NC State
5-4 , 2-3
Stanford
2-7 , 1-5
Pack Finds High Gear on Offense in Win Over Stanford
11/3/2024 1:05:00 PM | Football
During the bye week, one of the items on the self-scout list to improve was getting off to a better start in the first quarter. The Pack had been outscored 76-23 in the opening quarter.
Well, things couldn't have started any better for the Wolfpack in the 59-28 win over Stanford.
DK Kaufman took the opening kickoff 45 yards to set the table. The Pack offense covered the rest of a 55-yard scoring drive capped by Hollywood Smothers' first of two touchdowns
Kaufman had a day to remember in the return game that included a 91-yarder and a total of 164 yards in three attempts. That KOR total was the ninth highest in school history.Â
Stanford's opening offensive possession ended with another work-of-art from defensive end Davin Vann. His patented quarterback strip-sack forced a fumble that Sean Brown recovered at the 32. It was the captain's fifth forced fumble of the season, putting him into the national lead.
"That was something I was focused on during the offseason: being more ball-conscious," Vann said after the game. "Every time I can get around the ball - whether it's strip attempts, tipping the ball for picks, whatever the case may be -- being more ball-conscious when I'm around the ball."
After the Cardinal turnover, the short drive ended with Jordan Waters plowing over a defender at the goal line for his first of two touchdowns, giving the Pack a 14-0 lead.
Do you notice a trend here?
The Wolfpack offense continued its incredible success, scoring points on nine of its first nine possessions - including eight touchdowns.
"Today things clicked," head coach Dave Doeren said following the victory. "That's what efficiency looks like. That's what it looks like to stack plays and not beat yourself. When you have good players that can stay on the field and stay ahead of the chains, good things happen."
The two words that best describe the Pack's offensive effort are efficient and explosive.Â
You want efficient? How about quarterback CJ Bailey who continues to show why he is one of the best true freshmen players in the country.Â
Bailey was 18 of 20 (90%) for 234 yards and a season-high three touchdown passes. He completed his final 14 passes, including a scrambling score to Justin Joly, a perfectly-placed, back-shoulder TD to Keenan Jackson and a simple roll-out score to KC Concepcion.
"I love being around the talent we have on offense, period," Bailey said.
You want explosive? How about seven runs of 10 yards or more.Â
On back-to-back possessions in the third quarter, Smothers found a seam and space on his way to a 52-yard touchdown. Jordan Waters followed that up with a 94-yard house call. Jordan's run is the longest in the FBS this season and was the second-longest in school history.
Waters and Smothers hit the century mark with 115 and 100 yards rushing respectfully as the Pack piled up a season-high 281 yards on the ground.
It all added up to a 59-point outburst, the most NC State has ever scored in an ACC game.Â
Make it two wins in a row against newcomers to the ACC, Stanford and Cal. Next up, a familiar foe, Duke, who comes to Carter-Finley for a 3:30 kickoff on Senior Day.Â
See More from Jeff GravleyÂ
Team Stats
STN 0, NCS 7
NCS - Smothers,Hollywood 2 yd run (Smith,Collin kick), 9 plays, 55 yards, TOP 05:24
STN 0, NCS 14
NCS - Waters,Jordan 13 yd run (Smith,Collin kick), 4 plays, 32 yards, TOP 01:48
STN 7, NCS 14
STN - Daniels,Ashton 67 yd run (Kenney,Emmet kick), 5 plays, 70 yards, TOP 02:03
STN 7, NCS 17
NCS - Smith,Collin 23 yd field goal 6 plays, 65 yards, TOP 03:35
STN 14, NCS 17
STN - Lamson,Justin 3 yd run (Kenney,Emmet kick), 6 plays, 75 yards, TOP 03:00
STN 14, NCS 24
NCS - Joly,Justin 9 yd pass from Bailey,CJ (Smith,Collin kick) 11 plays, 75 yards, TOP 06:00
STN 14, NCS 31
NCS - Jackson,Keenan 8 yd pass from Bailey,CJ (Smith,Collin kick) 9 plays, 70 yards, TOP 03:09
STN 21, NCS 31
STN - Daniels,Ashton 48 yd run (Kenney,Emmet kick), 6 plays, 75 yards, TOP 03:38
STN 21, NCS 38
NCS - Concepcion,KC 9 yd run (Smith,Collin kick), 1 plays, 9 yards, TOP 00:06
STN 21, NCS 45
NCS - Smothers,Hollywood 52 yd run (Smith,Collin kick), 2 plays, 53 yards, TOP 00:55
STN 21, NCS 52
NCS - Waters,Jordan 94 yd run (Smith,Collin kick), 1 plays, 94 yards, TOP 00:14
STN 21, NCS 59
NCS - Concepcion,KC 5 yd pass from Bailey,CJ (Smith,Collin kick) 8 plays, 58 yards, TOP 05:02
STN 28, NCS 59
STN - Ayomanor,Elic 14 yd pass from Lamson,Justin (Kenney,Emmet kick) 4 plays, 40 yards, TOP 01:59
