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How CJ Bailey’s confidence has added a new dimension to NC State’s offense after Virginia win

image_6483441 (3)by: Noah Fleischman09/07/25fleischman_noah
CJ Bailey
Sep 6, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey (11) runs with the football guarded by Virginia Cavaliers safety Devin Neal (27) during the first half of the game at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

CJ Bailey didn’t hesitate. He took the snap and immediately darted right, reading how his offensive line was blocking before following running back Hollywood Smothers leading the way. As the quarterback sprinted near the sideline, he pinballed off two East Carolina defenders before plunging into the end zone.  Although that second-quarter touchdown seemed routine in the Wolfpack’s 24-17 win over the Pirates to open the 2025 campaign last Thursday, it appeared to have set the tone for Bailey’s offensive transformation in his second season as the team’s starting signal-caller.  Bailey, a sophomore captain, has tapped into his ability to use his long strides at 6-foot-6 in the running game. He has the freedom to take off and run on designed plays, while he can also scramble at a high level. Both of those traits were on full display as the Pack stormed back to down Virginia 35-31 on Saturday afternoon at Carter-Finley Stadium to improve to 2-0.