The Wolfpack (6-5, 3-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) achieved this victory behind a defense that allowed a touchdown and got a big performance from cornerback Devon Marshall with two interceptions and five pass deflections. The offense did its best work in a 15-play drive that lasted nearly 9 minutes, ending with Will Wilson driving down the left side for a 1-yard keeper and a 14-3 lead in the third quarter.
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But it was the Seminoles’ mistakes on special teams (5-6, 2-6) that stood out the most.
Trailing 14-11, they forced the Wolfpack to punt near midfield, only for Caden Noonkester’s onside kick to hit the helmet of FSU blocker KJ Kirkland, then bounce about 25 yards to Noonkester, who dove for the ball near the original line of scrimmage with 3:53 left.
FSU again forced a punt, only to see Squirrel White miss the sack and have it bounce directly toward NC State’s Tra Thomas with 2:21 left.
CJ Bailey followed with his second touchdown throw at the 12-yard line to Joly for a 21-11 lead.
Duce Robinson had a 9-yard touchdown reception from Tommy Castellanos midway through the quarter for FSU’s only touchdown.
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takeaway
FSU: That caps another tough year in the league. FSU is 3-13 in the ACC since the beginning of last year.
North Carolina State: The Wolfpack went from handing No. 15 Georgia Tech its only loss on Nov. 1 to losing badly at No. 14 Miami last week. NC State regrouped to beat FSU for the fourth straight time.
Next
FSU: The Seminoles visit in-state rival Florida on Nov. 21.
North Carolina State: Rival North Carolina visits the Wolfpack on November 29.
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