Raleigh, NC
Sep 28, 2024
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In a hard-fought battle at Carter-Finley Stadium, NC State emerged victorious over Northern Illinois with a 24-17 win. True freshman quarterback CJ Bailey set the tone for the Wolfpack, opening the scoring with a 1-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter. Northern Illinois swiftly answered with a fumbled snap on a direct wildcat play that Brock Lampe recovered in the end zone, tying the game 7-7.
The second quarter saw decisive defensive action from NC State, as DK Kaufman's blitz on NIU quarterback Ethan Hampton resulted in a fumble, which Kaufman recovered and returned for a touchdown. The Wolfpack added a 37-yard field goal to widen their lead, but the Huskies kept it close with a late first-half score on a 6-yard touchdown pass from Hampton to Cam Thompson, narrowing the gap to 17-14. Although NIU's defense held NC State to 49 yards in the second half, the Wolfpack capitalized on another turnover to solidify their win in the third quarter with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Concepcion. A fourth-quarter 50-yard field goal by Kanon Woodill kept Northern Illinois in contention, but a late interception by NC State's Corey Coley sealed the game's outcome.
CJ Bailey (NC State)
Displaying poise under pressure, Bailey orchestrated a methodical 8-play, 64-yard drive finished by his 1-yard quarterback keeper, giving the Wolfpack an early advantage.
Brock Lampe (Northern Illinois)
Initially appearing as a disaster, the Huskies' direct snap play saw Brock Lampe pounce on Antario Brown's fumble in the end zone, keeping the score even at 7-7 after a chaotic sequence.
DK Kaufman (NC State)
Kaufman's aggressive third-down blitz led to a fumble recovery and 2-yard touchdown return, capitalizing on Northern Illinois' mistake and swinging momentum in NC State's favor.
Cam Thompson (Northern Illinois)
Thompson's precise 6-yard touchdown reception from Ethan Hampton halved NC State's lead just before the break, showcasing NIU's resilience.
Kevin Concepcion (NC State)
Following a turnover, Concepcion pulled in a 3-yard touchdown pass, capitalizing on field position from a fumble to stretch NC State's lead.
Kanon Woodill (Northern Illinois)
With Northern Illinois in need of points, Woodill's career-long 50-yard field goal provided a glimmer of hope, narrowing the deficit to one possession.
Corey Coley (NC State)
In a dramatic conclusion, Coley's interception in the end zone thwarted Northern Illinois' final comeback attempt, securing the victory for NC State.
CJ Bailey (NC State, QB)
Making only his second start, the freshman quarterback balanced the offense, completing 13 of 20 passes for 108 yards, while remaining turnover-free despite heavy pressure from NIU.
Antario Brown (Northern Illinois, RB)
Brown amassed 114 rushing yards on 28 carries, anchoring the Huskies' offensive efforts even as the team battled turnover woes.
DK Kaufman (NC State, DB)
Kaufman was instrumental defensively with a fumble return touchdown and additional tackles, showcasing disruptive blitzing that helped shift momentum.
Ethan Hampton (Northern Illinois, QB)
Hampton's passing kept NIU competitive, throwing for a touchdown and gaining 159 yards against a relentless NC State defensive front.
Corey Coley (NC State, DB)
Secured NC State's win with a game-ending interception in the end zone, capping a strong defensive outing for the Wolfpack.
Davin Vann (NC State, DL)
Vann was a key defensive presence with a sack, 3.5 tackles for loss, and forcing two fumbles, providing consistent pressure on NIU's quarterback.
Northern Illinois Huskies
7
7
0
3
17
NC State Wolfpack
7
10
7
0
24
