Social Media Reacts to NC State's Week 2 Thrilling Victory

The NC State Wolfpack beat Virginia 35-31 in a rare non-conference battle between the two ACC opponents. Fans share their thoughts.

Sep 6, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack running back Hollywood Smothers (3) runs with the football to score a touchdown during the second half of the game against Virginia Cavaliers at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images | Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

NC State starts its season 2-0 after a shootout win over Virginia, 35-31 in Raleigh. It was a rare non-conference matchup between the two ACC programs, and there was plenty to enjoy in this one.

Dave Doeren improves to a perfect 4-0 against Virginia in his time as the Wolfpack's head coach. The past two matchups against the Cavaliers have been decided by 4 points, as the last matchup in 2023 final score was 24-21.

Sep 6, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey (11) prepares to throw the football during the first half of the game against Virginia Cavaliers at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images | Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

Graduate edge rusher Cian Slone saved the day, intercepting Virginia's Chandler Morris in the endzone to seal the deal for the Wolfpack. NC State's defense struggled all day to stop the Cavaliers, but it came up big at the end of the game and on a crucial fourth down in the middle of the fourth quarter.

Offensively, it was redshirt sophomore running back Hollywood Smothers' show in Carter-Finley Stadium. The young back finished the game with 17 carries for 140 yards and two scores. Virginia had no answers for the rushing attack overall for the Wolfpack, as they totaled 216 on the day.

Sep 6, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack safety Brody Barnhardt (29) sacks Virginia Cavaliers running back J'Mari Taylor (3) during the second half of the game at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images | Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

Sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey had another strong performance in the early season. Bailey went 16-for-23, 200 yards and one touchdown, adding 44 yards on the ground with two scores.

There were some bumps in the road to get to the win, but it's a tough, gritty win over an ACC opponent. Something Doeren is used to from his program.

Social Media Reacts

Cian Slone Interception

Virginia quickly drove down the field into NC State territory on its last drive of the game. The drive started on the Cavaliers' own 19, and in three quick plays, they crossed midfield into Wolfapck territory.

It was looking dire until Slone became the hero in a matter of moments. He intercepted Morris, and Carter-Finley burst in celebration.

Cian Slone. Dude makes plays, unreal

— Tucker Blankinship (@TuckerBlanc) September 6, 2025

Cian Slone is a DAWG!

— Tim Buckey (@Buckey_4) September 6, 2025

Cian Slone I love you

— Duke Scott Burner (@DukeScottBurner) September 6, 2025

Hollywood Smothers performance

Smothers dominated all day long. He averaged 8.2 yards a carry, earning extra yardage every time he carried the ball by making defenders miss. It was truly a Hollywood blockbuster every time he touched the ball.

N.C. State RB Hollywood Smothers vs Virginia:

🐺 17 ATT
🐺 139 YDS
🐺 2 TDS@PackFootball pic.twitter.com/lxpczlvJfk

— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 6, 2025

Hollywood smothers might be the best rb in the nation

— David Vogt (@DavidVogt00) September 6, 2025

hollywood Smothers. NFL back.

— Coach Purp (@26StreetPurp) September 6, 2025

HOLY SKOKES HOLLYWOOD SMOTHERS

— blessed n based (@2090babyV) September 6, 2025

CJ Bailey Continues to Build

Bailey threw for 300-yards in the season opener against the Pirates, and in some ways looked even better in the win over Virginia. He only threw for 200 yards, but some of the throws he completed looked NFL-esque.

CJ Bailey is the truth, man pic.twitter.com/kxG0y9hGqj

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) September 6, 2025

NC State fans realizing they have a real QB talent in CJ Bailey pic.twitter.com/QtIjao1gIH

— Fauxzuna From The Braves (@seniorzapo) September 6, 2025

Lowk CJ Bailey on the agenda. Visor QB, smart decision maker n electric. pic.twitter.com/qcV5cyvqmf

— 🥭 (@Brandonwonuh) September 6, 2025

Panic after the first half

Like any fanbase, the Wolfpack were ready to light the torches after NC State was down 24-14 at halftime. The defense couldn't stop the Cavaliers in any way, and it wasn't looking promising going into the half.

Fans took to X to voice their opinions

Might be the beginning of the end of the Dave Doeren era today. Boos in CF at half. Defense looks terrible and the little things just aren’t being done right. Clock management is bad after Year 13. Sooner or later the guy at the top has to be blamed.

— Markell Johnson Burner (@MJB_18990) September 6, 2025

Dave Doeren coaches like someone who is terrified. His clock managment and the aggression of the play calling are as conservative as he can possibly make them. Beyond the performance of the team I just despise his approach to coaching

— Robert Dalton (@RobertDalton02) September 6, 2025

I've been on the fence, but I've seen enough.

Dave Doeren is done.

— GhostofHerbSendek (@GhostHerbSendek) September 6, 2025

Regardless of the start, it's how a team finishes and NC State finished like a team in the win. Bailey, Smothers, Slone and graduate defensive end Sabastian Harsh all built off their impressive performances from week one.

The Pack will be tested on the road for the first time this season against Wake Forest.

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