CONWAY – East Carolina delivered a dominant defensive performance and explosive second-half offense to shut out Coastal Carolina 38-0 Saturday night at Brooks Stadium, marking the Pirates' first road shutout in nearly 25 years.

The victory improved ECU to 2-1 while dropping the Chanticleers to 1-2 in a game that showcased the stark contrast between teams moving in opposite directions. East Carolina's defense forced five turnovers and allowed just 239 total yards, while the offense accumulated 497 yards behind quarterback Katin Houser's efficient passing attack and a ground game that wore down Coastal Carolina in the final quarter.

Early Struggles Give Way to Dominance

The Pirates entered halftime with just a 10-0 lead despite controlling nearly every statistical category. ECU outgained Coastal Carolina 247-88 in the first half and held possession for over 19 minutes, but failed to capitalize on prime scoring opportunities inside the red zone.

East Carolina's first touchdown came on a methodical nine-play drive in the opening quarter, with Houser connecting on his first eight passes of the game. The drive culminated in a 5-yard touchdown pass to Yannick Smith, capping a series that featured two completions each to Anthony Smith, Yannick Smith, and Brock Spalding.

Nick Mazzie extended the lead to 10-0 with a 36-yard field goal late in the first quarter, but the Pirates left points on the field throughout the opening half. After recovering a fumble at Coastal's 48-yard line, ECU drove to the 19 before failing on a fourth-down attempt. Later, following Ja'Marley Riddle's interception at Coastal's 5-yard line, the Pirates reached first-and-goal at the 9 but settled for a field goal attempt that was blocked.

Defense Sets the Tone

ECU's defensive unit, which has allowed just 10 points over its last 10 quarters, suffocated Coastal Carolina's offense from the opening drive. The Chanticleers managed to reach the red zone just once, missing a 48-yard field goal attempt on their opening possession after driving to ECU's 31-yard line.

Coastal Carolina quarterback Tad Hudson, making his first start of the season, completed 19 of 39 passes for 172 yards but was intercepted twice and sacked five times. The Pirates' pass rush, led by five different players recording sacks, accumulated 28 yards in losses and nine tackles for loss overall.

Riddle intercepted Hudson in the first half and returned it 35 yards, while Rasheed Reason added another interception in the fourth quarter. The Pirates also recovered three fumbles, with Kendrick DuJour, Kieran Davis, and Julien Davis each forcing turnovers.

Smith Shines in Breakout Performance

North Carolina State transfer Anthony Smith provided ECU's offensive catalyst, establishing career highs with 11 receptions for 136 yards. Smith's 64 yards after catch proved crucial in extending drives and setting up scoring opportunities. The receiver was one of 10 different Pirates to catch at least one pass from Houser, who completed 28 of 37 attempts for 293 yards and two touchdowns.

Houser's distribution kept Coastal Carolina's defense off balance throughout the contest. Beyond Smith's big night, Brock Spalding contributed four catches for 43 yards, while Yannick Smith hauled in both of Houser's touchdown passes despite finishing with just four receptions for 25 yards.

Ground Game Takes Control

While ECU's rushing attack struggled early, gaining just 91 yards on 33 carries through three quarters, the Pirates dominated the fourth quarter on the ground. East Carolina rushed for 113 yards in the final period alone, finishing with 204 yards on 49 carries for a 4.2-yard average.

London Montgomery led the rushing attack with 59 yards on 15 carries, while Parker Jenkins added 42 yards and a touchdown on 14 attempts. Northwestern transfer Mike Wright Jr. made a significant impact in limited action, gaining 37 yards on just three carries, including an 18-yard touchdown run that extended ECU's lead to 31-0.

Fourth Quarter Explosion

The Pirates transformed a close game into a rout with three fourth-quarter touchdowns. ECU broke the game open early in the final period when Houser found Yannick Smith for his second touchdown pass, a 4-yard connection that capped a 10-play, 59-yard drive.

Wright's 18-yard scoring run came four plays after Reason's interception, showcasing the Pirates' ability to capitalize on turnovers. TJ Engleman Jr. added the final touchdown with 4:08 remaining, scoring from one yard out after Kieran Davis recovered a Coastal Carolina fumble.

Coastal Carolina's Offensive Struggles

The Chanticleers' offense never found rhythm against ECU's aggressive defense. Coastal Carolina managed just 67 rushing yards on 26 attempts, with no individual rusher gaining more than 25 yards. The team's longest play from scrimmage was a 39-yard pass from Hudson to Robby Washington.

Penalties compounded Coastal Carolina's problems, as the Chanticleers were flagged seven times for 55 yards. Two particularly costly penalties in the third quarter wiped out gains of 47 and 21 yards, stalling potential scoring drives.

The Chanticleers entered the game having scored just 13 points in their previous contest, and their offensive struggles continued against ECU's stingy defense. Coastal Carolina converted just 5 of 14 third-down attempts and failed to convert their lone fourth-down opportunity.

Historic Defensive Performance

ECU's shutout marked the program's first road blanking since a 38-0 victory at Duke on September 2, 2000, ending a streak of 306 games. The performance continued a remarkable defensive stretch for the Pirates, who have allowed double-digit scoring in just one game this season.

The defense's statistical dominance extended beyond turnovers and sacks. ECU limited Coastal Carolina to 3.7 yards per play and held the Chanticleers to 26:05 of possession time. The Pirates forced three three-and-out drives and never allowed Coastal Carolina to establish sustained offensive momentum.

Saturday's crowd of 21,634 represented the third-largest in Brooks Stadium history, but the home fans had little to celebrate as ECU controlled the contest from start to finish. The shutout loss marked Coastal Carolina's first since falling 42-0 at Stony Brook on October 29, 2011.

The victory positions ECU well heading into next week's home matchup against undefeated BYU, while Coastal Carolina must regroup and address offensive concerns that have limited the team to just 20 points through three games this season.0

HATTIESBURG, MS – Southern Miss converted three App State interceptions into 17 points and cruised to a 38-22 victory over the Mountaineers in their Sun Belt Conference opener Saturday night at M.M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

The Golden Eagles (2-1, 1-0 Sun Belt) scored on defense and dominated field position throughout the first half, building a 17-point halftime lead that proved insurmountable despite a late App State rally. The Mountaineers (2-1, 0-1 Sun Belt) suffered their first loss of the season in front of 24,534 fans.

App State's offensive struggles began immediately on what appeared to be a promising opening drive. The Mountaineers moved 71 yards in nine plays to reach the Southern Miss 4-yard line, where AJ Swann's pass intended for the end zone was intercepted by Anthony Richard Jr. for a touchback.

The turnover proved costly only temporarily, as App State forced a three-and-out punt and responded with a seven-play, 62-yard scoring drive. Rashod Dubinion capped the march with a 2-yard touchdown run at 7:02 of the first quarter, giving the Mountaineers a 7-0 lead.

Southern Miss answered quickly with a methodical 10-play, 75-yard drive that consumed nearly three minutes. Jeffery Pittman finished the drive with a 5-yard touchdown run, evening the score at 7-7 with 4:05 remaining in the opening quarter.

The game's turning point came early in the second quarter when App State again drove into the red zone. Facing third-and-goal from the Southern Miss 4-yard line, Swann's pass toward Rashod Dubinion was intercepted by Ian Foster, who returned it 99 yards for a touchdown. The play was reviewed and confirmed, giving Southern Miss a 17-7 lead with 10:40 left in the second quarter.

Foster's pick-six represented the longest interception return in Southern Miss history and completely shifted momentum. App State had moved the ball effectively to that point, gaining 149 yards on 26 plays in the first half, but the three interceptions inside the Southern Miss 10-yard line negated any offensive progress.

The Mountaineers' third turnover came on another promising drive when Swann, under pressure, threw into traffic from the Southern Miss 7-yard line. Mathis Haygood intercepted the pass in the end zone and returned it 18 yards. The play resulted in injuries to both Swann and left tackle Jayden Ramsey, forcing App State to turn to freshman quarterback Noah Gillon for the remainder of the game.

Southern Miss dominated possession time in the first half, holding the ball for just 12:20 compared to App State's 17:40, but made the most of their opportunities. The Golden Eagles outgained App State 122-131 in total yards but led 17-7 at halftime thanks to the turnover differential.

App State showed fight in the third quarter, initially cutting the deficit to 24-14 when Jaquari Lewis scored his first career touchdown on a 10-yard run with 1:06 remaining. The score came after a 12-play, 70-yard drive that featured Gillon completing 5 of 9 passes for 38 yards while managing the offense effectively.

The Mountaineers' momentum continued when they recovered an onside kick at the Southern Miss 50-yard line. Gillon moved the team into field goal range, but Dominic De Freitas' 49-yard attempt sailed wide right, keeping the score at 24-14 and preserving Southern Miss's two-possession lead.

Southern Miss responded to App State's rally with two quick scoring drives that effectively ended the competitive portion of the game. The Golden Eagles needed just five plays to cover 69 yards, with Pittman scoring his second touchdown on a 9-yard run with 11:23 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Less than two minutes later, Southern Miss struck again. Braylon Braxton connected with Micah Davis for a 21-yard touchdown pass, completing a three-play, 61-yard drive that extended the lead to 38-14 with 9:29 remaining.

App State added a late touchdown when Billy Wiles, a former Southern Miss quarterback, threw a 3-yard scoring pass to Jaden Barnes with 51 seconds remaining. Wiles converted the two-point conversion with a pass to Lewis, providing the final margin.

Statistically, App State outgained Southern Miss 470-389 in total yards and ran 90 plays to Southern Miss's 56. The Mountaineers controlled possession time 36:36 to 23:24 but couldn't overcome the three first-half turnovers and five sacks allowed.

Jaden Barnes led App State receivers with 10 catches for 132 yards and one touchdown, while Izayah Cummings added seven catches for 82 yards. Dubinion carried 24 times for 95 yards and one score despite being bottled up for much of the game.

Swann completed 15 of 23 passes for 217 yards before his injury, while Gillon finished 11 of 24 for 109 yards in his first career appearance. Wiles completed all five of his attempts for 49 yards and one touchdown.

For Southern Miss, Braxton completed 22 of 30 passes for 279 yards and two touchdowns. Tychaun Chapman led receivers with four catches for 112 yards, while Pittman rushed for 39 yards and two touchdowns on just six carries.

The Golden Eagles' defense generated constant pressure, recording five sacks while forcing four turnovers. Foster's interception return highlighted a defensive performance that held App State to 2.5 yards per carry on 38 rushing attempts.

App State's red zone struggles proved decisive, as the Mountaineers scored on just three of six trips inside the Southern Miss 20-yard line. The team also committed seven penalties for 65 yards while Southern Miss was flagged nine times for 74 yards.

The loss dropped App State to 0-1 in Sun Belt play heading into a bye week. The Mountaineers will face a challenging road test at Boise State on September 27 before returning to conference action.

Key Performers

Southern Miss:

• Ian Foster: 99-yard interception return for touchdown, 12 total tackles
• Braylon Braxton: 22-of-30 passing, 279 yards, 2 TDs
• Jeffery Pittman: 6 carries, 39 yards, 2 TDs
• Tychaun Chapman: 4 catches, 112 yards

App State:  

• Jaden Barnes: 10 catches, 132 yards, 1 TD
• Rashod Dubinion: 24 carries, 95 yards, 1 TD
• AJ Swann: 15-of-23 passing, 217 yards (before injury)
• Izayah Cummings: 7 catches, 82 yards

CHARLOTTE – Charlotte quarterback Conner Harrell threw for 382 yards and three touchdowns while adding two rushing scores, leading the 49ers to their first victory of the season in a back-and-forth affair at Jerry Richardson Stadium.

Charlotte (1-2) finally broke through for coach Tim Albin's first win, defeating Monmouth (2-1) 42-35 on Saturday night before 15,681 fans. The game featured 11 touchdowns, 945 combined yards of offense, and five lead changes in a contest that wasn't decided until the final 90 seconds.

Harrell completed 26 of 30 passes for a scorching 86.7 completion percentage while also rushing 13 times for 47 yards. His 429 total yards of offense marked Charlotte's highest single-game total since Chris Reynolds accumulated 489 yards against Louisiana Tech in 2021.

The quarterback's primary target was receiver E. Jai Mason, who caught all 10 of his targets for 228 yards and two touchdowns. Mason's receiving total ranks third in Charlotte program history and represents the fourth 200-yard receiving game in school annals. His 62-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter provided the game's longest scoring play.

"Mason was unstoppable," said one observer, as the receiver averaged 22.8 yards per catch and consistently found openings in Monmouth's secondary.

Charlotte's offense struggled early, managing just seven points in the first half despite moving the ball effectively. The 49ers committed three turnovers in the opening 30 minutes, including two fumbles in opposing territory and an interception in the end zone that halted their final drive before halftime.

Monmouth struck first when running back Elijah Jennings capped a seven-play, 40-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run at the 3:17 mark of the opening quarter. The Hawks' quarterback Derek Robertson completed 36 of 49 passes for 410 yards and four touchdowns, keeping pace with Charlotte's aerial attack throughout the evening.

The turning point came in the second half, when Charlotte scored on every possession. Harrell tied the game at 14-14 early in the third quarter with an eight-yard rushing touchdown, then connected with Mason for 62 yards to set up Rod Gainey Jr.'s one-yard scoring run that put the 49ers ahead 21-14.

Monmouth answered immediately when receiver Josh Derry hauled in a 29-yard touchdown pass from Robertson, but Charlotte responded with another Mason touchdown catch, this time from seven yards out to reclaim the lead at 28-21.

The fourth quarter featured three lead changes. Monmouth tied it 28-28 when Robertson found running back Rodney Nelson for an eight-yard scoring pass. Charlotte regained the advantage when Mason caught his second touchdown of the game, a 24-yard strike that capped an 11-play, 84-yard drive.

Monmouth refused to fold, driving 75 yards in 11 plays to tie the game 35-35 on Derry's second touchdown catch of the night, a four-yard reception with 3:19 remaining.

Charlotte's game-winning drive began at its own 35-yard line after Monmouth kicked out of bounds. On third-and-10, Harrell found Mason for what appeared to be a routine completion, but the receiver broke free from his defender and raced 55 yards downfield to the Monmouth seven-yard line.

After Gainey went down on second down to force Monmouth to use its final timeout, Harrell kept the ball on third down and scored from two yards out with 1:30 left on the clock.

Monmouth's final possession reached midfield before Charlotte defensive end Curtis Simpson recorded an 11-yard sack on third down, creating a fourth-and-21 situation. The Hawks' desperation pass fell incomplete, allowing Harrell to kneel out the clock.

Charlotte's defense contributed four sacks and six tackles for loss. Reid Williford recorded two sacks, while Simpson finished with 1.5 sacks including the game-clinching play. Safety Shay Taylor led all defenders with seven tackles.

The 49ers controlled the ground game, rushing for 181 yards on 42 carries compared to Monmouth's 48 yards on 23 attempts. Gainey led Charlotte with 74 yards on 15 carries, while Harrell added 47 yards despite being sacked once.

Special teams played a significant role in field position. Charlotte's Derrick Eley returned four kickoffs for 123 yards, including a 51-yard return that set up a first-half scoring opportunity. Punter Javen Nicholas added a 22-yard punt return.

Monmouth's Robertson threw for more yards than Harrell but was less efficient, completing 73.5 percent of his passes compared to Harrell's 86.7 percent. The Hawks' leading receiver was Derry with seven catches for 110 yards and two touchdowns. 

Both teams were perfect in the red zone when they reached it. Charlotte scored on all five red zone opportunities, while Monmouth converted all four of its chances. Neither team attempted a field goal, with all scoring coming via touchdowns and extra points.

Charlotte's offensive explosion represented a significant improvement from its first two games of the season. The 49ers had managed just 563 total yards in their opening two contests combined, then accumulated 563 yards against Monmouth alone.

The victory marked Charlotte's first home win of the season and provided momentum for Albin's program as it continues building toward conference play. The 49ers demonstrated the offensive firepower that many expected at the season's outset, particularly in the passing game where Harrell and Mason developed a rhythm that Monmouth couldn't disrupt.

Charlotte's defense, while yielding 35 points, made crucial stops when necessary, including stopping the Hawks on downs twice in the second half, the last being a potential game-tying drive with under a minute left to play.

Key Performers

Charlotte:

• QB Conner Harrell: 26-30, 382 yards passing, 3 TD; 13 carries, 47 yards, 2 TD
• WR E. Jai Mason: 10 catches, 228 yards, 2 TD
• RB Rod Gainey Jr.: 15 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD
• DE Curtis Simpson: 1.5 sacks including game-clinching sack

Monmouth:

• QB Derek Robertson: 36-49, 410 yards, 4 TD
• WR Josh Derry: 7 catches, 110 yards, 2 TD
• WR Trey Neal: 5 catches, 75 yards

ELIZABETH CITY – Johnson C. Smith maintained its undefeated start to the season with a narrow 21-17 victory over Elizabeth City State at Roebuck Stadium on Saturday afternoon, but the 23rd-ranked Golden Bulls had to overcome a third-quarter deficit and relied on a clutch fourth-quarter touchdown pass to secure their CIAA opener.

The victory improved Johnson C. Smith to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in conference play, while Elizabeth City State dropped to 0-3 and 0-1 in the CIAA despite a spirited performance that saw them take their first lead of the game in the third quarter.

Elizabeth City State struck first, methodically driving 41 yards over 11 plays before Benjamin Turner connected on a 23-yard field goal with 7:18 remaining in the opening quarter. The drive consumed nearly seven minutes and set an early tone for what would become a back-and-forth contest.

Johnson C. Smith's response came swiftly and explosively. After taking over at their own 33-yard line, the Golden Bulls needed just three plays to find the end zone. The decisive moment came when Antonio Crim broke free for a 56-yard touchdown run, giving Johnson C. Smith a 7-3 lead after Lukasz Smolen's extra point.

The Golden Bulls extended their advantage early in the second quarter with a more sustained scoring drive. Starting from their own 17-yard line, Johnson C. Smith marched 83 yards in seven plays, capped by Bobby Smith's 5-yard touchdown run. The drive showcased the Golden Bulls' balanced attack, mixing run and pass to keep the Vikings' defense off balance.

Elizabeth City State's offense had struggled to find consistency through much of the first half, but they delivered the game's most spectacular play just before intermission. After the Golden Bulls turned the ball over on downs at the Vikings' 17-yard line, quarterback Christopher Perkins dropped back and found Ka'Trez Bracey on a slant pattern. What started as a routine completion turned into a 91-yard house call as Bracey broke through the Johnson C. Smith secondary for Elizabeth City State's longest play from scrimmage this season.

The explosive touchdown pulled the Vikings within 14-10 at halftime and provided crucial momentum heading into the locker room. Johnson C. Smith had controlled much of the first half, outgaining Elizabeth City State 199 yards to 124, but found themselves with just a four-point advantage.

Elizabeth City State carried that momentum into the third quarter, engineering the game's most impressive sustained drive. Starting from their own 10-yard line after a punt, the Vikings methodically moved downfield with a 13-play, 90-yard march that consumed over five minutes of clock time.

The drive featured contributions from multiple players, with Shamar Sutton providing a 10-yard run and 12-yard reception to help move the chains. Perkins found his rhythm, completing passes to Troy Smith and connecting with Bracey again for a 29-yard gain that set up the go-ahead score. Traquan Johnson finished the drive with a 1-yard touchdown plunge, giving Elizabeth City State its first lead at 17-14 with 7:24 remaining in the third quarter.

The lead stood through the remainder of the third quarter as both defenses tightened. Johnson C. Smith mounted several threats but couldn't find the end zone, settling for a missed 29-yard field goal attempt by Smolen early in the fourth quarter, a disappointing end to what had been a nearly eight minute drive.

With time running short and facing the prospect of their first loss, Johnson C. Smith's offense finally broke through with 3:51 remaining. Taking over at their own 38-yard line, the Golden Bulls needed just one play to reclaim the lead. Quarterback Kelvin Durham found Reginald Daniel streaking downfield, and the 62-yard touchdown connection restored Johnson C. Smith's advantage at 21-17.

Elizabeth City State had one final opportunity to answer, but their last drive stalled near midfield when Christopher Perkins' fourth-down pass fell incomplete with 2:35 remaining. Johnson C. Smith then controlled the ball for the final minutes, running out the clock to preserve the victory.

The statistical battle reflected the competitive nature of the game. Johnson C. Smith held slight edges in total offense (358-298) and rushing yards (160-107), while the passing games were nearly identical with the Golden Bulls throwing for 198 yards compared to Elizabeth City State's 191.

Durham completed 18 of 24 passes for Johnson C. Smith, finishing with one touchdown and one interception. His counterpart Perkins connected on 15 of 30 attempts for Elizabeth City State, throwing one touchdown without an interception despite facing consistent pressure that resulted in three sacks.

In the ground game, Smith led Johnson C. Smith with 66 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown, while Crim added 54 yards on just four attempts, including his game-changing 56-yard score. For Elizabeth City State, Johnson carried 17 times for 62 yards and the Vikings' lone rushing touchdown.

The receiving corps for both teams featured standout performances. Johnson C. Smith's Deandre Proctor caught seven passes for 35 yards, while Daniel's lone reception went for the game-winning touchdown. Elizabeth City State's Bracey stole the show with just two catches for 120 yards and a touchdown, with his 91-yard score serving as the game's most memorable play.

Defensively, both teams generated pressure and created turnovers. Johnson C. Smith recorded three sacks, led by Jalen Alexander and Jaxson Hickson who each brought down Perkins once. Elizabeth City State managed one sack and came up with the game's lone interception when Sterling Chavis picked off Durham in the second quarter.

The victory keeps Johnson C. Smith's perfect record intact as they prepare for a challenging road test against defending CIAA champion Virginia Union. For Elizabeth City State, the narrow loss represented their most competitive performance of the young season, providing building blocks as they prepare for next week's Down East Viking Football Classic against Fayetteville State.

Key Performers

Johnson C. Smith:

• Kelvin Durham: 18/24, 198 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
• Bobby Smith: 16 carries, 66 yards, 1 TD
• Antonio Crim: 4 carries, 54 yards, 1 TD; 3 catches, 68 yards
• Reginald Daniel: 1 catch, 62 yards, 1 TD

Elizabeth City State:

• Christopher Perkins: 15/30, 191 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
• Ka'Trez Bracey: 2 catches, 120 yards, 1 TD
• Traquan Johnson: 17 carries, 62 yards, 1 TD
• Sterling Chavis: 1 interception

LYNCHBURG, VA - The Barber-Scotia College Sabers made program history Saturday, taking the field for their first-ever college football game against Virginia University of Lynchburg. Despite falling 54-0 on the road, the milestone marked the official beginning of football at the Concord, North Carolina institution.

The Sabers, competing in the New South Athletic Conference, faced a seasoned VU-Lynchburg squad in what served as a learning experience for the fledgling program. Head coach Joel Williams worked with a roster comprised largely of first-time college players, many of whom had never competed at this level.

The lopsided score reflected the growing pains expected of an inaugural season, but the significance of the moment wasn't lost on the small contingent of Barber-Scotia supporters who made the trip to witness history. The Sabers' entry into college football represents a new chapter for the historically black college, as the institution looks to reconnect with its storied past and build for the future.

The team will look to build on this foundation as they continue their inaugural season in the New South Athletic Conference, a league formed in 2020 specifically for small colleges throughout the Southeast region.

WINSTON-SALEM – NC State transformed a 24-14 halftime deficit into a 34-24 victory over Wake Forest Thursday night, riding a dominant second-half defensive performance and Hollywood Smothers' career rushing night to improve to 3-0 and open ACC play with a road win.

The Wolfpack defense, which surrendered 311 total yards and 24 points in the first half, completely shut down Wake Forest after intermission. The Demon Deacons managed just 44 yards and two first downs over the final 30 minutes, failing to score in the second half while NC State rattled off 17 unanswered points.

The victory marked NC State's fourth comeback win from a deficit of 10 or more points over the past two seasons, tying Iowa State and Missouri for most in FBS during that span. It also represented the Wolfpack's first back-to-back wins in Winston-Salem since 1993 and 1995.

First Half Fireworks

The game opened with immediate drama as Wake Forest's Chris Barnes returned the opening kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown, giving the Demon Deacons a 7-0 lead just 12 seconds into the contest. It marked Wake Forest's first kickoff return for a touchdown since Demond Claiborne's 100-yard return against Miami in 2024.

Wake Forest extended their advantage to 14-0 on their first offensive possession when quarterback Robby Ashford capped a seven-play, 93-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run. The drive featured an 82-yard passing performance by Ashford, including a spectacular 70-yard connection to Barnes that set up the score.

NC State answered back with 2:35 remaining in the opening quarter when CJ Bailey found tight end Justin Joly for a five-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-one, completing an eight-play, 75-yard drive. The score came in unusual circumstances, with smoke from a food truck fire outside the stadium drifting into the end zone.

The first quarter's most memorable moment came with 1:19 left when NC State defensive tackle Isaiah Shirley intercepted an Ashford pass and returned it 41 yards for a touchdown, evening the score at 14-14. The 280-pound Shirley became the first Wolfpack defensive lineman to return an interception for a touchdown since Alim McNeill in 2020.

Wake Forest regained the lead in the second quarter on another Ashford rushing touchdown, this time from one yard out to cap a nine-play, 75-yard drive that put the Demon Deacons ahead 21-14. The drive was highlighted by a 42-yard reception to Eni Falayi that moved Wake Forest deep into NC State territory.

Connor Calvert's 28-yard field goal extended Wake Forest's lead to 24-14 with 4:07 remaining in the half. The kick concluded an 11-play, 69-yard drive that included key receptions by Micah Mays Jr. and Sterling Berkhalter, both for 26 yards.

NC State managed to cut the deficit before halftime when Kanoah Vinesett connected on a 24-yard field goal with 1:00 left, sending the teams to the locker room with Wake Forest leading 24-17.

Second Half Shutdown

Whatever adjustments NC State made at halftime proved decisive. The Wolfpack defense, which had allowed 252 passing yards and 59 rushing yards in the first half, completely stifled Wake Forest's offensive attack over the final two quarters.

NC State tied the game at 24-24 with 6:22 left in the third quarter when Bailey found Joly again, this time from four yards out. The eight-play, 70-yard drive marked Joly's second touchdown of the game and first multi-touchdown performance of his career.

The Wolfpack took their first lead of the game early in the fourth quarter when Bailey connected with wide receiver Keenan Jackson on a 12-yard touchdown pass with 12:37 remaining. The five-play, 70-yard drive put NC State ahead 31-24, a lead they would maintain for the remainder of the contest.

Vinesett added an insurance field goal from 38 yards with 6:19 left in the fourth quarter, extending the lead to 34-24. The kick capped an eight-play, 32-yard drive that effectively sealed the victory.

Wake Forest's final drive ended when defensive back Ronnie Royal III intercepted Ashford with 5:02 remaining, his first career interception. The turnover came at a crucial moment as Wake Forest was attempting to mount a comeback drive.

Smothers Powers Ground Game

NC State's rushing attack, led by Smothers, proved to be the difference in the second half. Smothers carried 24 times for 164 yards, establishing a new career high and marking the most rushing yards by an NC State running back since Reggie Gallaspy's 220-yard performance in 2018.

The Wolfpack finished with 205 rushing yards on 44 carries, averaging 4.7 yards per attempt. Smothers' performance included a crucial 42-yard run in the fourth quarter that set up NC State's go-ahead touchdown.

Bailey, meanwhile, continued his efficient play by completing 23 of 32 passes for 201 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. It marked the second consecutive game without a turnover for the NC State offense.

Defensive Turnaround

NC State's defensive transformation between halves proved to be the game's defining factor. After allowing Wake Forest to accumulate 267 total yards in the first half, the Wolfpack defense held the Demon Deacons to just 44 yards over the final 30 minutes.

The statistics tell the story of the shutdown: Wake Forest managed only two first downs in the second half and failed to sustain any meaningful drives. NC State's defense recorded two interceptions on the night, with Shirley's pick-six in the first quarter and Royal's game-sealing interception in the fourth quarter.

Wake Forest quarterback Ashford, who threw for 252 yards in the game, completed 21 of 35 passes but was intercepted twice and sacked twice. The Demon Deacons' rushing attack, led by Claiborne's 35 yards on 12 carries, managed just 59 total yards on the ground.

Wake Forest's Bright Spots

Despite the loss, Wake Forest received standout performances from several players. Barnes finished with 177 all-purpose yards, including his 98-yard kickoff return touchdown and 76 receiving yards. The performance marked the second consecutive game in which Barnes exceeded 100 all-purpose yards.

Claiborne scored his fourth rushing touchdown of the season on the one-yard run in the first quarter, moving within one touchdown of tying Cade Carney's program record of 21 career rushing touchdowns in the College Football Playoff era.

Senior safety Nick Andersen led Wake Forest's defensive effort with 11 tackles, marking the seventh time in his career he has recorded double-digit tackles. Junior linebacker Dylan Hazen added nine tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss.

Special Teams Impact

Special teams played a significant role throughout the contest. Beyond Barnes' opening kickoff return touchdown, both teams' kicking games proved reliable. Vinesett was perfect on the night for NC State, converting field goals from 24 and 38 yards, while Calvert connected on his lone field goal attempt from 28 yards for Wake Forest.

NC State's punt coverage was particularly effective, with punter Caden Noonkester averaging 40 yards on five attempts while placing two punts inside the 20-yard line.

Looking Forward

The victory moves NC State to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in ACC play, extending their early-season momentum. The comeback win demonstrated the Wolfpack's resilience and ability to make crucial adjustments, qualities that could prove valuable as conference play intensifies.

For Wake Forest, the loss drops them to 2-1 overall and 0-1 in ACC play. Despite the disappointing result, the Demon Deacons showed offensive explosiveness in the first half and will look to build on those positive elements moving forward.

The rivalry game lived up to its billing as the longest continuous rivalry in the ACC, with both teams combining for 58 points and nearly 720 total yards of offense. NC State's victory moves the all-time series record to 70-43-6 in favor of the Wolfpack and improves Dave Doeren's record against Wake Forest to 7-6.

The road victory in Winston-Salem represents more than just another win for NC State – it demonstrates the team's maturity and championship potential as they navigate their ACC schedule. With Bailey's steady leadership, Smothers' explosive running ability, and a defense capable of second-half shutouts, the Wolfpack appear poised for a successful conference campaign.

Key Performers

NC State:

• Hollywood Smothers: 24 carries, 164 yards rushing (career high)
• CJ Bailey: 23/32, 201 yards passing, 3 TDs, 0 INTs
• Justin Joly: 4 receptions, 22 yards, 2 TDs
• Isaiah Shirley: 1 interception returned 41 yards for TD
• Kanoah Vinesett: 2/2 field goals (24, 38 yards)

Wake Forest:

• Chris Barnes: 177 all-purpose yards (98-yard KR TD, 76 receiving yards)
• Robby Ashford: 21/35, 252 yards passing, 2 rushing TDs, 2 INTs
• Demond Claiborne: 12 carries, 35 yards, 1 TD; 8 receptions, 33 yards
• Nick Andersen: 11 tackles
• Dylan Hazen: 9 tackles, 3.5 TFL

PEMBROKE – UNC Pembroke earned their first victory of the season with a 31-24 win over Fayetteville State at Grace P. Johnson Stadium in Pembroke, North Carolina on Saturday night. The Braves improved to 1-1 while the Broncos dropped to 0-2 in a game that featured 55 combined points and 682 total yards of offense.

The game began with promise for Fayetteville State, as they recovered a fumble deep in UNC Pembroke territory and converted it into the opening score. After forcing a three-and-out, the Broncos capitalized on excellent field position when Marcus Thompson recovered a Tre Robinson fumble at the Pembroke 17-yard line. Three plays later, Caden Davis punched it in from one yard out to give FSU a 7-0 lead with 9:52 remaining in the first quarter.

UNC Pembroke answered immediately with a methodical 44-yard touchdown drive. Robinson found his rhythm, connecting with Que Kennedy for a 4-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7. The Braves' passing attack, which would prove to be the difference, was just getting started. Robinson completed 13 of 20 passes for 234 yards and three touchdowns on the night.

The first quarter belonged to Kennedy and Robinson's connection. After FSU went three-and-out following back-to-back false start penalties, Pembroke took over at their own 50-yard line. Robinson methodically moved the Braves downfield, finding Kennedy again for a 7-yard touchdown pass with 1:32 left in the opening quarter. The 14-7 lead would hold through the end of the first quarter, with UNC Pembroke controlling 9:50 of the 15-minute period.

Fayetteville State managed to cut into the deficit in the second quarter when John Hernandez-Vargas connected on a 36-yard field goal, capping a 12-play, 65-yard drive that consumed nearly six minutes of clock time. The drive showcased the Broncos' balanced attack, with quarterback Demari Daniels contributing both through the air and on the ground, including a 35-yard scramble that set up the scoring opportunity.

Any momentum FSU built was quickly erased when Robinson found Malik Brown for a 47-yard touchdown strike just five plays later. The scoring pass highlighted UNC Pembroke's explosive passing capabilities, as Brown finished the night with three catches for 111 yards and the touchdown. The score extended Pembroke's lead to 21-10 with 4:39 remaining in the first half.

The second half opened with UNC Pembroke extending their advantage. After a 51-yard kickoff return by Jordan Marcucci set up excellent field position, the Braves added a 25-yard field goal by Taylor Harris. The three points came after Robinson completed a 36-yard pass to Jaquan Albright that moved the ball to the FSU 5-yard line, but the Braves had to settle for three points when the drive stalled.

Trailing 24-10, Fayetteville State found their offensive rhythm with a seven-play, 50-yard touchdown drive. Daniels completed passes of 15 and 15 yards to Unique Kelly, then scrambled 14 yards to set up Davis for his second one-yard touchdown run of the game. The score cut the deficit to 24-17 and gave the Broncos life entering the fourth quarter.

However, UNC Pembroke had an immediate answer. Marcus Martin, who entered the game as Pembroke's second quarterback, engineered a spectacular 93-yard touchdown drive that showcased the Braves' offensive depth. The drive featured a 20-yard completion from Martin to Albright, followed by a remarkable 58-yard run by Albright that brought the ball to the FSU 6-yard line. Martin capped the drive with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Albright, restoring the two-touchdown cushion at 31-17.

Fayetteville State refused to surrender, mounting one final scoring drive with 3:38 remaining in the third quarter. Daniels found Kelly for a 34-yard completion, then watched as Bryce Council broke free for a 22-yard run to the UNC Pembroke 1-yard line. Davis scored his third touchdown of the game on the following play, bringing the Broncos within seven points at 31-24.

The fourth quarter became a defensive struggle as both teams tightened up considerably. UNC Pembroke managed just 28 yards of total offense in the final period, while Fayetteville State generated 61 yards but could not find the end zone. The Braves controlled the clock effectively, holding possession for 8:27 of the 15-minute quarter and limiting FSU's opportunities.

Fayetteville State's final opportunity came with 2:48 remaining when they took over at their own 37-yard line trailing by seven. However, the drive stalled at the same spot, and the Broncos turned the ball over on downs with 2:05 left on the clock. UNC Pembroke ran out the remaining time to secure the victory.

Statistically, UNC Pembroke dominated through the air while Fayetteville State controlled the ground game. The Braves outgained FSU 424-258 in total offense, with 280 passing yards compared to just 119 for the Broncos. Robinson's 234 passing yards were complemented by Martin's 46 yards, giving Pembroke a clear advantage in the passing game. Albright emerged as the standout receiver with seven catches for 105 yards and a touchdown, while also contributing 68 rushing yards on just four carries.

For Fayetteville State, the rushing attack provided consistency throughout the game. Daniels led the way with 80 yards on 13 carries, while Council added 48 yards on 13 attempts. Davis, despite his three touchdowns, managed just six yards on four carries but proved invaluable in short-yardage situations. Kelly paced the receiving corps with five catches for 85 yards.

The defensive statistics revealed a relatively even battle, with UNC Pembroke recording 62 total tackles compared to FSU's 71. Jaidin Baptist led Pembroke with 10 tackles, while Matthew Leach topped Fayetteville State with 11 stops. Both teams struggled with penalties, as FSU was flagged 11 times for 92 yards while UNC Pembroke committed eight penalties for 53 yards.

Key Performers

UNC Pembroke:

- Tre Robinson: 13/20, 234 yards, 3 passing TDs; 8 carries, 20 rushing yards

- Jaquan Albright: 7 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD; 4 carries, 68 yards

- Malik Brown: 3 catches, 111 yards, 1 TD

- Marcus Martin: 6/9, 46 yards, 1 passing TD

Fayetteville State:

- Demari Daniels: 11/27, 119 yards; 13 carries, 80 yards

- Caden Davis: 3 TDs rushing (3 carries, 6 yards)

- Unique Kelly: 5 catches, 85 yards

- Bryce Council: 13 carries, 48 yards