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NC State needed someone to step up. RB Hollywood Smothers answered the call in win over Virginia

image_6483441 (3)by: Noah Fleischman09/06/25fleischman_noah
Hollywood Smothers
Sep 6, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack running back Hollywood Smothers (3) runs with the football to score a touchdown during the second half of the game against Virginia Cavaliers at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

As NC State running back Hollywood Smothers walked up to the podium for his postgame press conference, linebacker Sean Brown pretended to give the standout tailback a shower with his water bottle.  It was a jubilant moment, but one that described what Smothers meant to the Wolfpack in its 35-31 win over Virginia on Saturday afternoon at Carter-Finley Stadium. NC State needed someone — anyone — to help set the tone in the second half, and it was Smothers who answered the call.