With both teams entering the contest on losing skids, one was bound to come to an end. NC State played like a team hungry for a win and looking to end their losing streak and successfully did so, defeating Florida State 38-22 Saturday night in Carter-Finley Stadium. With the win, NC State improves to 5-3 overall (5-3 ACC), while the Seminoles fall to 2-6, 1-6 ACC.
Inside The Numbers
NC State receiver Thayer Thomas had a career night – ending with 11 receptions for 135 yards (both career highs) and two touchdowns. Quarterback Bailey Hockman followed an impressive performance last week with another solid outing, finishing 24-34 for 265 yards and three touchdowns. Leading rusher Zonovan Knight fell just short of 100 yards with 94 yards on 17 carries.
The Seminoles’ starting quarterback true freshman Chubba Purdy ended the night with 181 yards passing with two scoring passes. Jashaun Corbin led FSU in the running game with 77 yards on 14 carries. Receiver Ontaria Wilson crossed the 100-yard plateau with 117 yards on seven receptions.
First Quarter
NC State struck first as Bailey Hockman found Emeka Emezie from 21 yards out, putting the Wolfpack up early 7-0. FSU would go three and out on their opening drive. State would follow their score driving down the field, but coming up short on a 4th and short situation. The Wolfpack defense would return the favor as they stopped the Seminoles on 4th and short to end the quarter.
Second Quarter
Hockman put the Wolfpack up two scores finding Thayer Thomas from 10 yards out, cashing in on the short field after the 4th down stop. Florida State would finally erase the zero off the board with a 48-yard field goal from Parker Grothaus – making the score 14-3 in favor of the Wolfpack. NC State would add to their lead just before the half when Hockman scored on a read play from four yards out to go ahead 21-3 with 1:32 left before the break.
Third Quarter
FSU started the quarter with a punt, setting up NC State in good field position. The Wolfpack took advantage, going 50 yards in seven plays. Zonovan “Bam” Knight scored from 18 yards, out making the score 28-3 at the 10:34 mark in the third quarter. The Seminoles took the ensuing drive 65 yards, converting three fourth-down conversions to trim the NC State lead to 28-9. Jashaun Corbin walked in the endzone from 28 yards out. The two-point conversion was no good with 5:14 left in the period.
The FSU defense forced a quick three and out from the Wolfpack offense, but they a muffed punt that was recovered by NC State. Hockman made the Seminoles pay, finding Thomas yet again for another score. The 24-yard touchdown pass pushed the State lead to 35-9 with 2:09 left in the third.
Fourth Quarter
Chubba Purdy stepped up in the pocket finding a wide open Ontaria Wilson for a 69-yard touchdown with 9:54 left – making the score 35-16 in favor of NC State. The drive was set up after an amazing interception by Jarvis Brownlee Jr in the endzone. The Wolfpack answered with a 32-yard field goal from Chris Dunn with 4:28 remaining. Purdy drove the Seminoles down the field with two impressive keepers, completing the drive with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Warren Thompson with 1:41 left.