Wolfpack Tested, Escape Cal With Come From Behind Victory

© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The Wolfpack of NC State (4-4, 1-3 Atlantic Coast conference) traveled to do battle against the Cal Golden Bears (3-4, 0-4) on Oct. 19. In a first-ever matchup between the two programs both entered seeking their first conference win of the season. While both the Wolfpack and the Golden Bears have struggled in the college football season, they have been competitive in the conference. The Wolfpack were tested but escaped with a 24-23 victory against the Golden Bears of Cal.

What Happened in the Game?

Running back Jaivian Thomas highlighted the opening drive with a 49-yard touchdown run to give Cal an early 7-0 lead. After the Wolfpack made the score 7-3 after a 27-yard field goal by Kanoah Vinesett, the defenses took control. The Wolfpack caused a fumble from Thomas that cornerback Isaiah Crowell recovered and quickly turned it into a touchdown when receiver KC Concepcion ran the ball for a 2-yard score to make the score 10-7 Wolfpack. Cal would add two field goals of 41 and 26 yards to take the lead 13-10 at halftime.

In the second half, the Golden Bears added another field goal, off a fumble by receiver Noah Rogers and a touchdown to extend the lead to 23-10 after three quarters. The Wolfpack and quarterback CJ Bailey (25-of-36 for 306 yards 2 touchdowns) didn't lose their poise. Down by 13 points, Bailey drove the offense 75 yards for a touchdown in a drive highlighted by a 28-yard run by running back Hollywood Smothers and a 29-yard completion to receiver Justin Jolly. After the Wolfpack defense forced quarterback Fernando Mendoza (30-of-42 for 282 yards) to punt, Bailey led the Wolfpack 80 yards for the game-winning touchdown highlighted by Smothers catching a screen pass and running 41 yards for the touchdown.

Player of the Game

CJ Bailey, QB, NC State

Despite only being a freshman, Bailey is a leader on this offense. His playmakers believe in him and he has the composure to lead the team and not lose his cool despite being down 13 points in this game. He showed a solid arm to make a variety of throws and push the ball down the field, he averaged 8.5 yards per attempt in the game. He got the ball in his playmaker's hands and trusted them to make the plays.

What Does It Mean?

For the Wolfpack, it's a much-needed win in the conference. With injuries that have had their negative effects on the team, Bailey and Smothers give the Wolfpack and head coach Dave Doeren a solid nucleus of young players pairing with receiver KC Concepcion. The Wolfpack next play the Stanford Cardinal (2-4, 1-2) on Nov. 2.

© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

For the Golden Bears, despite the loss, they are proving to be fighters for the full 60-minutes. Their four losses have been by a combined 9 points. As they establish their identity, they will be a difficult team for any team. Mendoza is only a sophomore and has shown the football IQ to lead the offense. The Golden Bears next play the Oregon State Beavers on Oct. 26.