News Summary
In a thrilling contest, NC State’s football team edged out Virginia 35-31 at Carter-Finley Stadium. The game was marked by strong offensive plays from both teams, but a crucial interception in the final minute sealed the victory for the Wolfpack. Standout performances included running back Hollywood Smothers and quarterback CJ Bailey, who led NC State’s resurgence in the second half. This win marks NC State’s continued dominance in their rivalry with Virginia, improving their record to 2-0 for the season.
Raleigh, NC — NC State Football Secures Narrow 35-31 Win Over Virginia in Thriller
In a closely contested game at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina, NC State’s football team claimed a 35-31 victory over Virginia on Saturday night, with a decisive play in the final minute sealing the win. The Wolfpack’s defense intercepted a pass in their end zone in the last 60 seconds, preventing Virginia from completing a comeback attempt and preserving their victory.
Game Overview and Key Moments
The game saw both teams exchanging touchdowns early, with four consecutive drives ending in scores by each side. Virginia’s J’Mari Taylor opened the scoring with a 39-yard touchdown run on a fourth-and-one attempt, setting an aggressive tone early. NC State responded swiftly — CJ Bailey rushing for a 30-yard touchdown on their next possession. The game’s initial sequence demonstrated high offensive potency from both teams.
Despite a strong start, Virginia maintained their lead throughout most of the first half, aided by a late 48-yard punt return that helped set up a crucial touchdown, giving Virginia a 24-14 halftime advantage.
Second Half Rally and Lead Changes
Coming out after halftime, NC State #shored up their offense and scored on their first three drives, turning the game around to take their first lead at 28-24. The Wolfpack’s offensive success was anchored by multiple standout performances, notably from running back Hollywood Smothers. Smothers rushed for 140 yards on just 17 carries, scoring two rushing touchdowns and becoming the first NC State player since 2018 to rush for over 130 yards and tally multiple rushing scores in a game.
Meanwhile, quarterback CJ Bailey showcased his dual-threat ability, rushing for two touchdowns and passing for 200 yards with a completion rate of 70% to seven different receivers. This balanced attack was pivotal in NC State’s second-half surge.
Virginia’s Offensive Efforts and Defensive Struggles
Virginia’s Chandler Morris threw for 257 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. J’Mari Taylor was a leading player for Virginia offensively, rushing for 150 yards and three touchdowns, including a 66-yard scoring run. The Cavaliers excelled in third-down conversions early, succeeding on 10 of 13 attempts during the first half, which kept their offense moving efficiently.
NC State, however, struggled on third downs during the second quarter but improved significantly in the fourth quarter, converting their first critical third-down attempt with 5:20 remaining in the game, which helped them maintain possession and secure the win.
Climactic Finish and Defensive Stand
In the closing moments, Virginia appeared poised for a last-ditch effort to tie or take the lead but was thwarted by NC State’s resilient defense. The decisive play came with just under a minute remaining, when Cian Slone, the Wolfpack linebacker, intercepted a pass intended for Virginia in the end zone. The interception prevented Virginia from scoring in the final seconds and secured the victory for NC State.
Implications and Series Record
This victory marked NC State’s 38th win in the all-time series against Virginia, with the team now holding a record of 38-22-1 in the rivalry. It was also a perfect 4-0 record under head coach Dave Doeren against the Cavaliers. The Wolfpack improved their overall season record to 2-0, while Virginia’s record dropped to 1-1 after the early-season matchup.
Next Fixtures and Final Remarks
NC State is scheduled to face Wake Forest on Thursday, September 11th, at 7:30 PM, with the game broadcasted on ESPN. Head coach Dave Doeren expressed satisfaction with the team’s perseverance and thanked fans for their support despite hot weather conditions during the game.
Virginia’s head coach Tony Elliott acknowledged the competitive nature of the game and highlighted missed opportunities, particularly noting a crucial fourth-down conversion that Virginia failed to capitalize on, which might have significantly impacted the outcome.
Overall, the game showcased offensive fireworks, strategic adjustments, and a dramatic finish, adding an exciting chapter to both programs’ histories.
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Additional Resources
- NC State Football Official Site
- News Observer
- Virginia Sports
- Sports Illustrated
- Wikipedia: NC State Wolfpack Football
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
