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Game balls from NC State’s win over Cal

image_6483441 (3)by:Noah Fleischman•10/19/24•

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Justin Joly
Oct 19, 2024; Berkeley, California, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack tight end Justin Joly (15) gestures after catching a pass against California Golden Bears defensive back Cam Sidney (20) during the second quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

NC State finally earned its first ACC win of the season with a 24-23 victory over Cal at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Pack started 0-3 in conference play before it took down the Bears in comeback fashion in the first-ever meeting between the two squads. 

TheWolfpacker.com is acknowledging those that sparked the Wolfpack in the victory with four game balls after NC State’s first ACC win of the season.

QB CJ Bailey: In a game full of adversity — down 13 points and was sacked six times — the freshman signal-caller excelled to lead a comeback win. Bailey was 25-of-36 passing for 306 yards with two touchdowns and he did not commit a turnover at Cal. Bailey earned a 159.2 passer rating, while he logged the Pack’s longest rush with a 10-yard carry. The quarterback was able to spread the ball around, connecting with eight different pass catchers, to keep the Wolfpack offense dynamic through the air. 

RB Hollywood Smothers: The Oklahoma transfer has been a walking explosive play since he returned to the lineup off a groin injury. Smothers logged 13 touches at Cal, where he had 112 total yards of offense and the would-be game-winning touchdown reception in the fourth quarter. The tailback logged a team-most six receptions for 87 yards and a score, while he added seven attempts for 25 yards — the team high in rushing yards. 

TE Justin Joly: NC State’s do-it-all tight end was effective against Cal’s defense. Joly  logged four receptions for 95 yards on six targets in the win. He helped set up a Dacari Collins touchdown reception in the fourth quarter to spark the comeback with a 31-yard grab to get to the 1-yard line. Joly has logged four catches in two of the Pack’s last two games, while he set a season-best in receiving yards against the Bears. 

CB Devon Marshall: Usually, when a defensive back leads a defense in tackles, that is not a great sign. But Marshall tied for the team most with eight tackles, while he added a crucial pass breakup in the fourth quarter. The Villanova transfer was effective when he was on the field at outside corner, which he battled through a minor injury he sustained in the game. Marshall filled in for sophomore corner Brandon Cisse, who has been battling an arm injury over the past few weeks. 

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