N.C. State faced a challenging matchup against No. 16 Notre Dame, culminating in a decisive 36-7 defeat on October 11, 2025, at Notre Dame Stadium. The game highlighted offensive struggles for the Wolfpack, which could not keep pace with the Irish after a competitive first half.
Game Overview
Both teams entered halftime with Notre Dame leading by just three points. The first half was marked by strong defensive plays, but the Irish gradually established dominance in the second half.
Offensive Struggles
- N.C. State’s offense recorded only 223 total yards, the lowest for the season.
- Quarterback CJ Bailey had a particularly rough game, completing 17 of 30 passes for 186 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions.
- Freshman quarterback Will Wilson displayed potential by converting crucial plays, achieving a first down on a fourth-and-1 situation.
Defensive Highlights
Despite the offensive shortcomings, N.C. State’s defense showed flashes of brilliance. Linebacker Caden Fordham and defensive back Ronnie Royal each recorded 10 tackles, showcasing their ability to disrupt plays.
Additionally, the Wolfpack forced two turnovers, including one interception by Asaad Brown in the end zone, which illustrated their resilience throughout the game.
Offensive Line Challenges
The Wolfpack’s offensive line struggled, allowing three sacks in the first half alone. This was a significant factor in limiting the offensive output, contributing to Bailey’s struggles. The absence of seasoned lineman Anthony Carter due to injury further exacerbated these issues.
Discipline and Penalties
- N.C. State committed five penalties during the game, totaling 60 yards lost.
- These infractions, particularly on the defensive side, extended crucial Notre Dame drives.
Turnover Battle
N.C. State’s ability to control turnovers has been a point of emphasis for head coach Dave Doeren. However, the Wolfpack was unable to secure a positive margin, ending the game with three turnovers. Their offense was outperformed by Notre Dame’s solid defense, which leads the nation in turnover margin.
As the Wolfpack reflects on this game, a crucial focus will be addressing both offensive execution and maintaining discipline to enhance performance in upcoming matches.
