Clutch Wolfpack Defensive Tackle Reacts After Week 3 Win
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- North Carolina State moved to 3-0 in the 2025 season with a 34-24 win over in-state rival Wake Forest at Allegacy Stadium. The standalone Thursday night game started poorly for the Wolfpack, as the team conceded an opening kick return touchdown and went down 14-0.
First-year defensive coordinator DJ Eliot and his unit shut out the Demon Deacons in the second half. The unit came away with two key takeaways, including defensive tackle Isaiah Shirley's interception, which he returned for a 41-yard touchdown.
Shirley spoke to the media immediately following the win and impressive defensive performance.
Watch Shirley's Press Conference here
NC State head coach Dave Doeren also spoke following the win. Here is a partial transcript of his 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 to 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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Tucker Sennett graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Sports Journalism from the esteemed Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. A former basketball player, he has gained valuable experience working at Cronkite News and brings a deep passion for sports and reporting to his role as the NC State Wolfpack Beat Writer On SI.