NC State Takes On Memphis: Gasparilla Bowl Live Thread

Follow along with the action on the Live Game Thread right here.

Dec 19, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; a view of the Gasparilla Bowl trophy before a game between the NC State Wolfpack and Memphis Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The final day of the 2025 NC State football season has arrived, as the Wolfpack is set to take on Memphis in the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa, Florida. After winning three of the last four games, the Wolfpack finished the season 7-5, earning a bid to a postseason bowl game.

Despite the turbulent season from an injury standpoint and some off-field tragedies, NC State found a way to persevere and still finished the season strongly. The Pack earned the right, at least according to head coach Dave Doeren, to take on the Memphis Tigers in Friday's Gasparilla Bowl.

The season finale.#1Pack1Goal pic.twitter.com/jux4loTKD3

— NC State Football (@PackFootball) December 19, 2025

Memphis enters the bout with an 8-4 record. The Tigers were firmly in the mix for a potential trip to the College Football Playoff, but lost their final three games. Their coach, Ryan Silverfield, bolted for the opening on Arkansas, leaving Reggie Howard to lead Memphis in the Gasparilla Bowl against the Wolfpack. The Tigers will attempt to extend a four-bowl win streak in Tampa.

NC State hasn't won a bowl since the 2017 Sun Bowl. While many programs around the country don't place the same emphasis on non-CFP bowl games anymore, the Wolfpack doesn't feel the same way. Follow along right here for updates throughout the Gasparilla Bowl and find out if the Pack can end that lengthy bowl drought.

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Live Game Thread

Nov 29, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; NC State Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey (11) prepares to throw the football during the first half of the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images | Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

PREGAME

The following NC State players were dressed during pregame warmups:

• Cornerback Devon Marshall
• Defensive lineman Brandon Cleveland
• Tight end Justin Joly
• Left tackle Jacarrius Peak

Running back Hollywood Smothers will not play after announcing his intention to enter the transfer portal. Redshirt freshman Duke Scott will start in his place for the first time since the Georgia Tech win.

NC State running back Hollywood Smothers showing his support for Duke Scott, who will fill in today as Smothers intends to enter the transfer portal.

Scott, a redshirt freshman, ran for 196 yards in the Wolfpack’s upset win over Georgia Tech when Smothers was hurt. https://t.co/eyrAMq7FtS

— Tucker Sennett (@SennettTucker) December 19, 2025

FIRST QUARTER

KICKOFF: NC State elects to receive.

SCORING UPDATE: Sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey finishes NC State's opening drive with a 14-yard touchdown rush. Kanoah Vinesett's PAT is good. NC State leads Memphis 7-0, 11:32 Q1.

PUNT: The Memphis offense got nothing going on its first drive. NC State takes over on its own 26.