News Summary
In a thrilling non-conference matchup, North Carolina State University defeated the University of Virginia 35-31, showcasing an impressive comeback and key performances from players. The Wolfpack rallied from an early deficit, outscoring Virginia in the second half. A crucial fourth down stop and an interception sealed the victory for NC State, marking their best start since 2014 with a 2-0 record. The game highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams, setting the stage for upcoming challenges in the season.
Raleigh, North Carolina—North Carolina State Secures 35-31 Victory Over Virginia in a Thrilling Non-League Matchup
North Carolina State University’s football team claimed a 35-31 victory over the University of Virginia in a non-conference Atlantic Coast Conference game on Saturday. The game showcased standout performances from key players on both sides, with the Wolfpack earning their best start since 2014 by moving to a 2-0 record.
Critical Moments and Game-Defining Plays
The Wolfpack faced an early deficit, falling behind by 10 points in the first half. However, they mounted a strong comeback in the second half, outscoring Virginia 21-7 in the third quarter to take the lead and ultimately secure the win. A pivotal moment came with just over six minutes remaining, when North Carolina State stopped Virginia on a crucial fourth-and-1 attempt on the 8-yard line. The Wolfpack’s defense held firm, preventing a potential game-tying score, and sealed the victory with an interception in the end zone by Cian Slone, halting Virginia’s final offensive drive.
Outstanding Player Performances
North Carolina State’s CJ Bailey
- Quarterback CJ Bailey, a sophomore, played a major role in the victory, rushing for two touchdowns and throwing for another.
- Bailey completed 16 of 22 passes for 200 yards and gained 44 yards on six carries, demonstrating both passing ability and mobility.
Hollywood Smothers’ Contribution
- Hollywood Smothers made a significant impact on offense, rushing for 136 yards and scoring two touchdowns.
- His performance helped in the second half rally, particularly with two rushing touchdowns that contributed to the comeback.
Virginia’s Key Players
- J’Mari Taylor led Virginia’s rushing attack with 150 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries, providing a strong offensive presence.
- Chandler Morris, the Virginia quarterback, completed 30 of 43 passes for 257 yards and a touchdown, leading a mostly effective passing game.
Team Records and Historical Context
North Carolina State’s victory marked a notable achievement—this is the first time since 2014 the team has started a season 2-0. Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren’s record against Virginia improved to 4-0, affirming consistent dominance in recent matchups. Virginia has not beaten N.C. State since 2012, continuing a challenging streak for the Cavaliers.
Game Summary and Final Plays
Despite trailing early, the Wolfpack demonstrated resilience, especially in the third quarter when they outscored Virginia. In addition to Bailey’s contributions, Smothers provided a strong ground game, especially in the second half. N.C. State’s defense played a crucial role in the final moments by preventing Virginia from tying or winning the game, with the interception sealing the outcome.
Upcoming Schedules
Looking ahead, North Carolina State is set to face Wake Forest in their next game on Thursday. Virginia will host William & Mary next Saturday for their upcoming matchup, both teams preparing for their next tests in the season.
Overall Significance
This game highlighted the competitive nature of the two programs and demonstrated North Carolina State’s ability to come from behind and execute under pressure. The team’s combined offensive efforts and critical defensive stops played a decisive role in the outcome, setting a positive tone for their season moving forward. Virginia, despite the loss, showcased offensive talent, particularly in the running game, and will look to improve in upcoming games.
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Additional Resources
- News & Observer: Weather News 1
- Wikipedia: North Carolina State Wolfpack
- Charlotte Observer: Weather News 1
- Google Search: North Carolina State football
- News & Observer: Weather News 2
- Google Scholar: NCAA college football
- News & Observer: Weather News 3
- Encyclopedia Britannica: American football
- Charlotte Observer: Weather News 2
- Google News: North Carolina State Wolfpack
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.
