In a college football matchup at Carter-Finley Stadium, North Carolina State claimed a 24-17 victory over Northern Illinois, with CJ Bailey showcasing his skills both on the ground and in the air. Bailey, a true freshman quarterback on his second start for the Wolfpack, contributed to the win by completing 13 of 20 passes for 108 yards. The game also saw a solid defensive effort from N.C. State, which forced Northern Illinois into four turnovers.
Antario Brown led the rushing attack for the Huskies, amassing 114 yards on 28 carries. Momentum shifted in favor of the Wolfpack early in the second quarter when safety DK Kaufman made a crucial play by creating a turnover and scoring a defensive touchdown. N.C. State’s defense further boosted their team in the third quarter when a fumble recovery led to a touchdown pass from Bailey to KC Concepcion, extending their lead.
As the game neared its end, Northern Illinois attempted to make a comeback, but a key interception by Corey Coley in the end zone sealed the victory for North Carolina State. The Wolfpack managed to play a balanced game, with a solid defense and efficient offense that capitalized on red zone opportunities.
Despite holding N.C. State to minimal offensive yards and third-down conversions, Northern Illinois struggled to capitalize on their defensive stops and committed crucial turnovers, leading to their second consecutive loss. The Huskies were unable to replicate the success of their earlier win over Notre Dame.
Looking ahead, North Carolina State is set to host Wake Forest in their next game, while Northern Illinois will face UMass in their upcoming matchup. After a tough loss to Clemson, this victory provided a much-needed bounce-back for the Wolfpack, closing out their non-conference schedule on a positive note.
