Social Media Reacts After NC State Falls to Notre Dame

After a statement win a week ago over an FCS program in Campbell, NC State hoped it could take that momentum into South Bend and upset the Fighting Irish. Didn't pan out that way as NC State suffered a blowout loss to the Fighting Irish.

Oct 11, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; NC State Wolfpack running back Hollywood Smothers (3) tries to break a tackle attempt by Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Joshua Burnham (40) during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images | Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

Everything that comes up must come down, and that's exactly what happened to the NC State football team in South Bend. After beating an FCS team in the Campbell Fighting Camels a week ago, 56-10, the Wolfpack hoped to take the momentum gained from the blowout on the road against No. 16 Notre Dame.

Reality struck NC State as the Fighting Irish pulled away in the second half, securing their fourth straight win after beating the Wolfpack, 36-7. It's not an easy task to march into South Bend and steal one from Notre Dame, but fans in Raleigh would've loved to see a closer final score.

The Wolfpack put up a fight in the first-half, going into halftime being down 10-7, but after three CJ Bailey interceptions and missed opportunities, Reality seeped into the hearts of NC State players and fans alike. A third loss on the season was incoming.

Oct 11, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; NC State Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey (11) throws a pass against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images | Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

NC State's offense couldn't get anything going the entire day -- running back Hollywood Smothers rushed for 46 total yards. A week ago, he went for 123 on four carries. Bailey couldn't find a real rhythm the entirety of the second half, hence the team finished with seven points.

Here are some of the best social media reactions on the game.

Catch? Dropped pass? Is it completed? It's hard to fully tell what a catch is nowadays, but fans certainly knew what this should've been ruled

CJ Bailey found Terrell Anderson on a third-down late in the second quarter and the play, initially, was ruled a catch. The referrers went to an official review on the play, and determined the catch was completed.

Clearly fans didn't agree.

This was called a CATCH for NC State.

This is one of the worst calls I have ever seen.

Notre Dame fans give some of the loudest boos to the refs as they leave the field for halftime. pic.twitter.com/0PMS64OLk9

— Caleb Conrad (@CalebConrad23) October 11, 2025

This is a catch according to the refs in the NC State—Notre Dame game ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/KTBySW5Oss

— Mike Singer (@MikeTSinger) October 11, 2025

Anderson doesn't seem to maintain control through the ground, which is needed for a catch to be ruled a catch. It was an interesting call, and some fans hope they never have to see these referees ever again.

The Notre Dame/NC State refs should be fired. They have no right to call D1 football. Some of the worst calls I have seen in a long time.

— chri (@chri_hin) October 11, 2025

No. 1 receiver making plays again

Anderson has solidified himself as the No. 1 receiver for the Wolfpack over the past couple of weeks and against Notre Dame, he did so again. He hauled in the only score for the Wolfpack off a double move, resulting in a 45-yard touchdown pass.

CJ Bailey and Terrell Anderson are a dynamic duo and two names to watch in 2027 👀 pic.twitter.com/Pbi7Y4VtQZ

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) October 11, 2025

Terrell Anderson is so good man

— Bj Hill Burner (@big_bruh1) October 11, 2025

Anderson later would miss the second half of the game, which could've played a factor in NC State not being able to move the ball effectively at all in the second half.

The seat keeps getting warmer

As the weeks go by, losses start to pile up. Fans are letting their voices be heard, advocating for head coach Dave Doeren to be fired. It's a tall task to beat Notre Dame on the road, but it's the way it happened that fans are upset about.

They want change.

Good first half, the team showed up. Thoroughly out coached 2H. Unsurprising 🥱

— Whom’st? (@RaleighFingers) October 11, 2025

pic.twitter.com/YBvrUj4zyy

— Jay Johnson (@CarolinianMan) October 11, 2025

Outlook

Another disappointing loss to add to a disappointing season for NC State. While the team sits at 4- 3, the three losses have all been disappointing in their own right. The team now enters a bye week to try and recalibrate before taking on Pittsburgh on Oct. 25.

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