South Raleigh News

Despite leading 29-23 with just over a minute left in the game, NC State fell to Georgia Tech 30-29 on Saturday night. The Wolfpack overcame three interceptions and a nine-point deficit, with Hollywood Smothers scoring a 53-yard touchdown run to give them their first lead late in the fourth quarter.

However, Georgia Tech responded with quarterback Aaron Philo rushing for an 18-yard touchdown, which secured their victory. In a final attempt to reclaim the lead, NC State's Colin Smith attempted a 58-yard field goal that narrowly missed as time expired.

Turnovers were costly for NC State, as Georgia Tech capitalized on three interceptions, converting them into 14 points. The Yellow Jackets had only recorded three interceptions all season before this game. Their defensive efforts included a pick-six early in the game and another interception in the fourth quarter that positioned them on the three-yard line.

NC State's quarterback CJ Bailey rushed eight times for 83 yards and scored three touchdowns. This performance marked him as the first Wolfpack player to achieve three rushing touchdowns in a game since Reggie Gallaspy in 2018. Bailey also became the first Wolfpack quarterback since Russell Wilson in 2010 to rush for three touchdowns.

Georgia Tech initially took a 7-0 lead through an interception returned for a touchdown. NC State evened the score later in the first quarter with Bailey's 16-yard rushing touchdown. The Yellow Jackets maintained their advantage through field goals, taking a 13-7 lead into halftime and extending it to nine points by late third quarter.

Aidan Birr, Georgia Tech's kicker, improved his record significantly by hitting more than two of seven attempts from beyond 40 yards this season during this game alone.

In response to Georgia Tech's efforts, NC State managed a seven-play drive covering 75 yards that brought them within two points after another Bailey rushing touchdown. However, turnovers continued to be an issue for NC State as they failed to capitalize on opportunities due to another interception shortly after recovering one themselves.

Looking ahead, NC State will conclude their regular season against North Carolina on November 30th at Chapel Hill, seeking bowl eligibility with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m., broadcasted on ACC Network.