NC State Stuns Florida State with 21-11 Victory
Recap of Florida State vs NC State (11-21). Game highlights, key performances, and analysis.
NC State Stuns Florida State with 21-11 Victory
**Game Result Overview**
NC State pulled off a surprising victory over Florida State, with a final score of 21-11. The Wolfpack's defense proved to be a formidable force, while their offense capitalized on key opportunities. Florida State, despite a valiant effort, struggled to find consistent rhythm and ultimately fell short on the road.
**Key Individual Performances**
NC State's CJ Bailey led the Wolfpack's passing attack, completing 18 of 25 passes for 152 yards and two touchdowns. On the ground, Daylan Smothers was a workhorse for NC State, rushing for 84 yards on 21 carries. Justin Joly was Bailey's favorite target, amassing 66 receiving yards and a touchdown on 5 receptions. Defensively, Caden Fordham was a tackling machine for NC State, recording an impressive 15 tackles.
For Florida State, Thomas Castellanos threw for 172 yards, completing 15 of 29 passes and throwing one touchdown. Gavin Sawchuk and Roydell Williams combined for 67 rushing yards for the Seminoles. Duce Robinson led Florida State's receiving corps, hauling in 4 catches for 74 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, Stefon Thompson made his presence felt with 9 tackles and a sack.
**Turning Points**
The game saw several pivotal moments that swung the momentum in NC State's favor. In the first quarter, a pass from CJ Bailey resulted in a 7-yard loss, setting the tone for the Wolfpack's defensive strategy. The second quarter saw a missed field goal by Florida State's J. Weinberg from 35 yards, and a field goal by the same kicker from 46 yards. A sack of CJ Bailey for a loss of 2 yards by Stefon Thompson in the second quarter was a key defensive play for the Seminoles. In the fourth quarter, a 34-yard completion from Thomas Castellanos to Duce Robinson brought Florida State deep into NC State territory. However, NC State's defense stiffened. Another key play in the fourth quarter was a 31-yard pass from Castellanos to Jayvan Boggs, which set up the Seminoles' offense. NC State's defense, however, made several crucial stops, including two sacks on CJ Bailey for losses of 11 and 10 yards, respectively, to maintain their lead.
**Looking Ahead**
NC State's victory over Florida State is a significant statement, showcasing their potential in the conference. The Wolfpack will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming games. Florida State, on the other hand, will need to regroup and address their offensive inconsistencies. The Seminoles will aim to bounce back in their next contest, focusing on improving their execution and minimizing costly mistakes.