NC State’s End Zone Interception Secures 35-31 Victory Over UVA

An end zone interception by Redshirt Senior JACK Cian Slone with 1:02 left on the clock secured a 35-31 victory over UVA for NC State this afternoon at Carter-Finley Stadium.

Despite one of their worst defensive performances in the past five years, the Wolfpack found a way to win.

The Cavaliers’ offense exploded for 514 total yards, marking the first time NC State has given up 500+ yards since Clemson put up 523 yards on September 21 last fall. To put it in perspective, NC State has allowed 500+ yards only four times since the 2020 season, twice in that year alone.

UVA couldn’t be stopped on third down. The Cavaliers converted 5 of their first 6 and 10 of their 13 opportunities in the first half. They finished the game 13 of 19 on third down.

NC State also allowed Virginia to rush for 257 yards, as the Cavaliers averaged 8.0 yards per carry. UVA controlled the ball for five more minutes than the Wolfpack.

Even so, NC State covered the 3.0-point spread.

In the second half, the Wolfpack gave up just eight more yards (261) than in the first half, but managed to keep Virginia off the scoreboard. The Cavaliers led 24-14 at halftime, but NC State won the second-half battle 21-7.

Sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey impressed for the second straight week, completing 70% of his passes for 200 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. He also rushed for 44 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 7.3 yards per carry.

Redshirt Sophomore Hollywood Smothers rushed for a career-high 140 yards and scored twice. He averaged 8.2 yards per carry and also caught two passes for 13 yards.

After tallying nine tackles for loss and a sack against ECU, NC State didn’t find the same success in the backfield against UVA. The Wolfpack managed only five tackles for loss and failed to bring down Cavaliers quarterback Chandler Morris a single time.

NC State will have a quick turnaround in Week 3, heading up to Winston-Salem to play Wake Forest on Thursday at 7:30pm on ESPN.