ACC Football Recap: NC State Routes Campbell 56-7

Coming off two consecutive losses, N.C. State responded in a big way Saturday, crushing in-state foe Campbell, 56-10. .

Hollywood Smothers, the Charlotte native put up 123 yards and a score on just four carries including a career-long 59-yard run and added 30 yards and a TD on two receptions.

The Wolfpack (4-2) used Smothers’ individual bounce-back, a versatile offensive attack and better defensive attack to smother the Camels (1-5) in the first meeting between the teams.

Smothers was already statistically one of the best tailbacks in the nation before Saturday’s game, but he continues to beef up his resume for national awards and a shot at the NFL. Smothers entered the weekend with 570 rushing yards this season, fourth in the nation. After his performance against the Camels, Smothers has 693 total yards this season to move him into second place in the NCAA for net rushing yards.

Running Back Duke Scott and quarterbacks CJ Bailey and Will Wilson all gained positive rushing yardage. Nine different players nabbed a reception and four scored. Tight end Cody Hardy recorded his first touchdown with the Wolfpack after a 37-yard grab and short scamper into the end zone.

N.C. State recorded 482 yards of total offense and scored 49 points in the first half alone. The Wolfpack’s yardage was the most in an opening half by any FBS team this season. 

Most of the Wolfpack’s starters opened the second half, but they were gradually replaced to give younger or less experienced players some field time. “We haven’t been a team that has finished people this year,” N.C. State head coach Dave Doeren said. “We’ve built leads and given up leads. I wanted them to go out and feel that. That’s what we need to do. Obviously, there’s risk in that. I understand that, but I wanted the starters in there on the first drive the second half, both sides of the ball.”

The defensive front shut down Campbell. It held the Camels to 188 total yards and 67 rushing yards, while adding two sacks, seven tackles for loss and four quarterback pressures.

Campbell quarterback Kamden Sixkiller finished 12 of 22 for 87 yards and one touchdown.

YOUNG GUYS STEP UP 

N.C. State’s defense is battered, bruised and in bad shape, but it took a step forward.

Linebacker Sean Brown and safety Brody Barnhardt were both out against Campbell due to injury, while cornerback Jackson Vick missed his third game.

Linebacker Kenny Soares isn’t young, but he is new to the program. The Northwestern transfer had his best game of the season for N.C. State, leading the team with nine tackles. He recorded 13 in the previous five games. 

Jivan Baly got his first start at nickel and added seven tackles, while Asaad Brown moved to strong safety to help rest some other players.

BIG CJ BAILEY

Quarterback CJ Bailey continues to fly under the radar when it comes to national attention, but he’s one of the best in the country and more than solidified himself in the Wolfpack record books.

Like Smothers, Bailey put together an elite performance Saturday after two weeks where he didn’t always look like himself. The sophomore finished with 337 yards and a career-high four touchdowns. He went 20 of 23 passing for an 87% completion rate. It was his third 300-yard passing game this season.

SPECIAL TEAMS

N.C. State pulled freshman receiver Teddy Hoffmann as its punt returner after he fumbled two punts before the half. The first mistake put Campbell on the Wolfpack 14-yard line. Miscommunication from the defense allowed the Camels to turn Hoffmann’s error into a touchdown. He bobbled a second punt later in the half, but linebacker Kelvon McBride jumped on the ball to prevent another possession change.

Next: 

Campbell travels to Hampton next week

NC State travels on the road to Notre Dame