ACC Football Recap: #15 Miami Rolls NC State, 41-7

No. 15 Miami Hurricanes 41, NC State Wolfpack 7 — Game Recap (Nov. 15, 2025)

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — On Senior Day at Hard Rock Stadium, the No. 15 Miami Hurricanes put on a dominant performance in a 41–7 rout of the NC State Wolfpack. With a swarming defense, efficient offense, and big plays in all phases, the ‘Canes sent off their seniors in style while strengthening their spot in the ACC and keeping their College Football Playoff hopes alive. (University of Miami Athletics)

First Half: Early defensive statement sets tone

Miami opened the scoring on their first drive. Behind precise quarterback Carson Beck, they drove into Wolfpack territory and set up a 31-yard field goal from Carter Davis. (Miami Hurricane)

The tone shifted dramatically later in the first quarter on defense. Safety Jakobe Thomas intercepted NC State’s C.J. Bailey, took off down the sideline, and took it 60 yards to the house for a pick-six. (Miami Hurricane) That play gave Miami a 10–0 lead and ignited the crowd.

In the second quarter, Miami kept the pressure on. With creativity from offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson, Beck pitched the ball to freshman Malachi Toney, who threw a dart of a 44-yard pass to Jojo Trader. (Miami Hurricane) Two drives later, running back Marty Brown punched in a 1-yard touchdown run to make it 17–0. (Miami Hurricane)

Before halftime, Beck orchestrated a 66-yard drive that ended with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Toney, pushing the lead to 24–0. (Miami Hurricane)

Second Half: Canes roll; NC State’s late score only mercy point

Miami started the second half strong. On a drive into Wolfpack territory, Beck found sophomore receiver Elijah Lofton in the end zone for his first touchdown of the season, extending the lead to 31–0. (Miami Hurricane)

On the ground, Girard Pringle Jr. had a breakout performance, running for 116 yards on 17 carries, opening things up for Miami’s offense all game. (University of Miami Athletics)

With momentum firmly in hand, Miami capped off their scoring with a 15-yard touchdown from Beck to Toney in the fourth quarter, finishing off a methodical yet explosive drive. (Miami Hurricane)

NC State avoided a shutout with just 2:18 remaining, when Bailey capped a long drive with a 10-yard rushing touchdown. (CBS Sports)

Final Stats & Key Performers

Team Totals

• Total Offense: Miami outgained NC State 581 yards to 149. (University of Miami Athletics)
• Time of Possession: Miami dominated with approximately 13:26 more possession than the Wolfpack. (University of Miami Athletics)
• Third-Down Efficiency: Miami moved the sticks throughout the game, converting all five red-zone trips. (University of Miami Athletics)
• Rushing (NC State): Limited to 29 yards on 20 attempts, one of their worst outings on the ground. (NC State University Athletics)

Individual Highlights

• Carson Beck (Miami): 21-of-27 for 291 yards and 3 touchdowns; no turnovers. (University of Miami Athletics)
• Malachi Toney (Miami): 5 catches for 54 yards, and 2 receiving touchdowns. (Miami Hurricane)
• Girard Pringle Jr. (Miami): 17 carries, 116 rushing yards — his first 100+ yard game. (University of Miami Athletics)
• Jakobe Thomas (Miami Defense): Two interceptions, one returned 60 yards for a touchdown. (Deadspin)
• C.J. Bailey (NC State): 17-of-30 passing for 120 yards, 2 interceptions, plus a rushing touchdown late in the game. (NC State University Athletics)
• Caden Fordham (NC State): Leading tackler with 11, recovered a fumble forced by his defense. (NC State University Athletics)

Game Narrative & Analysis

1. Defensive dominance sets the tone
   Miami’s win hinged on an early statement from the defense. Thomas’ pick-six energized the Hurricanes, and the secondary stayed locked in all afternoon. The Wolfpack offense never recovered.
2. Offensive balance — efficient through the air, punishing on the ground
   Beck was sharp, spreading the ball efficiently to Toney, Trader, Lofton, and others. Meanwhile, Pringle’s breakout game established balance and kept NC State’s defense off balance.
3. Maximizing big-play opportunities
   The Canes weren’t just grinding — they delivered in big moments. Whether it was the pass from Beck to Trader or Thomas’ return man, Miami struck with explosiveness.
4. Controlled time of possession
   Miami’s ability to dominate the clock prevented the Wolfpack from getting into a rhythm. Their long, sustained drives prevented NC State from generating momentum.
5. NC State’s offensive struggles
   Against a top-tier defense, NC State couldn’t get much going. Their running game was smothered, and Bailey’s turnover issues (including two picks) compounded their problems.
6. Depth and maturity on show
   Miami’s coaching staff leaned into their senior leaders, but the play of young contributors like Pringle and Toney showed that this team isn’t just about veteran presence — they’re building for now and the future.

Postgame Quotes

• Mario Cristobal (Miami Head Coach): “Turn on the tape. Look at us when we play.” (CBS Sports)
• Cristobal on Malachi Toney: “The best part about this guy is his approach. Everything he wants to do is get better.” (Miami Hurricane)
• Girard Pringle Jr.: “When I got the chance to execute, I executed.” (Miami Hurricane)
• NC State Head Coach (from Wolfpack report): While an in-depth quote wasn’t in the postgame release, NC State’s performance note: their offense struggled badly, and defensive leader Caden Fordham (11 tackles) called for more consistency moving forward. (NC State University Athletics)

Implications & What’s Next

• Miami improves to 8–2 overall, 4–2 in the ACC, boosting their profile in the CFP race and positioning themselves strongly for a late-season push. (University of Miami Athletics)
• NC State falls to 5–5 (2–4 ACC). Their offense, once a strength, has now been bottlenecked in a key game. (NC State University Athletics)
• For Miami, the performance underscores why they are considered one of the top programs in the conference — they can dominate with defense, run the ball, and take advantage of big-play situations.
• Looking ahead, Miami needs to sustain this level of play to stay in playoff contention. NC State must regroup, especially on offense and in protecting the football, if they want to salvage bowl possibilities.