Mario Cristobal's Honest Thoughts on NC State

RALEIGH — NC State is looking for its second straight win over a ranked opponent, with a road trip to face No. 16 Miami on deck for the Wolfpack.

The Hurricanes sit at 7-2 and are clinging to hopes of playing in the College Football Playoff, despite suffering two conference losses over the last month. Head coach Mario Cristobal and Miami bounced back with a 38-10 win over Syracuse without some key pieces. Cristobal is well aware of the challenges NC State presents compared to what his team faced last week.

The head coach discussed the upcoming matchup and what he expects from NC State in Saturday's tilt at Hard Rock Stadium.

Cristobal's Thoughts on the Matchup

Oct 17, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal works with his players before the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

On NC State's offense

"Really explosive. They're a top-5 team in plays of 50 yards or more, top-10 in every other explosive play. It starts with their quarterback (CJ Bailey), but it certainly doesn't end there. Just really dynamic. We know him. Certainly a local product that has developed into a great player. Can do it with his arm, extremely accurate. Can do it with his feet."

"Both running backs... You thought when (Hollywood) Smothers went down, people maybe feared they might drop off a little bit, he averaged seven yards a carry... And in comes (Duke) Scott and they played an unbelievable game against Georgia Tech. Just really dominant offensive football."

Miami head coach Mario Cristobal on NC State quarterback and South Florida native CJ Bailey:

“We know him. Certainly a local product that has developed into a great player.” pic.twitter.com/t4boimWeeO
— Tucker Sennett (@SennettTucker) November 11, 2025

"It's complemented by playmakers outside. They can flat-out go. A lot of 21.5, 22 mph guys. Then, a big, nasty, physical offensive line, especially at the tight end position. It was really important for our edge guys to watch and see how physical they are, running power, counter, as a second puller, as the insert fitter... They do damage in both the run game and the pass game."

On NC State's defense

NC State defens — Oct 4, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; NC State Wolfpack defensive end Sabastian Harsh (54) and linebacker Jr. Kenny Soares (33) celebrate a tackle during the first half of the game against Campbell Fighting Camels at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images | Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

"Just watch the first play of their last game, how physical they were in setting the edge really set the tone for the rest of the game. You always want to see what the line of scrimmage looks like on plays one and then 70, 80. They are relentless up front and complemented by a really good back end as well."

"We've played against them. Different scheme, but the same mentality, same culture, same type of players. They're playing as good of football this team of year as you can play."

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