WINSTON-SALEM – Winston-Salem State scored on six of its first eight possessions and cruised to a 42-10 victory over Livingstone on Saturday afternoon at Bowman Gray Stadium.

The Rams (4-4, 2-3 CIAA) rushed for 302 yards and controlled the line of scrimmage throughout, holding the Blue Bears (3-4, 2-3) to just 216 total yards. WSSU scored touchdowns on four consecutive drives spanning the first and second quarters to build an insurmountable 28-3 halftime lead.

Quarterback Daylin Lee connected with Jayden Grimes for a 54-yard touchdown on the second play from scrimmage, capping a two-play, 57-yard drive that took just one minute. The quick strike set the tone for an afternoon in which the Rams averaged 9.0 yards per play.

Running back JaQuan Kelly added a 6-yard scoring run midway through the first quarter to push the lead to 14-0. The Blue Bears responded with their best drive of the half, marching 56 yards on 14 plays before settling for Jason Zapata's 41-yard field goal.

That would be Livingstone's only first-half points. Winston-Salem State answered with Noah Marshall's 3-yard touchdown run following an 85-yard drive, then extended the margin to 28-3 when Lee found Kaleb Washington for a 16-yard score with 1:02 remaining in the second quarter.

The Blue Bears struggled to establish any offensive rhythm. Quarterback Elijah Alexander was intercepted by Zy Brown on Livingstone's first possession, setting up WSSU's second touchdown drive. Alexander completed 5 of 17 passes for 49 yards and the interception before giving way to Alfredo Sotelo, who finished 6-of-9 for 65 yards and a touchdown.

Winston-Salem State's rushing attack proved unstoppable. Kelly carried 18 times for 139 yards and two touchdowns, while Timothy Ruff II added 135 yards and a score on 11 attempts. The duo averaged 7.7 and 12.3 yards per carry, respectively, exploiting gaps in Livingstone's defensive front.

The Rams opened the second half with a 10-play, 89-yard touchdown drive that consumed 6:24 of the third quarter. Kelly capped the series with a 12-yard scoring run, his second of the game, giving WSSU a 35-3 advantage.

Livingstone finally found the end zone early in the fourth quarter when Sotelo directed a 13-play, 98-yard drive. The freshman quarterback completed 4 of 6 passes on the series and hit Jamal Haizlip for a 13-yard touchdown, pulling the Blue Bears within 35-10 with 9:01 remaining.

Any thoughts of a comeback were quickly extinguished. Ruff broke off a 20-yard touchdown run with 3:56 left to restore the 32-point margin and account for the final score.

Lee finished 11-of-15 for 202 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. His efficiency (13.5 yards per attempt) stood in stark contrast to Livingstone's passing game, which managed just 3.9 yards per attempt and was sacked five times for 27 yards.

Grimes caught two passes for 71 yards and the opening touchdown, while Washington added three receptions for 31 yards and a score. Marshall contributed 21 yards and a touchdown on the ground, giving the Rams four different players with rushing scores.

Defensively, Daniel Williams led Winston-Salem State with 11 tackles (five solo, six assists) and a half-sack. The Rams recorded eight tackles for loss totaling 31 yards and held Livingstone to just 2.9 yards per rush.

Javen Parker led the Blue Bears with 77 rushing yards on 19 carries. Tavion Jackson caught four passes for 36 yards, while C. Washington added three receptions for 30 yards. The offense converted just 5 of 15 third-down attempts and managed only one red-zone trip all game.

Winston-Salem State controlled possession for 33:40 compared to Livingstone's 26:20, including a 10:36 to 4:17 advantage in the third quarter that effectively put the game away.

The Rams' special teams also contributed to the rout. Kicker Gilberto Lorenzana converted all six extra points and averaged 60.9 yards on seven kickoffs with four touchbacks, consistently forcing Livingstone to start drives deep in its own territory.

Livingstone committed five penalties for 52 yards but was hurt more by WSSU's 11 penalties for 96 yards, several of which extended Blue Bears drives. The Rams were flagged for two delay-of-game penalties on the same possession in the second quarter and committed infractions for holding, false start, illegal shift, sideline interference and two unsportsmanlike conduct calls.

Despite the penalty discrepancy, Winston-Salem State's physical advantages proved decisive. The Rams averaged 7.4 yards per rush compared to 2.9 for the Blue Bears and held a commanding 504-216 edge in total offense.

Top Performers

Winston-Salem State

• Daylin Lee: 11-15, 202 yards, 2 TD passing
• JaQuan Kelly: 18 carries, 139 yards, 2 TD
• Timothy Ruff II: 11 carries, 135 yards, 1 TD
• Daniel Williams: 11 tackles (5 solo)

Livingstone

• Javen Parker: 19 carries, 77 yards
• Alfredo Sotelo: 6-9, 65 yards, 1 TD passing
• Tavion Jackson: 4 receptions, 36 yards

WILSON – Jackson Parrish carried 39 times for 221 yards and three touchdowns as Barton outlasted Chowan 28-21 on Saturday afternoon at Truist Stadium in Wilson, North Carolina. The Bulldogs improved to 2-5 overall and 2-1 in conference play, while the Hawks fell to 2-5 and 1-2.

Parrish's workload defined the game. His 39 carries represented 85% of Barton's rushing attempts and nearly two-thirds of the team's total offensive plays. He scored from two yards out twice in the second quarter, added another two-yard touchdown run in the third, and capped the winning drive with a five-yard score with 2:14 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The running back's longest gain, a 46-yard burst in the third quarter, set up his third touchdown and gave Barton a 21-13 lead. That run came on second-and-5 from the Barton 37-yard line and put the Bulldogs at the Chowan 17. Three plays later, Parrish punched it in from two yards out at the 8:39 mark of the third quarter.

Chowan struck first when Maurice Smith scored on a 16-yard run with 12:12 left in the opening quarter, capping a five-play, 74-yard drive. The extra point attempt was blocked, leaving the Hawks with a 6-0 advantage. That lead held until the second quarter when Barton put together a 14-play, 96-yard drive that consumed 7:27 and ended with Al Lee's one-yard touchdown run at 9:20 of the second period.

The Hawks answered immediately. Operating out of a two-quarterback system, Chowan used passes from both Smith and Jaden Leonard on a five-play, 75-yard scoring drive. Leonard connected with Luke Krall for 66 yards to set up Smith's 15-yard touchdown pass to Dezmo Randolph. Jack Beylo's extra point gave Chowan a 13-7 lead with 5:38 remaining in the half.

Barton responded with another lengthy drive, this one covering 11 plays and 75 yards in 4:36. Parrish carried eight times on the possession, including the final two-yard touchdown run that put the Bulldogs ahead 14-13 at the 1:02 mark of the second quarter. Chowan drove into Barton territory in the final minute of the half, but Javon Wesley intercepted a pass from NyJal Johnson at the Barton 9-yard line to end the threat.

The third quarter belonged to Barton's ground game. After a three-and-out by Chowan to open the second half, Barton needed just five plays to extend its lead. Luke Smith's five-yard completion to Jaidan Lee on first down got the drive started, and Parrish handled the rest. His 46-yard run put the ball at the Chowan 17, and he added runs of 10, five, and two yards, the last for the touchdown that made it 21-13.

Chowan's offense stalled midway through the third quarter when the Hawks turned the ball over on downs at the Barton 32. The possession had shown promise after Johnson converted a fourth-and-1 with a 10-yard run by Dominic Haney, but three plays gained just seven yards and Johnson's fourth-down pass fell incomplete.

The Hawks finally broke through on their next possession, a 14-play, 99-yard drive that started at their own 1-yard line with 1:03 left in the third quarter. The drive spanned the quarter break and included two fourth-down conversions. A roughing the kicker penalty on Barton gave Chowan a first down on what would have been fourth-and-2 from their own 9-yard line. Later, a pass interference penalty on third-and-5 moved the ball from the Barton 35 to the 26.

Jalen Razor carried five times for 25 yards on the drive, and Johnson completed four passes for 57 yards, including a 31-yard connection with Randolph that moved the ball to the Barton 40. Smith entered the game and threw an eight-yard touchdown pass to Maliqu Frazier at 8:38 of the fourth quarter. Smith then found Randolph for the two-point conversion that tied the game at 21.

Barton's winning drive covered 12 plays and 75 yards, taking 6:24 off the clock. Chowan committed four penalties on the possession, including three offside infractions that extended Barton drives. The first offside gave Barton a first down on third-and-4 from the Barton 31. Another offside on a fourth-down incomplete pass moved the ball from the Chowan 43 to the 38 and kept the drive alive. A personal foul penalty after a five-yard run by Parrish gave Barton first-and-goal from the 7-yard line.

Parrish's final touchdown came on first-and-goal from the 5-yard line after Al Lee's incomplete pass drew a roughing the passer penalty. Andrew Bontekoe's extra point made it 28-21 with 2:14 to play.

Chowan drove from its own 25 to the Barton 30 in the final two minutes, but the Hawks faced fourth-and-10 after three straight incomplete passes. Johnson hit Jakobe Lane for seven yards on fourth down, three yards short of the first down marker, and Barton ran out the final seven seconds.

The statistical breakdown showed two contrasting approaches. Chowan passed for 297 yards on 21-of-37 attempts with two touchdowns and one interception. Johnson completed 10 of 12 passes for 101 yards and both scores. Justin Taylor went 11-for-25 for 196 yards and the one interception. Smith, who started the game at quarterback, completed both passes he attempted for 107 yards but also rushed twice for 18 yards and both Chowan touchdowns.

Barton managed just 97 passing yards on 7-of-13 attempts, all from Lee (six completions on 12 attempts for 92 yards) and Smith (one-for-one for five yards). The Bulldogs rushed for 223 yards and four touchdowns, with Parrish accounting for 99% of that production.

Chowan gained 407 total yards to Barton's 320 but committed 12 penalties for 79 yards compared to Barton's three for 29. The Hawks converted seven of 14 third downs and two of four fourth downs. Barton went seven-for-11 on third down and did not face a fourth down until taking a knee to end the game.

Randolph led Chowan's receivers with five catches for 80 yards and a touchdown. Cam Richardson caught four passes for 56 yards. Kyle Horvath and Lane each had four receptions. Razor carried six times for 28 yards and caught two passes for 26 yards. Haney rushed twice for 10 yards and caught three passes for 29 yards.

Isaiah Jacobs paced Barton's receiving corps with three catches for 46 yards. Tiquez Mallette had one reception for 29 yards. On defense, Ja'Correy Bible recorded 10 solo tackles and 12 total for Barton. Keno Jones added eight tackles. Beylo led Chowan with 12 tackles, while Frazier had seven.

Top Performers

• Jackson Parrish, Barton: 39 rushes, 221 yards, 3 TDs (5.7 avg)
• NyJal Johnson, Chowan: 10-of-12 passing, 101 yards, 2 TDs; 4 rushes, 17 yards
• Dezmo Randolph, Chowan: 5 receptions, 80 yards, 1 TD; 1 two-point conversion
• Ja'Correy Bible, Barton: 12 tackles, 1 QB hurry, 1 pass breakup

BERKELEY, CA – Nathan Leacock stretched the ball toward the goal line, inches from giving North Carolina its first lead of the night. Instead, the junior receiver fumbled at the one-yard line with 3:48 remaining, and California recovered in the end zone to escape with a 21-18 victory Friday night at California Memorial Stadium.

The fumble ended North Carolina's 11-play, 84-yard drive and extinguished the Tar Heels' best chance to complete a comeback against the Golden Bears. Carolina had seized momentum in the second half, controlling possession and moving the ball consistently on the ground, but couldn't overcome early mistakes and a pair of critical red zone fumbles.

"Obviously, a real competitive game here," North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick said afterward. "A couple of big mistakes hurt us, but a lot of things we could have done better in all three phases. So just came up a little bit short today, here, couple of inches, I guess, on the touchdown, on the fumble. But just keep working on things that obviously we need to do a better job of. Third-and-long on defense, third-down conversions on offense, ball security, things like that."

The loss dropped the Tar Heels to 2-4 overall and 0-2 in Atlantic Coast Conference play, their third straight defeat. California improved to 5-2 and 2-1 in the ACC in the program's first conference meeting with North Carolina.

Ball security plagued Carolina from the opening snap. On the game's first play from scrimmage, Shanard Clower fumbled at the Tar Heels' 23-yard line, giving Cal prime field position. Four plays later, quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele scored on a three-yard run to put the Golden Bears ahead 7-0 just 110 seconds into the game.

North Carolina punted on its next two possessions before finding rhythm late in the first quarter. Benjamin Hall broke through for an 18-yard touchdown run with 4:48 left in the period, capping a four-play, 70-yard drive that took just 75 seconds. The score tied the game at 7-7 and gave the Tar Heels their first momentum of the night.

Cal answered quickly. Sagapolutele orchestrated a 12-play, 75-yard drive that consumed 4:06 and ended with a seven-yard touchdown pass to Jacob De Jesus with 42 seconds remaining in the first quarter. The methodical march put the Golden Bears back ahead 14-7 and demonstrated their ability to sustain drives against Carolina's defense.

The Tar Heels' defense stiffened in the second quarter, forcing punts on five of Cal's first seven possessions of the game and keeping the Golden Bears off the scoreboard for the entire period. North Carolina capitalized with an 11-play, 45-yard drive that took 5:37 off the clock and ended with Rece Verhoff's 41-yard field goal, pulling the Tar Heels within 14-10 at halftime.

Cal responded to open the third quarter with another time-consuming drive. The Golden Bears marched 79 yards on 11 plays, taking 5:33 off the clock before Kendrick Raphael punched it in from two yards out to extend the lead to 21-10 with 9:22 left in the period.

North Carolina's running game took control in the fourth quarter. The Tar Heels opened the final period with another 11-play drive, this one covering 84 yards in 4:45. Davion Gause scored from four yards out with 12:14 remaining, and Gio Lopez connected with Hall on the two-point conversion to make it 21-18.

The successful conversion gave North Carolina its first two-point conversion of the season and set up a tense final quarter. Lopez, returning to the starting lineup after missing the Clemson game with an injury, kept the Tar Heels' next drive alive with a quarterback sneak on fourth-and-short at the Cal 47-yard line with 8:25 remaining.

That conversion proved critical as Carolina marched into Golden Bear territory once more. The drive reached the Cal 20 before Lopez found Leacock on a pass that appeared destined to give the Tar Heels their first lead. Instead, Leacock lost the ball just before crossing the goal line, and Cal recovered to preserve its three-point advantage.

North Carolina's ground game outperformed Cal's significantly. The Tar Heels rushed for 120 yards on 29 carries, averaging 4.1 yards per attempt, while holding the Golden Bears to 80 yards on 31 carries and just 2.6 yards per attempt. Hall led Carolina with 68 yards on 14 carries, his second consecutive game pacing the Tar Heels on the ground. Gause added 31 yards on six carries.

Lopez completed 19 of 35 passes for 167 yards in his return to the lineup. Kobe Paysour caught six passes for a career-high 101 yards, becoming the third different Tar Heel to lead the team in receiving this season. The 37-yard reception in the first quarter pushed Paysour over 1,000 career receiving yards.

Sagapolutele finished 21 of 39 for 209 yards and a touchdown for Cal. De Jesus led all receivers with 13 catches for 105 yards and the touchdown. Raphael carried 22 times for 81 yards and a score.

North Carolina's defense recorded two sacks, both by Tyler Thompson, who notched his first career sack at the end of the first half and finished with his first multi-sack performance. Will Hardy led the Tar Heels with seven total tackles, while Gavin Gibson recorded his second tackle for loss of the season.

Cal's Cade Uluave led all defenders with 10 total tackles. The Golden Bears forced three North Carolina fumbles and recovered all three, turning one into an early touchdown and using another to preserve the victory.

The Tar Heels won the time of possession battle 31:10 to 28:50, thanks largely to their second-half ground game and ability to sustain drives. Carolina converted five of 14 third downs and both of its fourth-down attempts. Cal converted six of 16 third downs and went two-for-two on fourth down.

Verhoff remained perfect from inside 50 yards, improving to 7-for-7 on the season with his 41-yard field goal. Punter Tom Maginness averaged 42.0 yards on six punts, pinning four inside the 20-yard line.

Carolina committed four penalties for 46 yards, while Cal was flagged nine times for 79 yards. The game, played before 33,401 fans, lasted three hours and 37 minutes under clear skies with temperatures at 63 degrees.

The Tar Heels will return home next Saturday to face No. 18 Virginia at noon in ACC Network action. The Cavaliers enter at 5-1 overall. Kickoff from Kenan Stadium is set for noon.

Key Performers

North Carolina:

• Kobe Paysour: 6 receptions, 101 yards (career high)
• Benjamin Hall: 14 carries, 68 yards, 1 TD; 2-point conversion reception
• Tyler Thompson: 2 sacks, 2 tackles for loss
• Gio Lopez: 19-of-35 passing, 167 yards

California:

• Jacob De Jesus: 13 receptions, 105 yards, 1 TD
• Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele: 21-of-39 passing, 209 yards, 1 TD; 1 rushing TD
• Kendrick Raphael: 22 carries, 81 yards, 1 TD
• Cade Uluave: 10 total tackles

GREENVILLE – East Carolina used explosive plays through the air and a punishing ground game to dispatch Tulsa 41-27 Thursday night at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, bouncing back from last week's road loss with their most productive offensive performance of the season.

The Pirates (4-3, 2-1 American) accumulated 568 yards of total offense, 268 rushing and 300 passing, both second-best marks during Blake Harrell's tenure as head coach. ECU scored three touchdowns of 50-plus yards and committed no turnovers in front of 31,307 fans on Night of the Boneyard.

Quarterback Katin Houser completed 21 of 38 passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns, connecting repeatedly with Anthony Smith on vertical routes that stretched Tulsa's secondary. Smith caught four passes for 150 yards and both scores, setting career highs in each category. His 66-yard touchdown in the first quarter came after he beat cornerback Elijah Green with a double move, hauling in Houser's pass at the Tulsa 34 and racing untouched to the end zone for a 10-0 lead.

Smith struck again in the second quarter on a 63-yard catch-and-run that extended ECU's advantage to 24-14. The two connections marked the fifth and longest touchdowns of 15-plus yards this season for the Pirates, who entered the game looking to establish a vertical passing attack.

"That was part of the game plan," Houser said. "We had some shots called out for Anthony and Yannick (Smith), and Anthony got some opportunities to go make some moves on that corner and take a shot downfield."

While the passing game provided quick strikes, ECU's running backs delivered sustained punishment. London Montgomery rushed for a career-high 125 yards on 16 carries, including a 51-yard touchdown on the opening play of the third quarter that proved decisive. After Tulsa failed on fourth down at the ECU 49, Montgomery took a handoff up the middle and found a seam, breaking into the open field for the score that pushed the lead to 31-14. The drive lasted nine seconds and one play, the shortest and fastest touchdown drive of the season for ECU.

Montgomery's performance marked the first time in 12 games the Pirates had both a 100-yard rusher and 100-yard receiver in the same contest. The redshirt sophomore averaged 7.8 yards per carry and recorded six runs of at least 11 yards, consistently gashing a Tulsa defense that entered allowing 147 yards per game on the ground.

Marlon Gunn Jr. contributed 60 yards on 14 carries and scored on a 1-yard plunge in the second quarter, part of a nine-play, 75-yard drive that gave ECU a 17-7 lead. T.J. Engleman Jr. added 40 yards on 10 attempts, matching the career highs he had set just one week earlier at Tulane. ECU's 53 rushing attempts averaged 5.1 yards per carry and kept Tulsa's defense on the field for extended stretches.

The Pirates scored on their opening possession when Nick Mazzie connected on a 37-yard field goal, capping an 11-play drive that consumed 2:36. ECU went 3-0 this season when scoring first. After Smith's first touchdown made it 10-0, Tulsa (2-5, 0-4 American) responded with a seven-play, 72-yard drive that ended with quarterback Baylor Hayes finding tight end Brody Foley for a 38-yard touchdown.

Hayes, a redshirt freshman making his sixth start, set career highs with 23 completions on 41 attempts for 251 yards and two touchdowns. He faced constant pressure, getting sacked five times for 30 yards in losses, but showed poise in completing passes to seven different receivers. Foley finished with six catches for 126 yards, both career highs, giving Tulsa a consistent target in the middle of the field.

After ECU extended its lead to 17-7 on Gunn's touchdown run, Tulsa answered again. Hayes led a seven-play, 78-yard drive that concluded with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Zion Booker, cutting the deficit to 17-14. The back-and-forth continued when Houser and Smith connected on their second long touchdown, restoring a 10-point cushion at 24-14.

Montgomery's 51-yard burst early in the third quarter effectively ended Tulsa's comeback hopes. The Golden Hurricane managed just a 46-yard field goal by Seth Morgan on their next possession, making it 31-17, but never seriously threatened after that. ECU added Mazzie's 32-yard field goal in the fourth quarter before Houser scored on a 2-yard keeper with 5:22 remaining, capping an eight-play, 41-yard drive that made it 41-24.

Tulsa scored a late touchdown when Stephen Kittleman plunged in from one yard out with 14:47 left, completing an eight-play, 65-yard drive that began at the Tulsa 35 after ECU turned the ball over on downs. Morgan added a 26-yard field goal with 1:49 remaining to account for the final margin.

ECU's defense recorded 10 tackles for loss totaling 44 yards and contributed five sacks. Preston Carr established a career high with five tackles, including a sack for an 8-yard loss. Rion Roseborough tallied 1.5 sacks for 11 yards, while Zion Wilson posted a career-best six tackles with a half-sack. The Pirates held Tulsa to 6 of 19 on third-down conversions and stopped the Golden Hurricane on three fourth-down attempts.

Brock Spalding caught one pass for 30 yards, while Desirrio Riles had four receptions for 45 yards. Ten different Pirates caught at least one pass, spreading the ball across the offense. Houser now has four passes of 15-plus yards in 16 career games at ECU and has thrown for at least 250 yards in 11 of those contests.

Tulsa running back Dominic Richardson led the Golden Hurricane with 59 yards on 17 carries, while Zion Steptoe had a 32-yard run on his lone attempt. The Golden Hurricane outgained ECU in time of possession, 30:56 to 29:04, but couldn't overcome the big-play differential.

ECU improved to 10-9 all-time against Tulsa and has won two consecutive meetings. The Pirates have now surpassed 500 yards of total offense six times in 13 games under Harrell, who improved to 9-4 overall as either interim or head coach. The 568 yards represented ECU's highest output since accumulating 364 yards in the first half alone against Campbell earlier this season.

Top Performers:

• Anthony Smith (ECU): 4 receptions, 150 yards, 2 TDs (career highs)
• London Montgomery (ECU): 16 carries, 125 yards, 1 TD (all career highs)
• Katin Houser (ECU): 21-of-38 passing, 300 yards, 2 TDs; 7 carries, 22 yards, 1 TD
• Baylor Hayes (Tulsa): 23-of-41 passing, 251 yards, 2 TDs (all career highs)
• Brody Foley (Tulsa): 6 receptions, 126 yards, 1 TD (career highs)
• Marlon Gunn Jr. (ECU): 14 carries, 60 yards, 1 TD

SOUTH BEND, IN – Notre Dame scored 26 unanswered second-half points to turn a competitive game into a convincing 36-7 victory over NC State on Saturday at Notre Dame Stadium. The Fighting Irish capitalized on four NC State turnovers and exploited a depleted Wolfpack secondary to snap a brief losing streak and improve to 4-2 on the season.

The Wolfpack (4-3, 1-2 ACC) held firm through much of the first half, trailing just 10-7 at intermission after limiting Notre Dame to 59 first-half rushing yards. But the game unraveled in the third and fourth quarters as quarterback CJ Bailey threw three interceptions and the offense managed just 233 total yards—the lowest output of the season for NC State.

Bailey completed 17 of 30 passes for 186 yards with one touchdown and three picks. He was sacked four times and repeatedly pressured by a Notre Dame defensive front that registered five tackles for loss and four sacks. The Irish defense also forced a fumble that resulted in a safety, capping a brutal stretch in the fourth quarter where NC State turned the ball over on four consecutive possessions.

Running back Hollywood Smothers, the ACC's leading rusher entering the game, was held to 46 yards on 12 carries—his lowest total of the season. As a team, NC State rushed for just 51 yards on 28 attempts, a season-low mark that reflected the absence of offensive lineman Anthony Carter Jr., who left the game early and did not return due to injury.

Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr threw for 342 yards and two touchdowns on 19-of-31 passing. He connected with tight end Eli Raridon seven times for 109 yards and found wide receiver Will Pauling four times for 105 yards and a score. Running back Jeremiyah Love added 86 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, including a one-yard plunge late in the fourth quarter that capped the scoring.

The Irish (4-2) piled up 485 total yards—the second-most allowed by NC State this season—and converted 6 of 14 third downs. They were 5-for-8 in the red zone, while NC State never reached the 20-yard line and scored its only touchdown from 45 yards out.

Notre Dame opened the scoring midway through the first quarter with a six-play, 58-yard drive that ended with Love's two-yard touchdown run. The Irish converted a long third down on a 32-yard pass to Pauling and moved methodically downfield before Love punched it in to make it 7-0.

NC State answered on its next possession after forcing a turnover on downs. Notre Dame faced fourth-and-one at the Wolfpack seven-yard line late in the first quarter, but Carr was sacked for a 10-yard loss by linebacker Travali Price and defensive end Caden Fordham, who combined to drop the quarterback well behind the line of scrimmage.

The Wolfpack capitalized on the stop with an 11-play, 83-yard touchdown drive that featured multiple third-down conversions. Bailey hit running back Jayden "Duke" Scott for 15 yards on third-and-nine to keep the drive alive, then found wide receiver Terrell Anderson for a 45-yard touchdown strike with 13:48 remaining in the second quarter. Kanoah Vinesett's extra point tied the game at 7-7.

Notre Dame appeared poised to retake the lead late in the half when they drove to the NC State eight-yard line, but Bailey intercepted Carr in the back of the end zone on fourth down. The pick marked the first career interception for Brown, a redshirt freshman safety who made the most of his opportunity.

The Wolfpack, however, could not capitalize on the turnover and punted back to the Irish with under two minutes remaining. Notre Dame took over at its own 30-yard line and quickly moved into field-goal range. Carr completed passes of 20 yards to Malachi Fields and 23 yards to Raridon before kicker Noah Burnette connected on a 48-yard field goal as time expired to give the Irish a 10-7 halftime lead.

The turning point came early in the third quarter. Notre Dame took the opening kickoff and marched 90 yards in 11 plays, converting a fourth-and-two with a quarterback sneak and overcoming two pass interference penalties on NC State. Carr capped the drive with an 18-yard touchdown pass to tight end KK Smith, extending the lead to 17-7.

On the ensuing possession, NC State went three-and-out and punted. The Irish responded with another touchdown drive, this time needing just five plays to cover 80 yards. Love broke free for a 24-yard run, and Carr followed with a 31-yard completion to Smith. Two plays later, Carr found Pauling for a 12-yard touchdown with 2:46 left in the third quarter, pushing the lead to 24-7.

The fourth quarter devolved into a series of miscues for the Wolfpack. Bailey's third interception, thrown on fourth-and-11 from midfield, was returned 44 yards by safety Adon Shuler to the NC State 17-yard line. The Irish settled for a 34-yard field goal by Burnette to make it 27-7.

On the next possession, Bailey threw another interception while attempting to throw the ball away under pressure. Notre Dame took over at the NC State 20-yard line but fumbled at the two-yard line, where it was recovered by Wolfpack defensive lineman Cian Slone.

Any momentum the defense created evaporated on the next snap. Bailey fumbled a snap in the end zone, and after an official review, the play was ruled a safety. The sequence marked NC State's third turnover in a span of six plays and gave Notre Dame a 29-7 lead with 9:37 remaining.

The Irish added one final touchdown with a 10-play, 82-yard drive that chewed up 3:41 of game time. Love capped the drive with his second rushing touchdown of the day, a one-yard plunge with 5:13 left in the game. The Wolfpack turned the ball over one more time on an interception by cornerback Karson Hobbs, and Notre Dame ran out the clock to seal the victory.

Fordham led the NC State defense with 10 tackles and a sack, while safety Ronnie Royal III added 10 tackles. Brown finished with nine tackles and the interception. But the Wolfpack defense allowed 342 passing yards and 143 rushing yards, and the injury to Anderson—who caught three passes for 57 yards and a touchdown before leaving the game—further thinned an already shorthanded secondary.

Notre Dame linebacker Tae Johnson paced the Irish defense with seven tackles, while safety Drayk Bowen also recorded seven stops. Defensive end Boubacar Traore tallied two sacks for 21 yards, and the Irish held NC State to 5-of-16 on third down.

The loss drops NC State to 2-3 all-time against Notre Dame. The Wolfpack will have a bye week before traveling to face Pittsburgh on October 25.

Key Performers:

• CJ Carr, Notre Dame: 19-of-31 passing, 342 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
• Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame: 18 rushes, 86 yards, 2 TDs
• Eli Raridon, Notre Dame: 7 receptions, 109 yards
• Will Pauling, Notre Dame: 4 receptions, 105 yards, 1 TD
• CJ Bailey, NC State: 17-of-30 passing, 186 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs
• Hollywood Smothers, NC State: 12 rushes, 46 yards
• Caden Fordham, NC State: 10 tackles, 1 sack

DURHAM – Shaw erased a six-point deficit in the final quarter, scoring 13 unanswered points to pull out a 20-13 victory over Winston-Salem State on Saturday at Durham County Memorial Stadium.

The Bears trailed for most of the afternoon but found their rhythm when it mattered most, engineering two fourth-quarter touchdown drives that flipped the outcome. Shaw improved to 2-4 overall and 2-2 in conference play, while Winston-Salem State fell to 3-4 and 1-3 in the CIAA.

Freshman quarterback Alexander Marsh directed the comeback, completing 12 of 22 passes for 145 yards and two touchdowns while adding 53 yards on the ground. His dual-threat ability kept the Rams' defense off balance throughout the second half, and he delivered when Shaw needed him most.

The turning point came midway through the fourth quarter. Facing fourth-and-16 from the Winston-Salem State 28-yard line, Marsh connected with receiver Tyrek Hardison for a 28-yard touchdown strike at the 6:05 mark. The extra point attempt failed, leaving the score tied at 13-13.

Shaw's defense then forced Winston-Salem State into a quick three-and-out, giving the offense the ball back at its own 21-yard line with 4:26 remaining. What followed was a methodical 10-play, 79-yard march that consumed over four minutes of clock. Marsh capped the drive with a six-yard touchdown pass to Trey Thorpe with just seven seconds left, and Jordan Lane's extra point gave the Bears their final margin.

Winston-Salem State had seized early momentum in the second quarter. Linebacker Zymiere Dempsey-Freeman recovered a fumble and returned it 73 yards for a touchdown at the 13:51 mark, giving the Rams a 6-0 lead after a failed extra point attempt. Less than seven minutes later, running back Daylin Lee punched in a one-yard touchdown run to cap a nine-play, 90-yard drive. Angel Gomez-Corona's conversion made it 13-0.

Shaw answered before halftime, marching 75 yards on 17 plays over nearly seven minutes. Marsh scored on a nine-yard run with 25 seconds left in the half, and Lane's kick cut the deficit to 13-7 at the break.

The Rams controlled possession for just 16 minutes and 13 seconds compared to Shaw's 43 minutes and 47 seconds. That disparity told the story of the game. Shaw ran 78 offensive plays to Winston-Salem State's 34, grinding out yards on the ground and keeping the Rams' offense on the sideline for extended stretches.

Shaw rushed for 186 yards on 56 carries, averaging 3.3 yards per attempt. Fabian Diggs led the way with 70 yards on 19 attempts, while Thorpe added 42 yards on 14 carries in addition to his game-winning touchdown catch. Marsh's 53 rushing yards came on 17 attempts, and he also threw a second-quarter touchdown pass to cut into Winston-Salem State's lead.

Hardison emerged as Marsh's top target, hauling in five catches for 76 yards and the crucial fourth-quarter score. Christian Rutledge added one reception for 30 yards, and Diggs caught three passes for 19 yards out of the backfield.

Winston-Salem State averaged 8.2 yards per rush but managed only 21 attempts for 173 total yards. Running back JaQuan Kelly broke off a 57-yard run in the first quarter and finished with 115 yards on six carries. Noah Marshall contributed 57 yards on seven attempts, but the Rams struggled to sustain drives as the game wore on.

Quarterback Daylin Lee completed eight of 13 passes for 51 yards but threw two interceptions, both of which came in the third quarter and stalled potential scoring opportunities. Receiver Jayden Grimes caught six passes for 38 yards, providing a reliable target in the short passing game.

Shaw's defense tightened considerably after halftime, holding Winston-Salem State scoreless over the final two quarters. Linebacker Latrell McFadden intercepted Lee in the red zone during the third quarter, snuffing out a promising drive. Defensive back Brian Collins also picked off Lee later in the third, giving Shaw favorable field position.

The Bears generated consistent pressure on Lee, recording two sacks for 19 yards. Jaden Perkins and Amarion Mbaye combined for 1.5 sacks, and the defensive front limited Winston-Salem State to an average of 6.6 yards per play despite the Rams' explosive rushing capability.

Winston-Salem State's defense kept the game close for three quarters, limiting Shaw to 4.2 yards per play and forcing the Bears into third-and-long situations. Linebacker Jamieson Alston led the Rams with 16 total tackles, including 13 solo stops and three tackles for loss. He also forced the fumble in the second quarter that led to Dempsey-Freeman's touchdown return.

But Shaw's ability to convert on third and fourth down proved decisive. The Bears went 7-for-20 on third down and an impressive 7-for-9 on fourth down, repeatedly extending drives that kept Winston-Salem State's offense off the field. The Rams, by contrast, failed to convert any of their four third-down attempts and didn't face a fourth-down decision until late in the game.

Special teams played a role as well. Shaw punter Jordan Lane averaged 42.7 yards on three punts, including a 52-yarder that pinned Winston-Salem State deep in its own territory. The Rams attempted two field goals, both of which missed. Gilberto Lorenzana's 47-yard attempt sailed wide in the first quarter, and Gomez-Corona's 38-yard try in the fourth quarter fell short, preserving Shaw's chance for a comeback.

Winston-Salem State outgained Shaw in total offense, 224 yards to 331, but the Bears' time of possession and ability to finish drives in the fourth quarter made the difference. Shaw reached the red zone twice and scored both times, while Winston-Salem State converted just one of four red-zone opportunities into a touchdown.

The victory marked Shaw's first win over Winston-Salem State since 2022 and came during the program's annual Breast Cancer Awareness Game. The Bears now return home for Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 18, when they host Johnson C. Smith at 1 p.m.

Winston-Salem State will also play at home next week, welcoming Livingstone College to Bowman Gray Stadium for its Homecoming game on Oct. 18 at 1:30 p.m.

Top Performers

Shaw

• Alexander Marsh: 12-of-22 passing, 145 yards, 2 TDs; 17 rushes, 53 yards, 1 TD
• Tyrek Hardison: 5 receptions, 76 yards, 1 TD
• Fabian Diggs: 19 rushes, 70 yards; 3 receptions, 19 yards
• Latrell McFadden: 1 interception, 28-yard return

Winston-Salem State

• JaQuan Kelly: 6 rushes, 115 yards
• Jamieson Alston: 16 total tackles, 3 TFL, 1 forced fumble
• Jayden Grimes: 6 receptions, 38 yards
• Noah Marshall: 7 rushes, 57 yards

FAYETTEVILLE – Fayetteville State shook off an early deficit and seized control with 31 unanswered points across the second and third quarters, beating Livingstone 38-14 on Saturday at Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium. The Broncos improved to 4-3 overall and remained undefeated in CIAA conference play at 4-0, while the Blue Bears fell to 3-3 and 2-2 in league action.

The game began with Livingstone drawing first blood. After a methodical five-play, 44-yard drive, quarterback Elijah Alexander punched in a one-yard touchdown run with 2:52 remaining in the opening quarter. Jason Zapata's extra point gave the Blue Bears a 7-0 advantage.

Fayetteville State answered before the quarter ended. Following a 37-yard completion from Demari Daniels to Kristian Golden that moved the ball to the Livingstone 28, running back Bryce Council capped a six-play, 65-yard march with a four-yard touchdown run with 37 seconds left in the first. John Hernandez-Vargas converted the kick to level the score at 7-7.

The Broncos took their first lead early in the second quarter after capitalizing on a blocked punt. Kadynce Watson blocked Isaac Gallagher's kick at the Livingstone 18, and Brian Seagraves recovered at the Blue Bears' 37. Five plays later, Caden Davis connected with Kavase Towns on a five-yard touchdown pass at the 11:43 mark, putting Fayetteville State ahead 14-7.

With five seconds remaining before halftime, the Broncos extended their lead following a 10-play, 56-yard drive. Daniels found Golden on an eight-yard touchdown strike, and Hernandez-Vargas added the point-after to make it 21-7 at the break.

Fayetteville State opened the second half with a nine-play, 64-yard scoring drive that consumed more than four minutes. Daniels converted a critical fourth-and-three situation with a 23-yard scramble to the Livingstone six-yard line. Two plays later, Wilson Kargbo Jr. hit Braylon Vinson for an 11-yard touchdown pass. Hernandez-Vargas' kick pushed the margin to 28-7 with 10:26 left in the third quarter.

The Broncos scored again just 63 seconds later. Defensive end Aaron Johnson sacked Alexander on third-and-10, forcing a fumble that cornerback Shawn Robinson recovered at the Livingstone 12. On the next snap, Vinson took a handoff 12 yards for a touchdown, stretching the lead to 35-7 at the 9:23 mark.

Livingstone responded immediately with its most explosive sequence of the afternoon. Running back Javen Parker broke free for a 53-yard run to the Fayetteville State 22 on first down. Backup quarterback Alfredo Sotelo then connected with Tavion Jackson for a 21-yard completion to the one-yard line, and Caleb Stokes finished the three-play, 75-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown plunge. Zapata's extra point cut the deficit to 35-14 with 7:43 remaining in the third.

Fayetteville State added a 21-yard field goal from Hernandez-Vargas early in the fourth quarter following an eight-play, 31-yard drive to close out the scoring at 38-14.

Daniels completed 11 of 20 passes for 114 yards and one touchdown while rushing 11 times for 53 yards. Council carried the ball 14 times for 46 yards and a score. Vinson finished with 44 yards and a touchdown on six rushing attempts and added one reception for 11 yards and another score. Golden led all receivers with four catches for 62 yards and a touchdown.

The Broncos controlled the line of scrimmage throughout the contest, racking up seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Kaydin Thomas recorded two sacks and two tackles for loss, while Johnson added two sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss. Keyshawn Monk contributed six tackles and an interception. Ryan Debow recovered a muffed punt in the fourth quarter, and Robinson's fumble recovery set up a touchdown in the third.

Fayetteville State held Livingstone to 206 total yards—65 rushing and 141 passing. The Broncos won the turnover battle 3-0, forced the Blue Bears into 14 third-down attempts and allowed just two conversions, and went a perfect six-for-six in the red zone with five touchdowns and one field goal.

Parker led Livingstone with 91 yards on 13 carries, including the 53-yard burst in the third quarter. Alexander completed six of 14 passes for 106 yards but was sacked five times and threw one interception. Sotelo came on in relief and went two-for-eight for 35 yards. Jackson caught three passes for 52 yards, and Davyn Reid added three receptions for 50 yards.

Defensively, Kenyon Garner paced the Blue Bears with seven tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Kevin Larkins Jr. recorded eight tackles, while Malachi Adkins and Zavion Lloyd each finished with seven. Jayden Reeder added three tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss and one sack.

Fayetteville State outgained Livingstone 294-206 and held a decisive 156-65 edge in rushing yards. The Broncos converted four of 14 third-down opportunities and controlled possession for 33:56 compared to 26:04 for the Blue Bears. Fayetteville State also averaged 4.3 yards per play to Livingstone's 3.6.

The game featured a halftime ceremony honoring former Fayetteville State standout Joshua Williams, who now plays cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs. The university retired his jersey in recognition of his contributions to the program.

Fayetteville State will enjoy a bye week before traveling to face Shaw at 1 p.m. on October 25 at Durham County Stadium. Livingstone returns to action next Saturday, October 18, when it hosts Winston-Salem State at 1 p.m.

Top Performers

Fayetteville State:

• Demari Daniels: 11-of-20 passing, 114 yards, 1 TD; 11 rushes, 53 yards
• Kristian Golden: 4 receptions, 62 yards, 1 TD
• Bryce Council: 14 rushes, 46 yards, 1 TD
• Braylon Vinson: 6 rushes, 44 yards, 1 TD; 1 reception, 11 yards, 1 TD
• Kaydin Thomas: 2 sacks, 2 TFLs
• Aaron Johnson: 2 sacks, 2 TFLs, 1 forced fumble

Livingstone:

Javen Parker: 13 rushes, 91 yards

Elijah Alexander: 6-of-14 passing, 106 yards; 1 rushing TD

Tavion Jackson: 3 receptions, 52 yards

Kenyon Garner: 7 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks

Kevin Larkins Jr.: 8 tackles