Instant observations: NC State's defense struggles to stop Duke's explosive offense

by: Noah Fleischman09/20/25fleischman_noah

Sep 20, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarter back CJ Bailey (11) runs the ball against Duke Blue Devils cornerback Chandler Rivers (0) during the first quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

DURHAM — After conquering one "House of Horrors" in its comeback win at Wake Forest last Thursday night, NC State was out to right another ship at Duke on Saturdy afternoon. The Wolfpack had lost four of its last five against the Blue Devils, including its previous two trips to Wallace Wade Stadium, as it looked to earn its first win in Durham since 2008. But instead of capitalizing on its early-season momentum, NC State's defense struggled to slow Duke's high-powered offense in a 45-33 loss, highlighted by Blue Devils running back Anderson Castle's 66-yard touchdown run with 2:19 to play to seal the victory for the hosts. Sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey threw for 364 yards with two touchdowns, three interceptions and a lost fumble, while redshirt sophomore running back Hollywood Smothers posted 123 yards and a touchdown on 17 attempts. Sophomore wideout Terrell Anderson, meanwhile, logged a career-best 166 receiving yards and two touchdowns on just six catches. Here are TheWolfpacker.com's instant observations from NC State's first loss of the 2025 campaign.