Sights and Sounds From NC State's Week 3 Win

On the latest episode of the NC State Insider Podcast, we try to recap everything you might've missed at home from inside Allegacy Stadium.

Sep 11, 2025; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack running back Hollywood Smothers (3) runs the ball in the first half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Luke Jamroz-Imagn Images | Luke Jamroz-Imagn Images

North Carolina State moved to 3-0 with a 34-24 win over Wake Forest on Thursday night. The Wolfpack went into Winston-Salem and survived an early blitz by the Demon Deacons, who shot out to a 14-0 lead before NC State head coach Dave Doeren could blink.

NC State rode the sophomore duo of quarterback CJ Bailey and running back Hollywood Smothers offensively. The defense started slow once again, but held Wake Forest scoreless in the second half of the game.

On the latest episode of the NC State Insider Podcast, we look at some of the sights and sounds you might have missed if you were watching the game at home.

Watch the episode here

Here is a partial transcript of Doeren's postgame availability:

On the effort of the defense throughout the game

• Doeren: "Defensively, two halves. I mean, what a great second half. Held them to like 30 yards and we stopped them every time they were on the field. Second-half shutout. Two great interceptions and I loved Isaiah Shirley's play. Such a key play, key moment in the game."

On the team's ability to come back from down double digits

• Doeren: "There's a lot that goes into that. It's the whole offseason. It's how hard these guys work, how much chaos we put them in. We tested them. I told them when they got back, it's going to be the hardest thing they've been through and it's going to make them the closest team they can be if they fight through it all. And they did."

• "... We knew we needed to come together and that was the thing last year's team didn't do. So, that was a major part of what I wanted during the offseason was to create that chemistry. Winning helps."

On winning on the road against Wake Forest

• Doeren: "Look, man, I love winning. To quote Bull Durham, 'It's like better than losing.' It's a great feeling. It's what we do this for. You don't go out there to lose games. It's all about winning ... And so our goal is to be undefeated. Every week, it's one game at a time."

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