Instant observations: NC State's defense propels Wolfpack to comeback win at Wake Forest

WINSTON-SALEM — Wake Forest returned the opening kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown. A food truck outside on the Allegacy Stadium concourse caught fire, spilling white smoke all over the field. NC State defensive end Isaiah Shirley rumbled into the end zone on a 41-yard pick-six. The first quarter of the 116th straight meeting between NC State and Wake Forest had it all. While the game didn't reach the same level of hecticness over the following 45 minutes, the Wolfpack was able to find a way to skate past the Demon Deacons 34-24 on Thursday night. NC State's come-from-behind victory marked the second such effort from the program, which was previously 10-49 while trailing at the half under Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren through his first 12 seasons in Raleigh. Instead of folding, the Pack was able to click on both offense and defense to win its ACC opener. Sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey was 23-for-32 passing for 201 yards and three touchdowns, while redshirt sophomore running back Hollywood Smothers rushed for a career-best 163 yards on 24 attempts. Here are three takeaways from the Wolfpack’s victory.