Full Breakdown
N.C. State Overcomes Early Deficit to Defeat Wake Forest 34-24
9/12/2025, 10:39:12 PM
Game Overview and Key Moments
On September 11, 2025, the N.C. State Wolfpack rallied from a 14-point deficit to secure a 34-24 victory over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The game marked the 119th meeting between these two long-standing rivals, with N.C. State improving to 3-0 and 1-0 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), while Wake Forest fell to 2-1 and 0-1 in the ACC.
The Demon Deacons started strong, with wide receiver Chris Barnes returning the opening kickoff for a 98-yard touchdown, quickly establishing a 14-0 lead. However, N.C. State responded with a touchdown pass from quarterback C.J. Bailey to tight end Justin Joly, followed by a 41-yard interception return for a touchdown by defensive tackle Isaiah Shirley, tying the game at 14-14.
Second Half Dominance
The Wolfpack's defense tightened significantly in the second half, holding Wake Forest scoreless and limiting them to just 44 total yards after halftime. N.C. State scored 20 unanswered points, including a 12-yard touchdown pass from Bailey to Keenan Jackson early in the fourth quarter, which gave them the lead for the first time in the game.
Bailey completed 23 of 32 passes for 201 yards and three touchdowns, while running back Hollywood Smothers contributed significantly with 164 rushing yards. The Wolfpack's defense, after struggling early, forced four consecutive three-and-outs against Wake Forest, showcasing a marked improvement in their performance.
Official Statements & Responses
N.C. State head coach Dave Doeren praised his team's resilience, stating, "What a terrible start... The thing you love is just, we’re tested. We’ve been down a couple of times. These guys know how to fight back." Conversely, Wake Forest's head coach Jake Dickert acknowledged the loss but emphasized the team's growth, saying, "We're a better football team today than we were three weeks ago."
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the victory, concerns lingered regarding N.C. State's defensive consistency. The Wolfpack allowed over 260 yards in the first half, prompting Doeren to express disappointment in their third-down defense. "I was really disappointed with our third down defense in the first half, and that was really the story of the half," he remarked.
Additionally, the game was marred by a food truck fire that caused smoke to fill the stadium. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and the incident did not interrupt the game.
What's Next
N.C. State will face Duke on September 20, 2025, while Wake Forest will have an early open date before hosting Georgia Tech on September 27. The Wolfpack's victory marks their first 3-0 start since 2022 and their first back-to-back road wins against Wake Forest since 1995.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What a terrible start, with the kickoff return for a touchdown." — Dave Doeren, Head Coach, N.C. State
- “I'm not a moral victory guy. But we're a better football team today than we were three weeks ago, and that's a big deal. We're going to continue to fight.” — Jake Dickert, Head Coach, Wake Forest
- “I was really disappointed in the targeting call. I’m going to tell you. I thought that that was not a good call,” — Dave Doeren, Head Coach, N.C. State
This game exemplified the competitive spirit of ACC football, with N.C. State demonstrating resilience and strategic adjustments to secure a crucial victory.
