CHARLOTTESVILLE – NC State opened the 2026 season with a 34-8 loss to Virginia, falling to 0-1 for the first time since 2018. The Wolfpack was shut out in the first half and managed only one touchdown as Virginia built its lead with a steady running game, timely passing and short fields created by NC State turnovers and punts.

The Wolfpack offense struggled from the start, opening with a three-and-out and punting again on its next possession. A tipped pass on another early series became an interception by Brandyn Hillman, giving Virginia the ball at the NC State 32. Four plays later, Xavier Brown scored on a one-yard run.

The sequence put NC State in a 10-0 hole after Virginia had already opened the scoring on Will Bettridge’s 47-yard field goal. The Wolfpack punted again, and the Cavaliers answered with another touchdown when Beau Pribula connected with Brown for a 45-yard score.

NC State quarterback CJ Bailey finished 12 of 23 for 84 yards with one interception and added 33 yards rushing. The Wolfpack generated little through the air, with tight end Vander Ploog’s 21-yard catch standing as the longest completion. Ploog finished with two catches for 35 yards.

Ploog’s biggest play came during NC State’s best first-half opportunity. Trailing 17-0, the Wolfpack converted a third-and-21 and moved to the Virginia one-yard line, but Bailey fumbled on a quarterback run. Virginia recovered, ending NC State’s first trip into the red zone.

NC State entered halftime scoreless for the first time in a season opener since 2009 against South Carolina. The 17-0 deficit reflected a first half in which the Wolfpack reached the Virginia seven-yard line but came away empty.

Virginia widened the margin immediately after halftime. Pribula completed passes to TyLyric Coleman and Kameron Courtney before finding DaShawn Martin for a 47-yard touchdown, capping a three-play, 75-yard drive that made it 24-0.

NC State finally scored on its next extended opportunity. Will Wilson entered at quarterback and finished the drive with a one-yard touchdown run after Ploog’s fourth-down reception moved the Wolfpack to the Virginia one. NC State added a two-point conversion pass to Deandre Desinor, cutting the deficit to 24-8.

Wilson provided one of NC State’s few offensive bright spots, rushing six times for 21 yards and the Wolfpack’s only touchdown. Bailey remained NC State’s leading passer, while Jayden Scott added 20 yards on seven carries. The Wolfpack finished with 76 net rushing yards.

No NC State receiver reached 40 yards. Jojo Trader had two catches for 19 yards, Davion Dozier caught two passes for 14 yards and Ploog led the team with 35 receiving yards. The lack of explosive plays left the Wolfpack with few chances to climb out of the early deficit.

The NC State defense faced a heavy workload, especially against the run. Virginia finished with 251 rushing yards on 53 attempts, the most rushing yards NC State had allowed against the Cavaliers since last season’s meeting in Raleigh. It was also the first time since 2020 that the Wolfpack allowed an opponent to run the ball more than 50 times.

Linebacker Popo Aguirre led both teams with 18 tackles, NC State’s highest single-game total since Peyton Wilson recorded 19 against Duke in 2020.

Ronnie Royal III and King Mack each added seven tackles, while Harvey Dyson III and LaCorian Hodge combined for the Wolfpack’s only sack.

Virginia responded to NC State’s touchdown with a 23-play, 75-yard scoring drive that put the game out of reach. The Cavaliers converted three fourth downs during the possession before Xavier Davis scored on a one-yard run.

Bettridge later added a 42-yard field goal, his second of the game, to close the scoring. Virginia scored in every quarter, while NC State scored only in the third.

The final numbers reflected NC State’s offensive struggles. Virginia outgained the Wolfpack 413-168, held an 18-10 edge in first downs and controlled the ball for 38:04 compared with NC State’s 21:56.

NC State punted seven times and committed two turnovers, Bailey’s interception and fumble. Virginia turned both into scoring chances, with the interception leading directly to Brown’s touchdown.

The result also ended several streaks in the series. Virginia beat NC State for the first time since 2012 and won in Charlottesville for the first time since 2006. The Wolfpack still leads the all-time series 38-23-1 and is 4-1 against Virginia under Dave Doeren.

NC State will look for its first win when Richmond visits Carter-Finley Stadium on Friday, Sept. 11. The game will be broadcast on ESPNU.

CHARLOTTE – Dave Doeren walked into ACC Kickoff loose, joking about “four score and 14 years ago” when he got hired, but the message underneath was unmistakable. He’s entering Year 14 at NC State, and he’s tired of talking about consistency. He wants a breakthrough.

“We’ve won the second-most number of games in the ACC in the last six years,” Doeren said. “With that being said, I’m sick of being second.”

That line wasn’t for effect. It was the thesis of NC State’s 2026 season, a veteran quarterback, a rising star at running back, a defense that expects to look like NC State again, and a roster that believes it’s capable of more than just another solid year.

A Third-Year Starter in a Transfer Era

In a league where quarterbacks move almost annually, NC State has something rare: stability. “We’re one of two schools in the ACC that can say they have a third-year starter at quarterback,” Doeren said.

CJ Bailey didn’t hide from how far he’s come. He admitted he was “winging it” early in his career, relying on athleticism more than understanding. Now, he says the game has slowed down. “Everything is moving fluent,” Bailey said. “Everybody believes in me.”

Bailey’s decision to stay, when most quarterbacks in his position at least explore the portal, says a lot about the program’s culture. “NC State is a different place,” he said. “It’s home for me.” That continuity gives the Wolfpack a steadying force heading into a schedule that ramps up quickly.

Duke Scott Steps Into the No. 1 Jersey

The No. 1 jersey at NC State isn’t ceremonial. It’s earned, and Doeren didn’t hesitate giving it to running back Duke Scott. “It really wasn’t hard,” Doeren said. “He’s gifted as an athlete, he’s a leader, he treats people with respect.”

Scott’s physical numbers, a 405-pound power clean, 575-pound squat, and 4.35 speed, are the kind of measurables that get attention. But his breakout came last season when he stepped in for Hollywood Smothers and ran for 200 yards against unbeaten Georgia Tech. “It made me understand I can do this against everybody,” Scott said.

Scott’s childhood chemistry with fellow South Florida additions gives NC State’s offense a built-in familiarity that’s rare for a team with 50 new players.

Defense: From Patchwork to Identity

Last season’s defensive issues were obvious. NC State changed schemes, dealt with the emotional strain of Tony Gibson’s family tragedy, and lost nine defensive starters to injury. At one point, four freshmen were playing in the Pitt game. “Last year we went into a lot of games thinking we’re going to have to outscore people,” Doeren said. “That’s not normal for us.”

The offseason focus has been pass-rush – getting quarterbacks off their spot, forcing quicker throws, and creating turnovers. “We’ve added some pieces we’re excited to see,” Doeren said, pointing to Harvey Dyson and a deeper secondary.

Veteran defensive lineman Isaiah Shirley echoed the confidence. “We want to get back to playing our brand of hard, tough, together defense,” Shirley said. “We want to be the backbone of the team.” Shirley, now stepping into a larger role, said he’s ready for the responsibility. “I’ve been around this program long enough to see what’s been good and what’s been bad,” he said. “Now it’s time to step up and lead.”

Schedule breakdown

NC State’s 2026 schedule comes in three distinct phases: an early stretch where the Pack can build confidence, a middle run that will define their ACC position, and a November finish that will decide how good this team really is.

Aug. 29 – Virginia (Away)

Sep. 11 – Richmond (Home)

Sep. 19 – Vanderbilt (Away)

Sep. 26 – App State (Home)

Relocated from a neutral site in Brazil, a road game in Virginia is a legitimate Week Zero test and a chance for NC State to see where its rebuilt defense stands right away.. Richmond is the home opener on a Friday night. Vanderbilt is a tricky SEC road trip. App State is the kind of in-state game NC State can’t afford to take lightly. There’s a path to 3–1 or better here, and the Pack probably need it.

Oct. 3 – Louisville (Home)

Oct. 10 – Wake Forest (Home)

Oct. 23 – Stanford (Away, Friday 10:30 PM)

Oct. 31 – Cal (Home)

Louisville and Wake at home are classic swing games for ACC standing. Louisville is a legitimate ACC contender, and Wake Forest has played NC State tight for years. The late-night trip to Stanford is the schedule’s odd wrinkle, a Friday night game on the West Coast. Late kickoff, long travel, and awkward timing make it a classic trap spot. Cal at home closes a stretch where NC State has to prove it can handle different styles and still look like itself.

Nov. 7 – Duke (Home)

Nov. 14 – Syracuse (Home)

Nov. 21 – Florida State (Away)

Nov. 28 – North Carolina (Away)

Duke and Syracuse at home are games a contender has to win. Then it’s Florida State in Tallahassee and North Carolina in Chapel Hill – two rivalry games, both on the road, both at the end of the year. If NC State is still in the ACC race by mid-November, those two weeks will decide everything.

Photos courtesy of ACC Digital Services

TAMPA, FL – NC State closed its season with authority Saturday at Raymond James Stadium, riding a dominant first-half performance to a 31-7 victory over Memphis in the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl.

The Wolfpack scored all 31 points before halftime, with quarterback CJ Bailey accounting for three touchdowns in a performance that showcased both his versatility and command of the offense. Bailey rushed for one score and threw for two more, finishing 14-of-25 for 221 yards through the air while adding a 14-yard touchdown run.

The victory marked NC State's first bowl win since 2017 and gave the program its eighth win of the season, the fifth time in six years the Wolfpack has reached that mark.

The scoring started early when Bailey capped a seven-play, 75-yard opening drive with his rushing touchdown at the 11:32 mark of the first quarter. Both of Bailey's pass attempts on the drive went for more than 20 yards before he kept it himself for the score, his sixth rushing touchdown of the season.

The Pack defense forced a three-and-out and a turnover on downs on Memphis's first two possessions. NC State converted the latter into points when Bailey found Wesley Grimes for a 31-yard touchdown strike at the 3:21 mark, giving the Wolfpack a 14-0 lead. Grimes absorbed a hard hit near the goal line but fought his way into the end zone for his third touchdown of the season.

The game's turning point came on Memphis's next possession. Quarterback Brendon Lewis completed passes to Marcello Bussey for gains of 24 and six yards to move into NC State territory. But on second-and-six from the NC State 49, Lewis's pass was tipped at the line and intercepted by linebacker Caden Fordham at the NC State 42.

Fordham, who would be named the game's MVP and become the first defensive player to earn that honor in Gasparilla Bowl history, sprinted 55 yards down the sideline before being brought down at the Memphis 3-yard line by Bryce Anderson. The return marked the second-longest by an NC State player in a bowl game since 2008.

Will Wilson finished the short drive two plays later, punching it in from one yard out for his 10th rushing touchdown of the season. The score came just 14 seconds into the second quarter, extending the lead to 21-0. Wilson's 10 rushing touchdowns tie him with Philip Rivers for the second-most in a season by an NC State quarterback, trailing only Scott Smith's 13 in 1979.

The Wolfpack added a 51-yard field goal by Kanoah Vinesett at the 8:03 mark of the second quarter to make it 24-0. The kick was a season-long for Vinesett, who finished the year 6-of-7 on field goal attempts and perfect from beyond 30 yards.

Memphis finally got on the board with a methodical eight-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in a 28-yard touchdown pass from Lewis to Jamari Hawkins with 4:59 remaining in the half, cutting the deficit to 24-7.

But NC State answered immediately. On the first play after the kickoff, redshirt freshman running back Jayden "Duke" Scott burst through the middle for a 35-yard run to the Memphis 40. Two plays later, Bailey threw deep to Teddy Hoffmann, who hauled in a 40-yard touchdown pass with 1:28 left in the half to push the advantage to 31-7. The touchdown was Hoffmann's third of the season, and the score in his home state of Florida capped a dominant first-half performance.

The 31 first-half points were the most for NC State in a half of a bowl game in the last 30 seasons, surpassing the previous high of 28 points. It was also the most scored in a half by any team in Gasparilla Bowl history and the fourth-most by an ACC team in any bowl game over the last 30 years.

The second half turned into a defensive struggle, with neither team able to reach the end zone. The two sides combined for five punts, four turnovers on downs, and a lost fumble. It marked the first time either team had been shut out in a half all season and the first scoreless half for NC State in a bowl game since a 14-0 victory over South Florida on New Year's Eve 2005.

Scott led all rushers with 108 yards on 19 carries in just his second collegiate start, averaging 5.7 yards per attempt. He became the fourth NC State player in the last 30 seasons to rush for 100 or more yards in a bowl game. Bailey added 30 rushing yards on seven attempts despite being sacked three times.

Wolfpack receivers averaged 15.8 yards per reception for the game, with eight different players recording catches of 15 or more yards. It was the first time NC State had eight or more players with a 15-plus-yard catch in the same game since 2010 at Georgia Tech and the first time an ACC team accomplished that feat in a bowl game since Maryland on New Year's Day 2004.

Grimes finished with three receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown, while Hoffmann's lone reception went for 40 yards and a score. Noah Rogers added two catches for 37 yards, and Dante Daniels contributed one reception for 22 yards.

Bailey became the only NC State player to have multiple passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown in a bowl game in the last 30 seasons. He also became the first ACC player to record 200 or more passing yards, two or more passing touchdowns, and one or more rushing touchdowns in a bowl game since Trevor Lawrence in 2021. With 165 passing yards in the first half alone, Bailey became the seventh quarterback in NC State history to reach 3,000 passing yards in a season, finishing the year with 3,105 yards, good for ninth all-time in program history for a single season.

Fordham paced the defense with 13 tackles (five solo, eight assisted) to go along with his interception return, recording his ninth game of 10 or more tackles this season. The performance gave him 140 tackles for the year, the most in a season for NC State since Earl Wolff in 2012. As the leading tackler among Power Four conference players, Fordham also added 1.5 tackles for loss.

Linebacker Kenny Soares Jr. contributed 12 tackles, while Devon Marshall added eight stops and a pass breakup. Defensive end Joseph Adedire recorded a sack and recovered a fumble that Josiah Victor forced. Tra Thomas also had a sack, finishing off Memphis quarterback Brendon Lewis for an 11-yard loss in the second quarter.

Memphis quarterback Lewis completed 14 of 25 passes for 106 yards, one touchdown and one interception before giving way to AJ Hill in the fourth quarter. Hill went 6-of-7 for 48 yards in relief. Khyair Spain led the Tigers' ground game with 65 yards on nine carries.

NC State converted 5 of 13 third-down attempts and held Memphis to just 7 points, becoming the first ACC team to hold an opponent to seven or fewer points and win by 24 or more in a bowl game since Virginia in 2018. The 24-point lead entering the fourth quarter was the largest for NC State heading into a final period of a bowl game in the last 30 seasons, and the game marked the eighth straight contest decided by 10 or more points for the Wolfpack.

The victory improved head coach Dave Doeren's record to eight or more wins in seven of the last nine seasons. NC State finished 8-5 overall and 6-0 when leading at halftime this season.

North Carolina will be well represented in the college football postseason. Four of the state’s seven FBS programs, NC State, Duke, Wake Forest, and East Carolina, secured bowl invitations Sunday as the 2025-26 lineup was announced. After several teams declined, App State accepted a bowl invitation late Sunday as well. North Carolina and Charlotte were left out of the field, leaving five teams to carry the state’s banner into December and January.

NC State – Gasparilla Bowl

NC State (7-5) heads to Tampa to face Memphis (8-4) in the Gasparilla Bowl on Dec. 19. The Wolfpack closed the season with a rivalry win over UNC and will lean on their defense to slow a Tigers offense averaging more than 30 points per game. Kickoff is 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Duke – Sun Bowl

Fresh off its first outright ACC title since 1962, Duke (8-5) meets Arizona State (8-4) in the Sun Bowl on Dec. 31. The Blue Devils’ defense will be tested by ASU’s dual-threat quarterback, while coach Manny Diaz looks to cap his debut season with a statement win. Game time is 2 p.m. ET on CBS.

Wake Forest – Duke’s Mayo Bowl

Wake Forest (8-4) returns to Charlotte for the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against Mississippi State (5-7) on Jan. 2. First-year coach Jake Dickert guided the Deacs to a steady finish, and his offense will try to exploit a Bulldogs team that slipped into the postseason via APR. Kickoff is 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.

East Carolina – Military Bowl

East Carolina (8-4) rides late-season momentum into the Military Bowl against Pitt (8-4) on Dec. 27. Quarterback Katin Houser leads a Pirates offense averaging nearly 500 yards per game, while Pitt counters with a physical defense that thrives on pressure. The game begins at 11 a.m. ET on ESPN.

App State – Birmingham Bowl

App State (5-7) steps into the Birmingham Bowl against Georgia Southern (7-5) on Dec. 29. The Mountaineers accepted a late invitation after several teams declined, setting up a Sun Belt rivalry rematch at Protective Stadium. Kickoff is 2 p.m. ET on ESPN.

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

WINSTON-SALEM – NC State transformed a 24-14 halftime deficit into a 34-24 victory over Wake Forest Thursday night, riding a dominant second-half defensive performance and Hollywood Smothers' career rushing night to improve to 3-0 and open ACC play with a road win.

The Wolfpack defense, which surrendered 311 total yards and 24 points in the first half, completely shut down Wake Forest after intermission. The Demon Deacons managed just 44 yards and two first downs over the final 30 minutes, failing to score in the second half while NC State rattled off 17 unanswered points.

The victory marked NC State's fourth comeback win from a deficit of 10 or more points over the past two seasons, tying Iowa State and Missouri for most in FBS during that span. It also represented the Wolfpack's first back-to-back wins in Winston-Salem since 1993 and 1995.

First Half Fireworks

The game opened with immediate drama as Wake Forest's Chris Barnes returned the opening kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown, giving the Demon Deacons a 7-0 lead just 12 seconds into the contest. It marked Wake Forest's first kickoff return for a touchdown since Demond Claiborne's 100-yard return against Miami in 2024.

Wake Forest extended their advantage to 14-0 on their first offensive possession when quarterback Robby Ashford capped a seven-play, 93-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run. The drive featured an 82-yard passing performance by Ashford, including a spectacular 70-yard connection to Barnes that set up the score.

NC State answered back with 2:35 remaining in the opening quarter when CJ Bailey found tight end Justin Joly for a five-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-one, completing an eight-play, 75-yard drive. The score came in unusual circumstances, with smoke from a food truck fire outside the stadium drifting into the end zone.

The first quarter's most memorable moment came with 1:19 left when NC State defensive tackle Isaiah Shirley intercepted an Ashford pass and returned it 41 yards for a touchdown, evening the score at 14-14. The 280-pound Shirley became the first Wolfpack defensive lineman to return an interception for a touchdown since Alim McNeill in 2020.

Wake Forest regained the lead in the second quarter on another Ashford rushing touchdown, this time from one yard out to cap a nine-play, 75-yard drive that put the Demon Deacons ahead 21-14. The drive was highlighted by a 42-yard reception to Eni Falayi that moved Wake Forest deep into NC State territory.

Connor Calvert's 28-yard field goal extended Wake Forest's lead to 24-14 with 4:07 remaining in the half. The kick concluded an 11-play, 69-yard drive that included key receptions by Micah Mays Jr. and Sterling Berkhalter, both for 26 yards.

NC State managed to cut the deficit before halftime when Kanoah Vinesett connected on a 24-yard field goal with 1:00 left, sending the teams to the locker room with Wake Forest leading 24-17.

Second Half Shutdown

Whatever adjustments NC State made at halftime proved decisive. The Wolfpack defense, which had allowed 252 passing yards and 59 rushing yards in the first half, completely stifled Wake Forest's offensive attack over the final two quarters.

NC State tied the game at 24-24 with 6:22 left in the third quarter when Bailey found Joly again, this time from four yards out. The eight-play, 70-yard drive marked Joly's second touchdown of the game and first multi-touchdown performance of his career.

The Wolfpack took their first lead of the game early in the fourth quarter when Bailey connected with wide receiver Keenan Jackson on a 12-yard touchdown pass with 12:37 remaining. The five-play, 70-yard drive put NC State ahead 31-24, a lead they would maintain for the remainder of the contest.

Vinesett added an insurance field goal from 38 yards with 6:19 left in the fourth quarter, extending the lead to 34-24. The kick capped an eight-play, 32-yard drive that effectively sealed the victory.

Wake Forest's final drive ended when defensive back Ronnie Royal III intercepted Ashford with 5:02 remaining, his first career interception. The turnover came at a crucial moment as Wake Forest was attempting to mount a comeback drive.

Smothers Powers Ground Game

NC State's rushing attack, led by Smothers, proved to be the difference in the second half. Smothers carried 24 times for 164 yards, establishing a new career high and marking the most rushing yards by an NC State running back since Reggie Gallaspy's 220-yard performance in 2018.

The Wolfpack finished with 205 rushing yards on 44 carries, averaging 4.7 yards per attempt. Smothers' performance included a crucial 42-yard run in the fourth quarter that set up NC State's go-ahead touchdown.

Bailey, meanwhile, continued his efficient play by completing 23 of 32 passes for 201 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. It marked the second consecutive game without a turnover for the NC State offense.

Defensive Turnaround

NC State's defensive transformation between halves proved to be the game's defining factor. After allowing Wake Forest to accumulate 267 total yards in the first half, the Wolfpack defense held the Demon Deacons to just 44 yards over the final 30 minutes.

The statistics tell the story of the shutdown: Wake Forest managed only two first downs in the second half and failed to sustain any meaningful drives. NC State's defense recorded two interceptions on the night, with Shirley's pick-six in the first quarter and Royal's game-sealing interception in the fourth quarter.

Wake Forest quarterback Ashford, who threw for 252 yards in the game, completed 21 of 35 passes but was intercepted twice and sacked twice. The Demon Deacons' rushing attack, led by Claiborne's 35 yards on 12 carries, managed just 59 total yards on the ground.

Wake Forest's Bright Spots

Despite the loss, Wake Forest received standout performances from several players. Barnes finished with 177 all-purpose yards, including his 98-yard kickoff return touchdown and 76 receiving yards. The performance marked the second consecutive game in which Barnes exceeded 100 all-purpose yards.

Claiborne scored his fourth rushing touchdown of the season on the one-yard run in the first quarter, moving within one touchdown of tying Cade Carney's program record of 21 career rushing touchdowns in the College Football Playoff era.

Senior safety Nick Andersen led Wake Forest's defensive effort with 11 tackles, marking the seventh time in his career he has recorded double-digit tackles. Junior linebacker Dylan Hazen added nine tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss.

Special Teams Impact

Special teams played a significant role throughout the contest. Beyond Barnes' opening kickoff return touchdown, both teams' kicking games proved reliable. Vinesett was perfect on the night for NC State, converting field goals from 24 and 38 yards, while Calvert connected on his lone field goal attempt from 28 yards for Wake Forest.

NC State's punt coverage was particularly effective, with punter Caden Noonkester averaging 40 yards on five attempts while placing two punts inside the 20-yard line.

Looking Forward

The victory moves NC State to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in ACC play, extending their early-season momentum. The comeback win demonstrated the Wolfpack's resilience and ability to make crucial adjustments, qualities that could prove valuable as conference play intensifies.

For Wake Forest, the loss drops them to 2-1 overall and 0-1 in ACC play. Despite the disappointing result, the Demon Deacons showed offensive explosiveness in the first half and will look to build on those positive elements moving forward.

The rivalry game lived up to its billing as the longest continuous rivalry in the ACC, with both teams combining for 58 points and nearly 720 total yards of offense. NC State's victory moves the all-time series record to 70-43-6 in favor of the Wolfpack and improves Dave Doeren's record against Wake Forest to 7-6.

The road victory in Winston-Salem represents more than just another win for NC State – it demonstrates the team's maturity and championship potential as they navigate their ACC schedule. With Bailey's steady leadership, Smothers' explosive running ability, and a defense capable of second-half shutouts, the Wolfpack appear poised for a successful conference campaign.

Key Performers

NC State:

• Hollywood Smothers: 24 carries, 164 yards rushing (career high)
• CJ Bailey: 23/32, 201 yards passing, 3 TDs, 0 INTs
• Justin Joly: 4 receptions, 22 yards, 2 TDs
• Isaiah Shirley: 1 interception returned 41 yards for TD
• Kanoah Vinesett: 2/2 field goals (24, 38 yards)

Wake Forest:

• Chris Barnes: 177 all-purpose yards (98-yard KR TD, 76 receiving yards)
• Robby Ashford: 21/35, 252 yards passing, 2 rushing TDs, 2 INTs
• Demond Claiborne: 12 carries, 35 yards, 1 TD; 8 receptions, 33 yards
• Nick Andersen: 11 tackles
• Dylan Hazen: 9 tackles, 3.5 TFL

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 – East Carolina's fourth-down pass sailed incomplete with 37 seconds remaining, ending a dramatic comeback attempt as NC State held on for a 24-17 victory Thursday night at Carter-Finley Stadium.

The Pirates, who trailed 17-0 early in the second quarter, nearly completed an improbable rally against their most bitter in-state rival before quarterback Katin Houser's pass to Desirrio Riles came up a yard short of the goal line on fourth-and-one from the Wolfpack nine-yard line.

"We were actually planning on going for two and get stopped on fourth down there," ECU head coach Blake Harrell said. "They saw that one, cover zero, double edge pressure and just couldn't get a good ball there to Desirrio and get across the line."

The loss denied the Pirates a chance to build on their momentum from December's 26-21 victory over NC State in the Go Bowling Military Bowl. Instead, the season opener exposed the same inconsistencies that plagued ECU throughout much of last season while highlighting the team's resilience in adverse situations.

NC State linebacker Jamel Johnson made the game-sealing tackle, wrapping up Riles behind the line of scrimmage to preserve the Wolfpack's eighth consecutive opening-game victory under head coach Dave Doeren.

"It was a team win, it really was," Doeren said. "Offensively we jumped out 17-0, got us a lead. Defensively, they had -20 rushing yards in the first half. It was really stingy. Both sides of the football helped each other throughout the night."

The Pirates' offensive struggles began immediately, managing just six plays and eight total yards in the first quarter while NC State built a commanding early advantage. ECU punted on four consecutive possessions to start the game, unable to establish any rhythm against a Wolfpack defense that looked determined to avenge December's bowl defeat.

"Obviously a disappointing loss there," Houser said. "Our motto on offense is start fast, and obviously we did not do that tonight."

NC State capitalized on ECU's early miscues with methodical efficiency. The Wolfpack opened the scoring after a 15-play, 64-yard drive that consumed over six minutes, settling for Nick Konieczynski's 29-yard field goal when the Pirates' defense stiffened in the red zone.

The flood gates opened in the second quarter. CJ Bailey, NC State's sophomore quarterback, punched in an 11-yard rushing touchdown to cap a seven-play drive, then connected with Wesley Grimes for a 48-yard scoring strike just 42 seconds later. The quick succession of scores left the Pirates reeling and their traveling fans stunned.

But ECU's first sign of life came when the Wolfpack got caught in a substitution mix-up late in the second quarter. Houser found Jayvontay Conner wide open over the middle, and the receiver did the rest, racing 79 yards for a touchdown that cut the deficit to 17-7.

"It's definitely good, especially for week one, to get punched in the mouth and come back out even harder," said safety Teagan Wilk, who transferred back to ECU this season after spending one year at Houston. "When I was coming off the sidelines every series, I could really see it in everybody's eyes that nobody's worried. As an older guy, that's what you want to see from the younger guys."

Wilk provided the momentum-shifting play just before halftime, intercepting Bailey's pass and returning it 20 yards to the NC State 43-yard line. The Pirates had a chance to trim the lead further, but penalties pushed them back, and Nick Mazzie's 53-yard field goal attempt fell short as time expired.

NC State seemed to regain control early in the third quarter when Hollywood Smothers capped a 10-play, 80-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 24-7. But the Pirates refused to fold, showing the same fight that carried them to nine victories in Harrell's first season.

Marlon Gunn Jr. opened the fourth quarter with a four-yard touchdown run, finishing a nine-play, 72-yard drive that pulled ECU within 24-14. When Konieczynski missed a 40-yard field goal attempt, the Pirates seized the opportunity, driving 61 yards in nine plays before Mazzie connected from 34 yards to make it 24-17 with 8:32 remaining.

The Wolfpack appeared ready to put the game away when Bailey found Teddy Hoffmann for 50 yards, moving into ECU territory. But three consecutive running plays netted negative yardage, and Konieczynski's 46-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right, giving the Pirates one final chance with 5:41 on the clock.

Houser, who finished with career highs of 30 completions, 44 attempts and 366 passing yards, methodically moved ECU down the field. London Montgomery contributed 14 rushing yards on three carries during the drive, helping the Pirates reach the NC State nine-yard line.

But when the Pirates needed one yard on fourth down, they came up empty. Houser's pass to Riles, intended for the left corner of the end zone, was knocked away by Johnson, allowing NC State to run out the final seconds.

The game statistics told the story of two contrasting halves. After NC State outgained ECU 144-8 in the opening quarter, the teams finished with nearly identical totals – the Wolfpack holding a slim 423-413 advantage in total offense.

Houser's performance provided encouragement despite the loss, as he completed passes to 10 different receivers and connected on 11 throws of at least 15 yards. Brock Spalding caught a career-high six passes for 97 yards, while Riles and Anthony Smith – who spent three years at NC State before transferring – also hauled in six catches each.

The Pirates' ground game, however, never found traction. ECU managed just 30 net yards on 29 rushing attempts, a stark contrast to the 326 yards they accumulated in December's bowl victory. A 23-yard loss on a botched snap in the second quarter epitomized the struggles.

"We popped a few runs in there but nothing like we should to control the game, especially in the second half," Harrell said. "One of our plans to win is to win the rushing battle, and we certainly did not do that."

The Pirates' cause wasn't helped by 10 penalties for 86 yards, three failed fourth-down attempts and Mazzie's missed field goal attempt. But their ability to rally from 17 points down demonstrated the character that Harrell has instilled since taking over the program.

For NC State, Bailey threw for 318 yards and accounted for two touchdowns – one passing, one rushing. Grimes finished with a career-high 121 receiving yards on four catches, while Smothers contributed 106 total yards from scrimmage. Freshman Hoffmann made an immediate impact with 93 receiving yards on five catches.

The Wolfpack defense, led by linebacker Caden Fordham's 11 tackles, limited ECU to one yard per carry – the lowest average since a November 2023 game against Wake Forest.

"You've got 57 thousand plus fans here, and what a great rivalry game for our fans," Harrell said. "When you go play a 60-minute ball game against a good opponent and an atmosphere like this, you find out exactly where you are and unfortunately, we came up on the wrong side of it and a side I don't want to be on, but we've got to improve from here."

The loss drops ECU to 0-1 to start the season, while NC State improves to 1-0. The Pirates will look to regroup when they return home for their next contest against Campbell, while the Wolfpack continues its season against Virginia on September 6.