Image courtesy of IBD Photography
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Final Score – NC State 34 Wake Forest 24
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Sept. 11, 2025
One of the South’s oldest rivalries added another chapter Saturday as NC State (3-0, 1-0) and Wake Forest (2-1, 0-1) met for the 119th time. The Wolfpack and Demon Deacons, who first faced off in 1895, entered the game having split their last 10 matchups in a series rich with tradition and history. This meeting was the tale of 2 halves for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. The Deacons carried a 24-17 lead into the half however, were held scoreless in the 2nd half.
Wake Forest wasted no time in the 119th meeting, as redshirt freshman Chris Barnes returned the opening kickoff 98 yards to give the Demon Deacons a quick 7-0 lead. NC State’s first possession crossed midfield, but the drive stalled after a third-down screen, forcing the game’s first punt.
Wake Forest started their next drive at their own 7-yard line and quickly extended their lead. The Demon Deacons covered 93 yards on a seven-play drive, capped by a Demond Claiborne rushing touchdown. A 70-yard reception from Chris Barnes set up the score, giving Wake Forest a 14-0 advantage.
NC State responded late in the opening quarter, putting together their first scoring drive of the game. With 2:35 remaining, C.J. Bailey connected with Justin Joly on a 5-yard touchdown pass on 4th-and-1. It was Joly’s first touchdown of the season, and the Wolfpack’s balanced mix of runs and passes helped them cover 75 yards to cut the deficit to 14-7.
The Wolfpack struck again moments later as Isiah Shirley returned a Robbie Ashford interception 41 yards for a touchdown, tying the game at 14-14 with 1:19 left in the first quarter. The pick-six marked the second major momentum swing of the game.
Wake Forest came out strong to start the second quarter, quickly regaining the lead. Robbie Ashford scored on a 1-yard touchdown run, giving the Demon Deacons a 21-14 advantage and swinging momentum back in their favor. The drive covered 75 yards over nine plays and 4:07 of game time. Wake Forest added a field goal later in the quarter to extend their lead to 24-14. The touchdown marked the team’s third scoring drive of the first half, complementing the opening kickoff return for a touchdown.
Both teams came out of the locker room trading punts until 6:22 remained in the third quarter, when C.J. Bailey found Justin Joly for his second touchdown of the evening. The 4-yard catch tied the game at 24. Wake Forest responded with their fourth punt of the half, a possession that would prove costly as the game shifted toward the fourth quarter.
NC State regained the lead with 12:37 remaining in the fourth quarter as C.J. Bailey threw his third touchdown pass of the night, connecting with sophomore Kennan Jackson on a 5-play, 70-yard drive. The score gave the Wolfpack their first lead of the game, 31-24.
After another Wake Forest punt, NC State extended their lead with a 37-yard field goal from Kanoah Vinesett, making it 34-24. The scoring drive covered 31 yards and consumed 5:31 off the clock.
The story of the night was the Wake Forest offense failing to score in the second half after putting up 24 points in the first half. The defense for the Deacons just could not overcome the ineffective offense. The Demon Deacons will look to rebound against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets coming off a bye week. The Deacons return to Allegacy Stadium of September 27th.
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