NC State Triumphs Over Wake Forest in Thrilling 31-24 Comeback

On a night already thick with anticipation, Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium in Winston-Salem became the stage for an unforgettable chapter in the storied rivalry between the NC State Wolfpack and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Both teams entered the ACC opener undefeated at 2-0, and the stakes—pride, momentum, and conference supremacy—were palpable under the stadium lights. But no one could have predicted the literal smoke and fire that would add to the drama as Wake Forest surged early, only to see NC State storm back for a 31-24 victory that kept their perfect record alive.

The Demon Deacons electrified the crowd from the opening whistle. Chris Barnes, Wake Forest’s redshirt freshman wide receiver, ignited the home fans by returning the opening kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown—an emphatic statement that echoed through the stadium. The offense followed with a methodical 93-yard drive capped by a one-yard TD plunge from running back Demond Claiborne, giving Wake Forest a commanding 14-0 lead midway through the first quarter.

Then, chaos struck—not from the play on the field, but from the concourse above. A fire broke out inside Choc’s Barbeque Co. food truck, sending thick smoke billowing into the stadium. The surreal scene was captured live on ESPN broadcasts and by stunned fans on social media, with one employee battling the blaze as play continued. The smoke, drifting across the field, only heightened the sense of drama as Wake Forest clung to its lead (Ross Martin).

But NC State, fueled by adversity and unbowed by the deficit, responded with the heart of a true rival. Quarterback C.J. Bailey engineered a swift five-play, 75-yard drive, connecting with tight end Justin Joly for a five-yard score to get the Wolfpack on the board. Moments later, defensive lineman Isaiah Shirley seized the momentum with a 41-yard interception return for a touchdown, stunning the Wake Forest faithful and knotting the score at 14 as the first quarter drew to a close.

The rest of the contest unfolded as a back-and-forth battle worthy of the ACC’s longest-running rivalry—a series dating back to 1895, with NC State now holding a 69-43-6 edge (SportsLine). Wake Forest quarterback Robby Ashford, a senior transfer with stops at Auburn and South Carolina, showcased his dual-threat ability, while Barnes continued to torment the Wolfpack secondary with a 70-yard reception that set up another Demon Deacons score.

Yet, it was NC State’s composure and balance that ultimately prevailed. Bailey finished the night 20-for-28 with three touchdowns, while sophomore running back Hollywood Smothers pounded out 158 yards on the ground. The Wolfpack’s defense clamped down in the second half, forcing a crucial turnover and limiting Wake Forest to just three points after halftime.

By the time the smoke had cleared—literally and figuratively—the Wolfpack had not only survived the chaos but had thrived in it, sealing a 31-24 triumph. The victory propels NC State to 3-0 and marks a statement win as they open ACC play. For Wake Forest, the early fireworks and the surreal scene of a smoke-filled stadium will linger, but so too will the sting of letting a fast start slip away.

As this rivalry continues to etch its legend into college football lore, one thing is certain: when the Wolfpack and Demon Deacons collide, expect the unexpected—and prepare for drama that transcends the ordinary gridiron battle.

For full highlights and in-depth analysis, visit CBS Sports: Smoke engulfs NC State vs. Wake Forest college football game.