News Summary
Virginia Tech secured a thrilling 23-21 victory against North Carolina State at Carter-Finley Stadium in a significant upset. Under interim coach Philip Montgomery, the Hokies showcased teamwork and resilience, marking their second straight win following a coaching change. Key contributions came from quarterback Kyron Drones and a stout defense, which helped secure Virginia Tech’s first true road win of the season, while N.C. State faced their second consecutive loss, dropping to 3-2 overall.
Raleigh, North Carolina — Virginia Tech Pulls Off Upset at Carter-Finley Stadium
In a surprising turn of events at Carter-Finley Stadium, Virginia Tech claimed a narrow 23-21 victory over North Carolina State, marking a significant achievement for the Hokies under interim head coach Philip Montgomery. The win was notable as Virginia Tech secured its second straight victory since parting ways with former head coach Brent Pry.
Virginia Tech’s Strong Performance Secures Important Road Win
Virginia Tech, currently holding a record of 2-3 overall and 1-0 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), achieved its first true road win of the season. The Hokies demonstrated resilience and teamwork, especially late in the game, to register a hard-fought win against the Wolfpack. North Carolina State, meanwhile, dropped to 3-2 overall and 1-2 in the ACC, suffering their second consecutive loss.
Key Players and Critical Moments
Virginia Tech’s quarterback Kyron Drones contributed significantly, passing for two touchdowns during the game. The Hokies’ rushing game was led by Terion Stewart, who ran 15 times for 174 yards, including an impressive 85-yard run that helped set up a touchdown. John Love was crucial in the kicking game, successfully making three field goals, including a decisive 49-yard attempt with 6:31 remaining, after a delay of game penalty.
North Carolina State’s quarterback CJ Bailey threw for two touchdowns but was unable to secure the victory. In the fourth quarter, the Wolfpack took the lead with a 1-yard touchdown run by Jayden Scott at 10:56 remaining, setting up a tense finish.
Defensive Stand and Final Drive
Virginia Tech’s defense played a key role by holding N.C. State’s rushing attack to just 59 yards, significantly limiting their ground game. The Hokies’ defense also made a crucial fourth-down stop at their own 44-yard line, which preserved the slim lead. The victory was sealed when Virginia Tech’s John Love made a 49-yard field goal, after an earlier delay of game penalty, to put the Hokies ahead for good.
Additional Context and Team Dynamics
The game carried emotional weight as N.C. State’s defensive coordinator D.J. Eliot was absent due to the recent death of his daughter from pediatric cancer. Despite this, the Wolfpack fought hard, but couldn’t overcome the Hokies’ timely plays and strategic defense.
N.C. State has a history of trailing at halftime in their recent games, including losses to Duke and Virginia, although they have managed narrow victories against East Carolina and Virginia at home. Virginia Tech’s victory under Montgomery underscored their team effort and dedication, with the interim head coach emphasizing the collective effort of the players.
Upcoming Matchups
Looking ahead, Virginia Tech will host Wake Forest next week, seeking to build on this momentum. N.C. State is set to host Campbell in the same week, hoping to rebound from their current losing streak.
Summary
The game at Carter-Finley Stadium represents a turning point for Virginia Tech, showing resilience and effective execution under interim coach Philip Montgomery. The win bolsters Virginia Tech’s pursuit in the ACC while highlighting their road performance. Meanwhile, North Carolina State will look to recover, focusing on upcoming matchups and regrouping after back-to-back losses.
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Additional Resources
- Fay Observer
- Wikipedia: Virginia Tech
- News Observer
- Google Search: North Carolina State University football
- Sports Illustrated
- Google Scholar: Virginia Tech football
- ABC11
- Encyclopedia Britannica: ACC college football
- NSJ Online
- Google News: Virginia Tech NC State game 2025
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.
