NC State Edges Virginia in Thrilling 35-31 Non-Conference Clash (9-6-25)

By: Xavier Jones

Headline Photo Credit: Arturo Jones-LMS Network 

In a high-octane, non-conference showdown between Atlantic Coast Conference foes, the NC State Wolfpack (2-0) outlasted the Virginia Cavaliers (1-1) 35-31 at Carter-Finley Stadium on September 6, 2025. Despite trailing by 10 points at halftime, NC State rallied behind a dynamic second-half performance to secure the victory. 

Sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey led the Wolfpack, completing 16 of 22 passes for 200 yards and one touchdown while rushing for 44 yards and two scores. Running back Hollywood Smothers was a standout, racking up 136 yards and two touchdowns, powering a 21-7 third-quarter surge that flipped the game’s momentum. Virginia’s offense was formidable, amassing 514 total yards, including 257 on the ground. Running back J’Mari Taylor shone with 150 yards and three touchdowns, including a 66-yard burst in the third quarter. Quarterback Chandler Morris threw for 264 yards but was intercepted in the end zone late by NC State’s Cian Slone, sealing the Cavaliers’ fate. Virginia converted an impressive 13 of 19 third downs but faltered on a critical fourth-and-1 stop at the NC State 8-yard line with 6:39 remaining. 

The game, a rare non-conference matchup between ACC teams, marked NC State’s fourth straight win over Virginia, which hasn’t beaten the Wolfpack since 2012. Coach Tony Elliott lamented the loss, saying, “No moral victories. We came here to win and came up short.”

NC State moves to face Wake Forest next, while Virginia hosts William & Mary on September 13.