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NC State

Instant observations: NC State survives to beat ECU in season opener

image_6483441 (3)by: Noah Fleischman08/29/25fleischman_noah
CJ Bailey
Aug 28, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey (11) prepares to throw the ball during the first half of the game against East Carolina Pirates at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

It came down to one play. NC State was on its heels after East Carolina drove 61 yards after the Wolfpack's second missed field goal of the night, but it was able to keep its cool on 4th-and-1. ECU quarterback Katin Houser connected with Desirrio Riles, who needed to turn up field, but NC State graduate cornerback Jamel Johnson was able to wrap him up and force a turnover on downs. That critical stop single-handedly allowed the Wolfpack to escape with a 24-17 win over the Pirates on Thursday night at Carter-Finley Stadium. Sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey was 24-for-34 passing for 318 yards, two total touchdowns and an interception. Redshirt sophomore running back Hollywood Smothers led the rushing attack with 22 attempts for 76 yards and a score, while senior wideout Wesley Grimes logged a career-best 121 yards with a touchdown on four receptions. Here are three observations from the Wolfpack’s win over the Pirates.