Second Half Response Leads to Win Over Virginia

For the second game in a row, NC State's defense made a stop to preserve the win.

Last week it was Jamel Johnson's fourth-down tackle against East Carolina. This week it was linebacker Cian Slone, who dropped into pass coverage and picked off Virginia's final pass in the end zone.

What led up to that play better defines how the Wolfpack escaped with a 35-31, non-conference win over their bordering neighbors.

Quarterback CJ Bailey accounted for the Pack's first-half touchdowns, rushing for a 30-yard score on a QB draw in the open quarter and then in the second, dropping a beautiful pass over the outstretched fingers of the safety and into the hands of Noah Rogers for a 27-yard touchdown.

Despite the offensive fireworks, the Pack's defense couldn't get off the field in the first half. Virginia ran 45 plays, extending multiple drives by converting an astonishing 10-of-13 on third down.

The Wahoos' 24-14 halftime lead led to some soul-searching in the home locker room.

"We just knew that we weren't playing to our standard as a defense," team captain Sean Brown said. "Offense was doing their thing, going out there, scoring points, doing what they're supposed to do, and defensively, we were letting them down."

"I thought our first half was pretty bad," said head coach Dave Doeren. "We gave up 24 points, a lot of untouched runs, uncovered guys. We just didn't play well."

What would end up being the most critical stretch of the game came immediately after halftime.

The Pack's first possession on offense resulted in an 8-play, 75-yard drive capped by Hollywood Smother's 14-yard score, making it 24-21 in favor of the Cavaliers.

On Virginia's first offensive possession of the second half, the Pack faced another third-down ,but this time pressure from Sabastian Harsh led to an incompletion and forced the 'Hoos to punt.

The very first play on the Pack's second drive, Smothers raced down the sideline for a 57-yard gain, which had Carter-Finley at full throttle. Four plays later, Bailey scrambled for his second rushing touchdown of the day and the Pack had their first lead, 28-24.

Two possessions on offense and one on defense in the third quarter changed the complexion of the game.

NC State outscored Virginia 21-7 in the second half en route to another thrilling win at sold-out Carter-Finley Stadium.

Smothers had a career day with 140 yards rushing and two touchdowns. In the first two games, Smothers has 39 carries and is clearly a workhorse in a multitude of ways.

"He wants the football," Doeren said of his sophomore running back. "If you don't give it to him, he's not going to complain. He's going to block. He's going to run routes. He doesn't care. He just wants to win."

"I want the ball, so that's what I'll be telling them," Smothers said. "My offensive coordinator trusts me, the team trusts me to run the ball."

Bailey has played with poise, patience, and precision, completing 70% of his passes in the first two games. He has had some elite completions in tight spaces, a result of talent, experience, and confidence.

Timely calls of quarterback draws and quick decisions on when to scramble have showcased Bailey's running ability.

It's even created a nickname.

"Yeah, the baby giraffe can run a little bit, but it's great to have him," Smothers said. "Everybody knows CJ's super talented. He can change the game in many ways."

"When you can throw the football the way that he can, and have the skill around him, but then also make them have to defend his legs, that's tough on a defense," Doeren added.

Two games and two wins with one common thread.

"I think it's a team that understands who NC State is," Doeren explained. "It's grit, you know? This team has grit. It's in our DNA."

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Team Stats

CJ Bailey

Players Mentioned

CJ Bailey

Sean Brown

Sabastian Harsh

Jamel Johnson

Noah Rogers

Cian Slone