Raleigh, NC – November 22, 2025 – In a gritty defensive battle that had fans on the edge of their seats, the NC State Wolfpack pulled off a stunning 21-11 victory over the Florida State Seminoles on Friday night at Carter-Finley Stadium. This NC State football triumph not only clinched bowl eligibility for the Wolfpack but also marked their fourth straight win against their ACC rivals, sending shockwaves through the Atlantic Coast Conference standings.
The game, a pivotal Week 13 clash in the 2025 college football season, showcased NC State’s resilience and opportunistic defense. Trailing early but never folding, the Wolfpack capitalized on Florida State’s late-game miscues to seal the deal. For Seminoles fans, it’s another heartbreaking road loss in a season full of them, dropping FSU to 0-4 away from home.
Game Recap: A Low-Scoring Slugfest Turns Chaotic
From the opening kickoff, both defenses dominated, turning what could have been a high-octane ACC football shootout into a punter’s paradise. NC State struck first in the third quarter with a methodical 15-play, nearly nine-minute drive capped by quarterback Will Wilson’s 1-yard quarterback keeper, giving the Wolfpack a 7-0 lead. Florida State responded with a field goal to narrow the gap to 7-3, but NC State extended their advantage to 14-3 later in the frame on another grinding possession.
The fourth quarter brought the drama. Florida State mounted a rally, with quarterback Tommy Castellanos connecting with tight end Duce Robinson on a 9-yard touchdown pass midway through the period, pulling the Seminoles within 14-11 after a missed extra point. But the Wolfpack’s defense, led by cornerback Devon Marshall’s two interceptions and five pass breakups, stifled any Seminole momentum.
The turning point came in the final minutes, courtesy of Florida State’s special teams woes. With 3:53 remaining, NC State punter Caden Noonkester’s kick ricocheted off Seminoles blocker K.J. Kirkland’s helmet, allowing Noonkester to recover near midfield. Moments later, at 2:21, FSU’s Squirrel White muffed another punt, which Tra Thomas scooped up for the Wolfpack. These blunders set up freshman quarterback C.J. Bailey’s clutch 12-yard touchdown toss to wide receiver Justin Joly with 1:47 left, pushing the score to 21-11 and icing the game.
Florida State managed one more field goal in the closing seconds, but it was too little, too late. The final stats painted a picture of defensive mastery: NC State held FSU to just 11 points—their lowest output since last season—while the Wolfpack’s offense grinded out 285 total yards on 68 plays.
| Team | Total Yards | Passing Yards | Rushing Yards | Turnovers | Time of Possession |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NC State Wolfpack | 285 | 142 | 143 | 0 | 32:45 |
| Florida State Seminoles | 210 | 165 | 45 | 3 | 27:15 |
Stats via ESPN Box Score
Standout Performers: Defense Steals the Show
NC State’s defense was the undisputed MVP of this Florida State vs NC State showdown. Devon Marshall’s pick-six threat loomed large all night, with his two interceptions disrupting Castellanos’ rhythm and forcing three total turnovers from the Seminoles. On offense, Will Wilson was efficient in his dual-threat role, rushing for the game-winning score and completing 14 of 20 passes for 142 yards. Justin Joly emerged as the hero, hauling in the dagger TD reception that clinched bowl eligibility for NC State football.
For Florida State, Duce Robinson’s touchdown catch was a bright spot in an otherwise dim performance, finishing with four receptions for 52 yards. Quarterback Tommy Castellanos threw for 165 yards but was sacked three times and harried by the Wolfpack pass rush. The Seminoles’ rushing attack, once a strength, managed just 45 yards—a stark reminder of their offensive struggles this ACC football season.
No major injuries were reported, allowing both teams to escape relatively unscathed heading into bowl preparations—or, for FSU, a desperate push for six wins.
Turning Points: Special Teams Doom Seminoles
The late special teams turnovers were the nail in Florida State’s coffin, transforming a potential comeback into a collapse. As Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell noted postgame, “We had our chances, but those mistakes were costly. Credit NC State for capitalizing.” NC State coach Dave Doeren praised his team’s poise: “This is what bowl eligibility dreams are made of—grit, guts, and a little bit of luck on special teams.”
These errors weren’t isolated; FSU’s special teams unit has been a liability all season, ranking near the bottom of the ACC in punt coverage and return efficiency.
What It Means: Bowl Bound for Wolfpack, Desperation for Seminoles
This NC State vs Florida State result catapults the Wolfpack to 6-5 overall (3-4 ACC), securing their spot in a postseason bowl game for the third straight year under Doeren. It’s a massive momentum boost after a 31-14 loss to No. 14 Miami last week, positioning NC State for a favorable matchup in bowls like the Duke’s Mayo or Gasparilla.
For the Florida State Seminoles, the 5-6 mark (2-6 ACC) spells trouble. Coming off a 13-0 championship season in 2023, FSU has now gone 3-13 in ACC play over the last 14 games—a freefall that has intensified calls for change in Tallahassee. With one regular-season game left, the Seminoles must win out and pray for chaos in the conference to sneak into bowl contention.
As the 2025 college football playoff picture sharpens, this ACC thriller reminds us why we love the game: underdogs rise, heroes emerge, and in the case of NC State football, late heroics can turn a season around. Stay tuned for full highlights and analysis—search “NC State bowl eligibility 2025” for more.
