Raleigh, NC. — Following a difficult week that included a disappointing road loss and the dismissal of longtime head coach Dave Doeren, N.C. State found a way to regroup Saturday, defeating California 31-10 at home.
Quarterback C.J. Bailey threw two touchdown passes, while running back Davion Gause rushed for 104 yards and a score as the Wolfpack responded with a strong second-half performance to improve to 4-4 overall and 2-3 in ACC play.
The victory came just days after Doeren’s 14-year tenure ended following consecutive conference losses to Wake Forest and Stanford. Doeren, the winningest coach in program history, had led the Wolfpack through one of the most successful stretches in the program’s history.
“It has been a long week for us, a lot of sudden change,” Bailey said. “A win like this, I’m proud of these guys and how they played.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the program, the players delivered a determined performance under interim coach Todd Goebbel. After the game, the team presented Goebbel with the game ball, but he made a point of recognizing Doeren and dedicating the victory to the former head coach.
N.C. State entered halftime tied 10-10 with California after surrendering an early lead. The Wolfpack, however, came out with renewed energy in the third quarter and quickly took control.
Bailey connected with Chance Robinson for a 38-yard touchdown to put N.C. State back in front. The Wolfpack followed with another scoring drive, as Darius Johnson powered into the end zone from two yards out to extend the advantage to 24-10.
Gause helped establish the ground game and added another dimension to the offense, finishing with 104 rushing yards and a touchdown as N.C. State continued to build its lead.
Bailey completed 13 of 25 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns, providing steady leadership during a challenging period for the program.
The third-quarter turnaround was particularly important for the Wolfpack. In their previous two ACC losses, N.C. State had been outscored 28-0 in the third period. Saturday’s response showed a different level of composure and execution.
Bailey said the team remained focused during halftime rather than allowing the circumstances surrounding the coaching change to become a distraction.
“Everybody was level-headed in the locker room (at the half),” Bailey said. “No one was screaming or panicking.”
California, which fell to 3-6 overall and 2-4 in conference play, initially appeared capable of making the afternoon competitive. N.C. State built a 10-0 lead before the Golden Bears responded with a 30-yard touchdown pass from Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele to Chase Hendricks. Towns McGough added a 38-yard field goal, sending the teams into halftime even.
Sagapolutele completed 29 of 45 passes for 196 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception. Despite the opportunities, California struggled to generate enough offense against a Wolfpack defense that had experienced difficulties defending the pass in recent ACC games.
The loss was another setback for first-year California coach Tosh Lupoi. The Golden Bears have now dropped five of their last six games and face a difficult path toward bowl eligibility, needing victories in their remaining contests.
California and Stanford joined the ACC ahead of the 2024 season. Saturday marked California’s first noon kickoff in the Eastern time zone, where the Golden Bears have now gone 4-4 in conference road games. Both California schools have struggled in noon road contests, combining for an 0-3 record in such games.
For N.C. State, the game also marked the end of an impressive home attendance streak. The coaching transition and an unfamiliar opponent coincided with the Wolfpack failing to sell out for the first time in 31 consecutive announced sellouts. The streak began with a 27-14 victory over Texas Tech on Sept. 17, 2022.
Saturday’s win gave N.C. State an opportunity to move forward after a week filled with uncertainty. The players responded by staying together, executing in the second half and earning a victory for their program.
What’s Next:
N.C. State returns to action next Saturday when the Wolfpack host Duke in an ACC matchup.
California will have an open week before traveling to face Virginia on Nov. 14.
