Social Media Erupts After NC State Gets Crushed by Pitt

The NC State Wolfpack took on the Pittsburgh Panthers in Week 9 action, looking to get back into the win column. However, things didn't go according to plan, and social media made it known.

Oct 25, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack tight end Justin Joly (7) celebrates with running back Hollywood Smothers (3) after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The NC State Wolfpack went to battle in Week 9 against the Pittsburgh Panthers, as the Wolfpack looked to get back into the win column. Head coach Dave Doeren's team had its work cut out for it, as this game wouldn't be a walk in the park.

Coach Doeren knew the Panthers' rush defense would be an area that the Wolfpack would have to find ways to create success with. Ahead of the game, Coach Doeren gave his thoughts on just that.

• "Well, they're dedicated. There's bodies in there. It starts with numbers. Offensive football, defensive football is about math. We got seven blockers, they got eight defenders, there's going to be a guy there that the running back has to take care of in the run game."

Oct 4, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; NC State Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren with his team prepare to run out prior to the first half of the game against Campbell Fighting Camels at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images | Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

Social Media Reacts:

The Wolfpack fell behind early to Pittsburgh, as the NC State defense couldn't hold the Panthers out of the end zone on the first drive of the game. Their second drive of the game ended with a field goal, giving Pittsburgh a 10-0 lead early in the game.

We are getting out coached and out played. AKA another football Saturday for NC State

— Shift Mechanic (@shiftmechanic) October 25, 2025

And while falling behind early wasn't ideal, quarterback CJ Bailey and the rest of the Wolfpack offense made their third drive of the game count after having to punt the ball on their first two drives. In six plays and 74 yards, Bailey found TE Justin Joly for a touchdown, cutting the Panthers' lead to 10-7.

Bailey to Joly for a TD. That was a massive drive for the Wolfpack.

— Rob McLamb (@RobMcLamb) October 25, 2025

Pitt went up 10-0 and just let NC State go right down the field to cut it to a 3 point game 🤦🏻‍♂️

Need Pitt to keep foot down PLEASE

— Josh Wiesel (@Jwiesel13) October 25, 2025

But going into the second quarter, Pitt put up another touchdown, as the NC State defense again proved to have holes in it. The extra point was good, pushing the Panthers up 17-7 with much more football left to be played.

But it was running back Hollywood Smothers who made sure NC State stayed competitive, rushing for a 65-yard touchdown, getting the Wolfpack within three again, 17-14 Pitt.

Hollywood Smothers is a monster. Cannot let him individually beat you.

— Nate (@nate_in_pa) October 25, 2025

HOLLYWOOD SMOTHERS BEST HB IN THE NATION TO THE HOUSE

— r (@Ja7lenBrown) October 25, 2025

Hollywood Smothers pic.twitter.com/LUjvjm2XZA

— Abdul Malik Abu(rner) (@abus_burner) October 25, 2025

Pitt scored two more touchdowns before halftime, and NC State would add one more touchdown before the half, going into halftime with the score of 31-21 Panthers. To begin the third quarter, Pitt added on three more, making it 34-21 Pitt.

This NC State defense is as bad as one as I have ever seen there. Absolutely no resistance whatsoever

— Mark Yarbro (@MarkYarbro) October 25, 2025

And just when the Wolfpack went three and out once more, Pitt found itself back in the end zone, pushing the score to 40-22 after a two-point play was unsuccessful.

Pitt slicing and dicing NC State today.

— Scott Armstrong (@SemperHokie) October 25, 2025

Annnnnnd that’s enough NC State football for me this weekend

— Rick Dance (@jonkhunt) October 25, 2025

Bailey lost his grip of the football, resulting in a Panthers recovery. Things just went from bad to worse for NC State.

Nc state sucks at football.

— Michael Scanlan (@MiScan5000) October 25, 2025

Oh look, a positive play by NC State! CJ Bailey rushes for a first down ... oh nvm fumble and Pitt recovers.

The Panthers are already in NC State territory.

— Cory Smith (@RCorySmith) October 25, 2025

The Wolfpack's horrible game finally came to a close with NC State taking the loss, 53-34.

Leave Dave Doeren in Pittsburgh. This is pathetic. I’m embarrassed to be an NC State fan.

— Barrett Johnson (@BGJohnson) October 25, 2025

Want more NC State football content during the 2025 season? Follow on X (Twitter) @WolfpackOnSI and @SennettTucker for regular episodes of the NC State Insider Podcast. Want to reach out with questions about the Wolfpack? Send an email to wolfpackonsi@gmail.com to potentially be featured on mailbag stories in the future.