NC State Defeats Louisville
Bailey's Career-High 373 Passing Yards Lead NC State Past Louisville 31-28
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North Carolina State defeated Louisville 31-28 on October 3, 2026, behind quarterback CJ Bailey's career-high 373 passing yards and two touchdowns. Seattle PI reported that NC State held a commanding 28-14 lead in the third quarter but had to withstand a furious Louisville comeback before kicking the game-winning field goal with 5:30 remaining in the fourth.
Bailey completed 24 of 40 passes and protected the football in wet conditions at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh. ABC11 noted that the Wolfpack improved to 3-2 overall (1-1 ACC) with their second straight victory following a last-second loss to Vanderbilt earlier in the season.
Bailey's Accuracy Carries NC State to Third-Quarter Lead
CJ Bailey opened the game with pinpoint throws. He found receiver Keenan Jackson on a 19-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter to push NC State ahead 10-0. Bailey maintained his accuracy throughout the first three quarters despite rainy conditions at the 56,919-capacity stadium.
The Wolfpack's running game added pressure when Will Wilson scored on a 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, followed by a Davion Gause 2-point conversion pass. Card Chronicle identified Wilson's rushing attack and NC State's third-down conversion efficiency (9 of 17) as key factors in extending drives and controlling the game's tempo.
Louisville's Turnover Catastrophe Costs the Cardinals
Louisville fumbled the ball three times, and NC State converted those mistakes into 18 points. Linebacker Popo Aguirre recorded three fumble recoveries. Edge rusher Harvey Dyson III forced the final crucial fumble on Louisville's Keyjuan Brown at the NC State 18-yard line with under 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
Head Coach Jeff Brohm acknowledged the costly errors after the game. Yahoo Sports reported Brohm saying turnovers "were the deciding factor," as wet weather in the first half contributed to ball-security issues the Cardinals failed to correct despite practicing all week.
Louisville Mounts Fourth-Quarter Rally That Falls Short
The Cardinals refused to quit. Isaac Brown broke free for a stunning 70-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to tie the game 28-28. Brown finished with 125 yards on nine carries. Keyjuan Brown added 88 yards and a score on eight carries. Louisville's offense totaled 485 yards, nearly matching NC State's 493.
But the rally came too late. Kanoah Vinesett's 28-yard field goal with 5:30 remaining proved to be the difference. NC State's defense forced Louisville into three-and-outs to run down the clock and preserve the 31-28 victory. Louisville fell to 2-3 overall (1-2 ACC) and faces a short week before its next game.
NC State Coach Doeren Praises Bailey's Poise Under Pressure
Head Coach Dave Doeren highlighted Bailey's performance after the win. "CJ played a hell of a football game," Doeren said. "Really accurate downfield throws, and he took care of the football." Bailey himself credited his teammates' belief in him. "I told my guys that I had them," Bailey said. "I believe in them, and they believe in me."
The victory keeps NC State unblemished at home and sets up an important in-state ACC matchup against Wake Forest next week. Meanwhile, Louisville must address ball-security in practice while managing the health of quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, who was listed as questionable before the game after sustaining an injury the previous week.
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