BERKELEY, CA – NC State quarterback CJ Bailey connected with Hollywood Smothers on a 41-yard touchdown strike with 6:32 remaining, completing a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback as the Wolfpack defeated Cal 24-23 on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
The Golden Bears (3-4) controlled much of the game and built a 23-10 lead entering the fourth quarter behind Jaivian Thomas's two rushing touchdowns, including a 49-yard burst in the opening minutes. But NC State (4-4) mounted a resilient comeback, scoring twice in the final period to secure their first conference victory of the season.
Bailey, who finished 25-of-36 for 306 yards and two touchdowns, orchestrated two crucial scoring drives in the fourth quarter. The first ended with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Dacari Collins, cutting Cal's lead to 23-17. After the Wolfpack defense forced a three-and-out, Bailey led a seven-play, 80-yard drive culminating in the game-winning throw to Smothers.
Smothers contributed on both the ground and through the air, rushing for 25 yards and adding 87 receiving yards. Justin Joly made several crucial catches, finishing with four receptions for 95 yards.
Cal's defense dominated the line of scrimmage for much of the afternoon, recording six sacks and holding NC State to just 29 yards rushing on 30 attempts. Linebacker Teddye Buchanan led all defenders with 15 tackles, including two for loss.
Thomas paced the Cal offense with 78 yards rushing and two scores, while quarterback Fernando Mendoza completed 30 of 42 passes for 282 yards, with Jack Endries catching nine passes for 101 yards.
The Golden Bears had one final opportunity to win, but Derek Morris's 28-yard field goal attempt with 1:37 remaining missed, sealing NC State's victory. The comeback marked the Wolfpack's largest fourth-quarter rally since October 6, 2012, when they overcame a 13-point deficit to defeat No. 3 Florida State.
NC State enters its bye week before hosting Stanford on November 2, while Cal continues conference play next weekend.
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