.

NC State had every reason to remember what happened a week earlier.

Instead, Bailey gathered his teammates.

The offensive line went to work.

Scott carried the Wolfpack back into the end zone.

The defense got the stop.

And after a week spent talking about how to finish a football game, NC State finally got the opportunity to show it could.

This time, the Wolfpack finished.

RALEIGH – For nearly 90 minutes Friday night, lightning managed to do something Richmond could not: stop NC State.

Even that proved temporary.

The Wolfpack overwhelmed the Spiders from the opening minutes at Carter-Finley Stadium, weathered a lengthy lightning delay during the second quarter and returned to finish a dominant 73-0 victory Friday night.

NC State amassed 734 yards of total offense while limiting Richmond to just 110, turning a game interrupted by Mother Nature into a showcase for virtually every corner of the Wolfpack roster. NC State rushed for 428 yards, averaged 10.6 yards per offensive play and finished with 31 first downs compared with Richmond's six. 

The rout began quickly.

Davion Gause put the Wolfpack ahead with a 19-yard touchdown run less than four minutes into the game. Just 37 seconds of game time later, Jayden “Duke” Scott broke loose for a 65-yard touchdown, giving NC State a 14-0 advantage.

Scott struck again late in the opening quarter, scoring from seven yards out to make it 21-0.

The Wolfpack needed little time to extend that advantage in the second. Quarterback CJ Bailey capped a five-play drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, pushing NC State's lead to 28-0 with 11:33 remaining.

Then the game stopped.

Lightning in the area forced the teams off the field and sent the game into a delay that stretched for nearly an hour and a half. A night that had begun with NC State scoring four touchdowns in barely more than a quarter suddenly became a waiting game.

When the teams finally returned, however, the interruption had done little to change the direction of the contest.

NC State scored three more touchdowns before the second quarter ended.

Freshman quarterback Will Wilson scored on a 1-yard run with 8:30 remaining. Bailey then connected with Preston Douglas for a 15-yard touchdown with 6:23 to play, and Wilson added another 1-yard scoring run with just 24 seconds remaining.

By the time the second quarter finally ended, the Wolfpack led 49-0. 

After already spending nearly 90 minutes off the field because of the weather, the teams did not head back to the locker rooms for a conventional halftime. Instead, they took only a three-minute break before beginning the third quarter.

The unusual schedule did nothing to slow NC State.

Wilson added his third rushing touchdown of the night early in the third quarter, scoring from five yards out to make it 56-0. He later threw his first touchdown pass, finding Hunter Provience for a 3-yard score with 4:12 remaining in the period.

NC State carried a 63-0 lead into the fourth quarter.

Kanoah Vinesett added a 45-yard field goal with 6:31 remaining before Dylan McCoy provided the final points with a 51-yard touchdown run with 1:49 to play. The score completed a night in which NC State produced eight rushing touchdowns and two through the air. 

Scott led the Wolfpack rushing attack with 128 yards and two touchdowns on only nine carries, averaging 14.2 yards per attempt. McCoy added 73 yards on four carries, while Wilson rushed for 62 yards and three scores.

Bailey did most of his damage through the air, completing 13 of 17 passes for 281 yards and a touchdown. Keenan Jackson was his leading target, catching four passes for 123 yards, including a 54-yard reception. 

The Wolfpack defense was every bit as dominant.

Richmond managed only 34 rushing yards and 76 passing yards, averaged 2.2 yards per play and converted just two of 13 third-down opportunities. The Spiders never reached the red zone and punted nine times. NC State, meanwhile, scored on all eight of its trips inside the Richmond 20. 

Richmond running back Warrick Stephenson accounted for 58 of the Spiders' 34 net rushing yards, while quarterbacks Jack Callaghan and Ashten Snelsire combined to complete eight of 27 passes for 76 yards and an interception. 

The game began at 7:03 p.m. and did not end until 11:51, stretching to an elapsed time of four hours and 47 minutes. An announced crowd of 56,919 watched a contest that included a weather delay, an almost nonexistent halftime and one of the most lopsided performances possible on a football field. 

Lightning may have interrupted NC State's momentum Friday night.

It never took it away.

RALEIGH – NC State left no doubt in its regular-season finale, overpowering North Carolina 42-19 at Carter-Finley Stadium. The Wolfpack scored touchdowns on their first four possessions, built a 28-10 halftime lead, and never looked back, finishing 7-5 overall and 4-4 in ACC play. The Tar Heels closed their season at 4-8 (2-6).

Running back Will Wilson was the difference-maker, scoring four rushing touchdowns on just 12 carries. Quarterback CJ Bailey added balance with 201 passing yards and two scores, plus 65 rushing yards. Together, they gave NC State the kind of offensive rhythm that UNC never matched.

First-Half Control

NC State’s opening drives set the tone. Bailey capped the first with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Wesley Grimes, then Wilson finished the next with a 7-yard run. UNC answered briefly with a 20-yard touchdown pass from Gio Lopez to Jordan Shipp, but the Wolfpack responded with two more scores before halftime, including Bailey’s quick-strike drive to Justin Joly in the final minute. 

By intermission, NC State led 28-10, having scored on every possession.

Second-Half Push

UNC managed two field goals from Rece Verhoff, from 49 and 29 yards, but Lopez exited in the third quarter with an injury. Backups Max Johnson and Au’Tori Newkirk split time, with Newkirk adding a late touchdown pass to Jordan Owens. 

Wilson’s fourth-quarter touchdowns sealed the outcome, one on a 15-yard run and another after a fumble recovery set up a short field.

Defensive Edge

NC State’s defense registered four sacks and held UNC to 265 total yards. Caden Fordham led with 12 tackles and a sack. The Wolfpack also converted all four of their fourth-down attempts, underscoring their aggressive approach. 

UNC’s offense was hampered by penalties (11 flags for 129 yards) and a ground game limited to 70 yards on 24 carries.

Rivalry and Records

The win marked NC State’s fifth straight victory in the rivalry, reinforcing its recent dominance over the Tar Heels. It also secured a winning season and bowl eligibility, giving the Wolfpack momentum heading into December. 

For UNC, the loss capped a frustrating campaign defined by inconsistency. Shipp’s 90 receiving yards stood out, but the team managed just two offensive touchdowns and struggled to sustain drives.

Top Performers

NC State 

• Will Wilson: 12 carries, 54 yards, 4 TD 
• CJ Bailey: 21/30, 201 yards, 2 TD; 65 rush yards 
• Wesley Grimes: 5 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD 
• Caden Fordham: 12 tackles, 1 sack 

North Carolina 

• Jordan Shipp: 8 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD 
• Rece Verhoff: 2 FGs (49, 29 yards) 

The Takeaway

NC State didn’t just win – It controlled every phase of the game. Behind Wilson’s scoring, Bailey’s efficiency, and a defense that kept UNC off balance, the Wolfpack turned a rivalry clash into a statement. For the Tar Heels, the season ended with disappointment, while NC State heads into bowl season with confidence and momentum.

RALEIGH – NC State put together a comprehensive performance Saturday afternoon at Carter-Finley Stadium, defeating in-state FCS foe Campbell 56-10. The Wolfpack improved to 4-2 overall while the Fighting Camels fell to 1-5.

Quarterback CJ Bailey orchestrated the offensive showcase, completing 20 of 23 passes for 337 yards and four touchdowns. His efficient afternoon included scoring strikes to four different receivers and helped NC State pile up 607 total yards of offense.

The game began competitively enough. After NC State's opening touchdown drive, Campbell responded immediately when Kamden Sixkiller found Mike Chandler II for a 13-yard touchdown pass at the 8:54 mark of the first quarter, knotting the score at 7-7. The two-play, 14-yard drive took just 46 seconds after Campbell recovered a muffed punt at the NC State 14-yard line.

That would be Campbell's final trip to the end zone. NC State answered on the very next play from scrimmage when Hollywood Smothers broke through the middle and raced 59 yards for a touchdown just 41 seconds later, putting the Wolfpack ahead for good at 14-7.

The Wolfpack scored on seven consecutive possessions spanning from late in the first quarter through the middle of the third. Bailey connected with Cody Hardy from 37 yards out to close the first quarter scoring at 21-7. The second quarter turned into a sustained offensive clinic, with NC State adding four more touchdowns.

Smothers caught a 16-yard touchdown pass from Bailey at 13:45 of the second quarter. Terrell Anderson hauled in a 34-yard scoring strike at 8:33. Running back Jayden "Duke" Scott punched in a 14-yard touchdown run at 2:28, and Justin Joly capped the first-half barrage with a 10-yard reception in the final minute before halftime. The Wolfpack took a 49-7 lead into the break.

The ground game complemented the passing attack effectively. Smothers finished with 123 yards on just four carries, averaging 30.8 yards per attempt. Scott added 89 yards and two touchdowns on 10 attempts. As a team, NC State rushed for 236 yards on 26 carries, averaging 9.1 yards per attempt.

Campbell's offense struggled to generate sustained momentum after the opening quarter. The Fighting Camels managed just 188 total yards, 67 rushing and 121 passing. They converted only four of 16 third-down attempts and failed on both fourth-down tries. Campbell's time of possession advantage (33:00 to 27:00) reflected the Wolfpack's efficiency rather than any sustained offensive success from the visitors.

JJ Cowan led Campbell's rushing attack with 48 yards on 12 carries. Sixkiller completed 12 of 22 passes for 87 yards and the lone touchdown before giving way to backup quarterbacks Jalen Ferguson and Mike Chandler II. Trevor Wilson caught four passes for 18 yards to lead the receiving corps.

Scott added his second and third touchdowns in the third quarter, the latter a two-yard run at 6:06 that extended the lead to 56-7. With the outcome decided, both teams emptied their benches. NC State quarterbacks Lex Thomas and Will Wilson saw action in relief of Bailey, combining to complete five of 11 passes for 34 yards.

Campbell's only points of the second half came on a 46-yard field goal by Alex Crabb with 4:09 remaining in the fourth quarter, capping a four-play, 12-yard drive that began after Ravel Cato's interception gave the Fighting Camels possession at the NC State 41.

Defensively, NC State recorded two sacks for 18 yards and seven tackles for loss totaling 28 yards. Sabastian Harsh led the pass rush with 1.5 sacks for 12 yards. Kenny Soares Jr. paced the defense with nine total tackles (two solo, seven assists). The Wolfpack held Campbell to an average of 2.9 yards per play.

Campbell's defense forced two fumbles but recovered only one. The Fighting Camels recorded two tackles for loss and intercepted one pass, Cato's fourth-quarter pick that he returned 33 yards to set up the field goal. Tyrek Brown and Jojo Pace each finished with six tackles to lead the unit.

NC State's offensive balance proved overwhelming. The Wolfpack averaged 10.9 yards per pass attempt and 14.8 yards per completion. Bailey's touchdown passes covered 37, 16, 34, and 10 yards, spreading the scoring opportunities across the receiving corps. Anderson (50 yards), Noah Rogers (62 yards), and Keenan Jackson (43 yards) provided downfield threats that kept Campbell's defense stretched thin.

Campbell showed some resilience with a 10-play drive to open the second half, reaching the NC State 43, but turned the ball over on downs. Another eight-play, 34-yard possession in the third quarter also ended with a punt. But the Fighting Camels never seriously threatened after falling behind 14-7 early in the first quarter.

The victory gave NC State its fourth win of the season and snapped a two-game conference losing streak. For Campbell, the loss continued a difficult stretch that has seen the Fighting Camels drop four of their last five games since opening the season with a conference win.

Key Performers

NC State:

• CJ Bailey: 20-of-23 passing, 337 yards, 4 TDs
• Hollywood Smothers: 4 rushes, 123 yards, 1 TD; 2 receptions, 30 yards, 1 TD
• Jayden "Duke" Scott: 10 rushes, 89 yards, 2 TDs
• Noah Rogers: 3 receptions, 62 yards
• Terrell Anderson: 2 receptions, 50 yards, 1 TD

Campbell:

• JJ Cowan: 12 rushes, 48 yards
• Mike Chandler II: 2 receptions, 24 yards, 1 TD
• Kamden Sixkiller: 12-of-22 passing, 87 yards, 1 TD
• Kenny Soares Jr. (NC State): 9 tackles

RALEIGH – Hollywood Smothers rushed for 140 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries, and Cian Slone's late interception sealed NC State's 35-31 victory over Virginia on Saturday afternoon at Carter-Finley Stadium.

The game featured 457 rushing yards between the two teams and seven rushing touchdowns in a back-and-forth affair that saw four lead changes. Smothers became the first NC State player since Reggie Gallaspy II in 2018 to rush for 130-plus yards and score twice on the ground in the same game, averaging 8.2 yards per carry.

Both offenses came out firing in the first quarter, producing four consecutive touchdown drives to open the contest. Virginia struck first when J'Mari Taylor broke free for a 39-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-one, capping a 10-play, 75-yard drive that consumed 4:23. The Wolfpack answered immediately as CJ Bailey scampered 30 yards for a touchdown just 2:11 later, evening the score at 7-7.

Virginia regained the lead when Taylor punched in a 9-yard touchdown run, but NC State responded with Bailey connecting with Noah Rogers for a 27-yard touchdown pass. Rogers, playing his first full game after missing time last week with an injury, hauled in two passes for 38 yards and the score.

The Cavaliers seized control in the second quarter through precision and field position. Virginia converted 10 of 13 third-down attempts in the first half while NC State struggled mightily, going 0-for-6 on third downs before the break. Will Bettridge added a 29-yard field goal, then Virginia extended their lead to 24-14 on a 3-yard touchdown pass from Chandler Morris to Sage Ennis with 17 seconds remaining in the half.

That late score came after Cam Ross returned a punt 48 yards to set up excellent field position for the Cavaliers, who entered halftime controlling possession time 20:04 to 9:56.

NC State's offense awakened in the third quarter, scoring on all three of its possessions to flip the game. Smothers opened the half with a 14-yard touchdown run, then Bailey added a 12-yard rushing touchdown to give the Wolfpack their first lead at 28-24.

Virginia answered with Taylor's most explosive play of the day — a 66-yard touchdown run that required just three plays and 1:28 to restore their advantage at 31-28. Taylor finished with 150 rushing yards on 17 carries, adding 13 receiving yards.

But NC State had the final answer in the third quarter when Smothers capped a 9-play, 75-yard drive with a 9-yard touchdown run, putting the Wolfpack ahead 35-31 entering the final period.

The fourth quarter became a defensive struggle, with both offenses failing to reach the end zone. Virginia's best opportunity came with 13:20 remaining when Bettridge attempted a 47-yard field goal that struck the left upright, keeping the deficit at four points.

Bailey finished 16-of-23 passing for 200 yards and one touchdown, distributing the ball to seven different receivers. His 44 rushing yards on six carries gave him two touchdowns on the ground. The sophomore quarterback completed 70 percent of his passes while avoiding turnovers.

Morris completed 30 of 43 passes for 257 yards and one touchdown for Virginia, also adding 56 rushing yards. Jahmal Edrine led Virginia receivers with 68 yards on six catches, while Trell Harris caught seven passes for 52 yards.

The Cavaliers' final drive began at their own 19-yard line with 2:12 remaining. Morris moved the team downfield efficiently, completing passes to multiple receivers to reach the NC State 12-yard line. However, Slone stepped in front of an intended receiver to secure the interception with 1:02 remaining, ending Virginia's comeback hopes.

Defensively, NC State made crucial adjustments after halftime. The Wolfpack allowed just seven points in the final two quarters after surrendering 24 in the first half. Caden Fordham led NC State with nine tackles, while Sean Brown added nine tackles and one tackle for loss.

Virginia's James Jackson recorded eight tackles to pace the Cavaliers' defense, while Devin Neal contributed six tackles, one tackle for loss, and one pass breakup. Neither team recorded a sack, with both offensive lines providing excellent protection throughout the contest.

The Wolfpack controlled time of possession 27:35 to 32:25 but made their drives count when necessary. NC State converted 2-of-2 fourth-down attempts, including a crucial fourth-and-one conversion that set up an early touchdown. Virginia managed 1-of-2 on fourth down but couldn't convert when trailing in the fourth quarter.

Special teams played a significant role, particularly Virginia's return game. Ross averaged 20.3 yards on four punt returns, including the 48-yard return that set up a second-quarter touchdown. Both teams handled kickoffs efficiently, with NC State's Charlie Birtwistle averaging 64.3 yards on six attempts and Virginia's Daniel Sparks averaging 65.0 yards.

The victory improved NC State to 2-0 on the season and moved the all-time series record to 38-22-1 in favor of the Wolfpack. Under Dave Doeren, NC State improved to 4-0 against Virginia.

NC State finished with 416 total yards of offense compared to Virginia's 514, but the Wolfpack's ability to score in the red zone proved decisive. NC State converted all three of its red zone opportunities into touchdowns, while Virginia managed three touchdowns and one field goal on five red zone trips.

Key Performers

• Hollywood Smothers (NC State): 140 rushing yards, 2 TDs on 17 carries
• J'Mari Taylor (Virginia): 150 rushing yards, 3 TDs on 17 carries  
• CJ Bailey (NC State): 200 passing yards, 44 rushing yards, 3 total TDs
• Chandler Morris (Virginia): 257 passing yards, 56 rushing yards
• Cian Slone (NC State): Game-sealing interception

RALEIGH – On a chilly Saturday afternoon at Carter-Finley Stadium, the West Charlotte Lions captured the NCHSAA 3A state championship with a hard-fought 14-7 victory over Seventy-First, riding an efficient passing attack and stalwart defensive effort to secure the title.

In a game where offensive opportunities proved scarce, West Charlotte quarterback Jamouri Nichols delivered a masterful performance, completing 12 of 13 passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns. His precision through the air proved to be the difference in a defensive struggle that saw both teams battle for every yard.

The Lions struck first, establishing their passing attack early when Nichols connected with KD Cotton on a 6-yard touchdown strike in the opening quarter. That early score would stand as the game's only points until late in the second quarter, as both defenses settled in and refused to yield ground.

Seventy-First, playing without starting quarterback Deandre Nance due to a knee injury suffered the previous week, showed remarkable resilience. The Falcons mounted an impressive seven-minute drive before halftime, culminating in Jayson Franklin's 5-yard touchdown run that knotted the score at 7-7.

The third quarter evolved into a tactical chess match, with field position proving crucial. West Charlotte appeared poised to break the deadlock when they drove deep into Falcons territory, but a touchdown run by Nichols was nullified by a penalty. The Lions' frustration mounted as they turned the ball over on downs at the 6-yard line.

The decisive moment finally arrived early in the fourth quarter when Nichols found Donte Nicholson for what proved to be the game-winning touchdown. The 10-yard scoring strike capped a methodical drive that started at the game's most critical juncture.

Seventy-First mounted two late challenges, recovering a fumble in Lions territory with 6:53 remaining, but the West Charlotte defense stood firm. The Falcons' final desperate drive ended on a botched spike attempt as time expired, setting off a celebration on the Lions' sideline.

The defensive nature of the contest was reflected in the statistics, with both teams finding rushing yards at a premium. West Charlotte's Emory McClain Jr. led all rushers with 47 yards on 14 carries, while the Lions' defense limited Seventy-First to just 46 total rushing yards on 26 attempts.

Davion Jones proved to be Nichols' favorite target, hauling in 8 receptions for 55 yards as the Lions consistently moved the chains through the air. The Falcons' Jytavius Whitted provided several explosive plays in defeat, including a 50-yard reception that set up their lone touchdown.

The victory marked a triumphant culmination for West Charlotte, whose defense proved championship-worthy by holding Seventy-First to just seven points. The Falcons entered the contest averaging significantly more points per game but found themselves stymied by a Lions defensive unit that recorded eight tackles for loss.

For Seventy-First, the loss was particularly bitter given their late opportunities. Despite the absence of their starting quarterback, the Falcons remained within striking distance throughout, a testament to their defensive unit led by Kaiveon Gear and Hector Bautista, who combined for 19 tackles.

The championship represents a crowning achievement for West Charlotte's program, which demonstrated championship mettle in the season's biggest moment. Their blend of efficient offense and suffocating defense proved to be the perfect formula for capturing the 3A crown on a memorable December afternoon in Raleigh.

The stage is set for an electrifying battle as the Tarboro Vikings (13-1) and the Corvian Jaguars (15-0) meet in the 2024 NCHSAA 1A Football State Championship on Saturday, December 21, at 3:00 PM at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh. With both teams dominating their competition en route to this title game, fans can expect an unforgettable clash between two contrasting yet equally successful programs.

Contrasting Paths to Raleigh

The Tarboro Vikings, led by veteran head coach Jeff Craddock, have been a juggernaut all season. After suffering their only loss to 3A powerhouse Havelock early in the year, Tarboro responded by steamrolling opponents with a relentless ground game. The Vikings have outscored opponents 51.6 to 9.7 points per game this season, amassing over 4,200 rushing yards behind their signature “Tarboro T” offense.

On the other side, the Corvian Jaguars have taken a meteoric rise in just their second year of playoff football. The Queen City program enters the championship with a perfect 15-0 record, earning respect statewide by defeating three Charlotte-area 4A schools to start the season. The Jaguars’ playoff run was capped by victories over Mount Airy—snapping the state’s longest active winning streak—and perennial contender Mountain Heritage.

Tarboro’s Relentless Ground Game

At the heart of Tarboro’s success is their punishing ground attack. Quarterback Tyler Powell has expertly orchestrated the Vikings' “Tarboro T,” distributing the ball efficiently to a loaded backfield. Senior running back Kamerin McDowell-Moore leads the charge, averaging 99.6 rushing yards per game. He is complemented by Mason Satterfield and Caiden Everette, who together add over 150 rushing yards per game.

While Tarboro leans heavily on the run, Powell has delivered when needed through the air, throwing for 700 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. With such a dominant ground game and a quarterback capable of keeping defenses honest, the Vikings’ offense is built to control the clock and wear down opponents.

Corvian’s Balanced Offensive Attack

The Jaguars’ offense presents a more balanced approach, led by dynamic senior quarterback AJ Jackson Jr. Jackson has accounted for 17 touchdowns through the air and 12 more on the ground, showcasing his versatility as a dual-threat playmaker. He’ll look to connect early and often with star running back Cam Johnson, who has been the centerpiece of the Jaguars’ offense with 24 total touchdowns and nearly 100 rushing yards per game.

Corvian has averaged 41.4 points per game this season while allowing just 8.5 points per contest, proving they can win shootouts and defensive battles alike. Jackson’s ability to stretch the field and Johnson’s consistency on the ground will be key in keeping Tarboro’s defense off balance.

Defensive Battle

Both teams feature physical, hard-hitting defenses that have stifled opponents all season.

For Tarboro, linebacker Cole Craddock leads the team with 132 total tackles and 11 tackles for loss, while Keivious Bridgers (112 tackles) and Tyler Powell (21 tackles for loss) add to an imposing defensive front. Powell has also tallied 21 sacks, making him one of the most disruptive defenders in the state. Add in contributors like Kamerin McDowell-Moore and Gabe Kassnove, who have combined for 140 tackles, and Tarboro’s defense is as formidable as their offense.

The Jaguars’ defense is equally impressive. Junior linebacker Jayden Summers anchors the unit with 117 tackles, while defensive end Adrian Scott has wreaked havoc in opposing backfields with 28 tackles for loss and 14 sacks. On the back end, playmakers like Cam Johnson and AJ Jackson Jr. continue to make their mark. Johnson has contributed over 100 tackles as a defensive back, while Jackson leads the team with six interceptions, showcasing his ability to flip momentum.

Championship Narrative

For Tarboro, this championship represents an opportunity to add another title to their storied history. Their dominant playoff run has included a 71-0 rout of Warren County and a 59-6 win over Wilson Prep in the regional final, underscoring their reputation as one of the state’s premier programs.

For Corvian, the Jaguars are chasing history. In just their second playoff season, they’ve already proven they belong among the state’s elite. Their 21-14 win over Mount Airy and 28-21 victory against Mountain Heritage solidified their place as a team that thrives in big moments.

This matchup pits tradition against rising talent. Tarboro’s bruising ground game and championship pedigree will test Corvian’s balance and resilience. For the Jaguars, the challenge is clear: stop the Vikings’ running attack and seize their moment in Raleigh.

Final Thoughts

With two elite programs colliding for the 1A state title, fans can expect a hard-fought, physical contest. Will Tarboro’s ground-and-pound attack secure another championship for the Vikings, or will Corvian complete their perfect season and claim their first-ever state title?

Kickoff is set for 3:00 PM on Saturday, December 21, at Carter-Finley Stadium. This championship clash is one fans won’t want to miss.

Friday, December 20

7:00 p.m. – 4A Championship | Grimsley vs. Rolesville at Kenan Stadium

Saturday, December 21

11:00 a.m. – 3A Championship | West Charlotte vs. Seventy-First at Carter-Finley Stadium
3:00 p.m. – 1A State Championship | Corvian vs. Tarboro at Carter-Finley Stadium
6:30 p.m. – 2A State Championship | Monroe vs. Northeastern at Kenan Stadium

RALEIGH – In a spectacular display of dominance, the Weddington Warriors clinched the NCHSAA 4A state championship with a resounding 56-14 victory over the Hoggard Vikings at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC. The Warriors' defense played a pivotal role in their triumph, relentlessly shutting down Hoggard's offensive attempts. Led by standout players like Drew Harris and Sam Neely, the Warriors' defense applied unrelenting pressure, accumulating sacks and turnovers that stifled any hopes of a Viking comeback.

The defensive dominance was on full display as Drew Harris and his teammates showcased their skills with a combined total of 8 solo tackles, 24 assists, and multiple tackles for loss. Gannon Anthony made a significant impact with a crucial interception, while Aiden Harris and Matthew Massaro contributed to the defensive dominance with sacks and tackles that kept Hoggard on the backfoot throughout the game. Weddington's defensive unit proved to be an impenetrable force, allowing only 14 points and sealing their championship victory.

The scoring kicked off in the first quarter with the Hoggard Vikings taking an early lead. After Trey Nixon intercepted a Weddington pass and nearly ran it back for a pick-six, quarterback Hudson Wilharm connected with Charlie Kilbourne for a 4-yard touchdown pass, putting the Vikings on the board. However, the Weddington Warriors quickly responded, with Keenan Jackson's 5-yard rushing touchdown, followed by another impressive 27-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Budge to Jackson, bringing the score to 14-7 in favor of the Warriors by the end of the first quarter. The Warriors continued to dominate in the second quarter, extending their lead with Nick Diamond's 12-yard rushing touchdown and Jackson's 21-yard touchdown reception, entering halftime with a commanding 28-7 advantage.

The third quarter showcased the Warriors' defensive dominance with a punt block return for a touchdown by TJ Davis starting off the scoring. The Weddington offensive onslaught continued with rushing touchdowns by Nick Diamond, Brady Ritter, and Tyler Budge, pushing the score to 56-14 and a running clock by the end of the quarter. Despite a late resurgence by the Hoggard Vikings in the fourth quarter, including a 65-yard rushing touchdown by Hudson Wilharm and a 20-yard touchdown toss from Wilharm to Ryan McAllister, the Weddington Warriors secured their triumph with a final score of 56-21.

On the offensive side, quarterback Tyler Budge orchestrated a masterful performance, completing 17 of 24 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns. The rushing game complemented the aerial assault, with Nick Diamond leading the charge with 105 yards and two touchdowns. Keenan Jackson's dynamic playmaking abilities were showcased as he contributed both in the air and on the ground, scoring two rushing touchdowns and receiving one.

In the end, the Weddington Warriors secured a well-deserved victory, showcasing not only their offensive fireworks but also their resilience in the face of a determined opponent. As the players and coaches exchanged handshakes at midfield, the mutual respect between the two teams was palpable, a testament to the sportsmanship that defines high school athletics.

This Saturday, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) 2A State Championship will feature an electrifying match between Clinton High School and Reidsville High School at Carter-Finley Stadium. The game is set to kick off at 3 p.m.

RALEIGH – In a highly anticipated rivalry showdown, the North Carolina State Wolfpack emerged victorious over the North Carolina Tar Heels with a commanding 39-20 win at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday night.

The Wolfpack set the tone early, capitalizing on opportunities and establishing a lead that proved insurmountable for the Tar Heels. Kicker Brayden Narveson showcased his accuracy with two first-quarter field goals, a 32-yarder, and a 40-yarder, giving NC State an early 6-0 advantage.

NC State quarterback Brennan Armstrong continued the attack in the second quarter, connecting with Kevin “KC” Concepcion for two touchdown passes (11 yards and 6 yards) to extend the lead to 20-0. Narveson added another field goal before halftime, and the Wolfpack entered the break with a 26-7 advantage.

The Tar Heels, however, showed resilience in the second quarter when quarterback Drake Maye found John Copenhaver for a 15-yard touchdown pass, closing the gap to 26-7.

The Wolfpack’s offensive prowess persisted in the second half. Armstrong orchestrated an impressive 75-yard drive, culminating in a 20-yard touchdown pass to Dacari Collins, extending the lead to 33-14. The Tar Heels responded with a Drake Maye one-yard rushing touchdown, but NC State’s Delbert Mimms III answered back with a 7-yard rushing score.

Maye continued to fight for the Tar Heels, connecting with Devontez Walker for a touchdown pass, making it 39-20, but the deficit proved too significant to overcome.

In terms of statistics, the Wolfpack dominated in total offense, amassing 504 yards compared to the Tar Heels’ 384. Armstrong led the charge with 334 passing yards and three touchdowns. Concepcion was a key target, securing seven receptions for 131 yards and two touchdowns.

On the defensive side, the Wolfpack showcased their strength, with Payton Wilson leading the charge in his last home game with 15 total tackles, including two sacks and an interception.

Despite the Tar Heels’ efforts, the Wolfpack’s balanced attack and strong defensive showing secured their victory in this heated rivalry clash. With this win, NC State improves its record and secured the #3 spot in the Atlantic Coast Conference standings.

RALEIGH – In an intense college football matchup, the North Carolina State Wolfpack claimed a hard-earned victory against the Miami Hurricanes in front of a raucous crowd at Carter-Finley Stadium. In a game that showcased impressive defensive performances from both sides, NC State ultimately emerged as the victors with a final score of 20-6.

First Quarter: A Kicking Start

The game kicked off with both teams demonstrating their defensive prowess. Miami started with a promising 12-play drive but was only able to secure a field goal, courtesy of a 48-yard kick by Andres Borregales. However, NC State quickly responded with a touchdown as Jordan Poole caught a 12-yard pass from MJ Morris, followed by Brayden Narveson's successful extra point. The first quarter ended with NC State leading 7-3.

Second Quarter: Field Goals and Defensive Duels

In the second quarter, both teams relied on their kickers to add points to the scoreboard. Borregales, Miami's kicker, added another 27-yard field goal. On the other side, Brayden Narveson of NC State nailed a 39-yard field goal, bringing the score to 10-6 in favor of the Wolfpack.

NC State's Dominant Defense

The second half of the game saw NC State's defense take control. Kendrick Raphael's 31-yard run for a touchdown in the fourth quarter extended the lead to 17-6. With Miami unable to mount a successful comeback, Narveson added a 19-yard field goal to secure NC State's victory with a final score of 20-6.

Defensive Standouts

NC State's defense was instrumental in securing the win. Players like Payton Wilson, Jaylon Scott, and Devan Boykin led the charge with multiple tackles and key plays. Wilson and Boykin each recorded interceptions, further thwarting Miami's offensive efforts.

Key Statistics
-Miami managed 19 first downs compared to NC State's 12.
-The rushing game was evenly matched, with Miami gaining 119 yards and NC State gaining 108.
-Passing yards favored Miami with 173 to NC State's 123, but NC State's touchdown pass made the difference.
-The total offensive yards were 292 for Miami and 231 for NC State.
-Miami struggled on third-down conversions, going 4 of 15, while NC State was 3 of 11.
-Both teams were successful in the red zone, with Miami scoring once out of three chances and NC State capitalizing on all three of theirs.
-The game featured some remarkable defensive plays, with NC State's defense recording three interceptions and three sacks.

Next Week

NC State travels to Winston-Salem to take on Wake Forest in a 2 p.m. game set for the CW Network.

RALEIGH – The NC State Wolfpack delivered an electrifying performance at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday, securing a 24-17 victory over the Clemson Tigers in a game that had the Wolfpack faithful in a frenzy of excitement when the final horn sounded. With this win, head coach Dave Doeren celebrated his 100th career victory and tied the program record for most wins with 77, alongside Earle Edwards, who set the mark in 1970.

Freshman sensation KC Concepcion stole the show, notching two crucial touchdowns and showcasing his incredible versatility. Concepcion hauled in a 72-yard touchdown pass from quarterback MJ Morris, capping off a remarkable catch-and-run in the third quarter. His performance didn't stop there, as he also led the team in rushing, accumulating 51 yards on the ground.

The game began with a nine-yard touchdown connection between Morris and Concepcion, giving NC State an early 7-0 lead. The Wolfpack extended their lead with a 41-yard field goal from Brayden Narveson after an impressive 55-yard drive. Clemson managed to narrow the gap with a one-yard rushing touchdown from Phil Mafah, bringing the score to 10-7 in favor of NC State.

Just before halftime, Clemson had an opportunity to level the score with a field goal, but an NC State timeout disrupted their plans, keeping the score at 10-7. The Wolfpack defense stepped up in a big way, with Payton Wilson making a spectacular 15-yard interception return for a touchdown, giving NC State a 17-7 lead.

NC State's offensive momentum continued, with Morris and Concepcion connecting once again for a 72-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to its largest margin of the day. While Clemson managed to put together 10 consecutive points, it wasn't enough to overcome the Wolfpack's lead.

The Wolfpack defense played a pivotal role in this victory, forcing two turnovers, securing two sacks, and making nine tackles for a loss. Linebacker Sean Brown led the defensive effort with 11 tackles, and Jaylon Scott was right behind with 10 tackles.

The victory marks the second straight time NC State has defeated Clemson at home, and the first time since 2011 that the Tigers have lost back-to-back games. The Wolfpack now stands at 5-3 (2-2 ACC), moving within one game of securing a bowl berth.

Up next, NC State will face Miami in another crucial ACC matchup at Carter-Finley on Saturday, November 4, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m., broadcast on the ACC Network. The Wolfpack faithful have every reason to be excited about their team's resurgence after this impressive win over Clemson.