WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WNCN) — Going into the final quarter in Winston-Salem Thursday night, NC State and Wake Forest found themselves tied at 24 apiece.
But a late push by the Wolfpack — which included a touchdown and field goal on their first two drives of the fourth quarter followed by an interception — sealed the deal for the visitors.
NC State (3-0) ended up defeating in-state rival Wake Forest (2-1) by a score of 34-24 to remain unbeaten for the season.
Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey accumulated a total of 201 passing yards and completed 23 of 32 pass attempts, including three touchdowns. Hollywood Smothers led the ground game with 163 rushing yards.
Robby Ashford threw for 252 yards on 21 of 35 pass attempts with two interceptions in a losing effort for the Demon Deacons. Chris Barnes led Wake Forest receivers with 76 yards on three catches, while running back Demond Claiborne was limited to 35 yards on 12 carries.
It was the second time in less than a week that the Wolfpack defense made a stand to preserve a victory. On Saturday, an interception in the end zone by Cian Slone ended Virginia’s final drive, leading to a 35-31 NC State win over the Cavaliers.
The Wolfpack next make the short trip to Durham to take on Triangle rival Duke on Sept. 20.