Raleigh, NC – November 22, 2025 – In a heart-pounding finish that epitomized ACC football drama, freshman sensation Justin Joly hauled in a 12-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Bailey with 1:47 remaining, sealing NC State’s thrilling 21-11 victory over rival Florida State on Friday night at Carter-Finley Stadium. Joly’s clutch TD not only clinched bowl eligibility for the Wolfpack but also extended their dominance in this Florida State vs NC State rivalry, marking the fourth straight win for NC State in the series.
This Joly touchdown highlight reel moment came amid a chaotic fourth quarter, where special teams turnovers flipped the script on a Seminoles comeback. For NC State football fans, it’s the stuff of legends—a freshman stepping up in crunch time against a reeling Florida State squad desperate for a road win. As the 2025 college football season barrels toward its climax, Joly’s heroics propel the Wolfpack to 6-5 (3-4 ACC), while FSU slumps to 5-6 (2-6 ACC).
Game Recap: From Defensive Stalemate to Late-Game Mayhem
The matchup started as a classic low-scoring affair, with both defenses clamping down early. NC State broke the ice in the third quarter, grinding out a 15-play, nearly nine-minute drive ended by quarterback Will Wilson’s 1-yard sneak for a 7-0 lead. The Wolfpack padded their advantage to 14-3 on another possession, but Florida State refused to fade.
Seminoles QB Tommy Castellanos engineered an 86-yard march in the fourth, finding tight end Duce Robinson for a 9-yard score to pull within 14-12 after a two-point conversion. The crowd at Carter-Finley held its breath as FSU’s defense forced a punt—but special teams struck back. NC State punter Caden Noonkester’s kick ricocheted off FSU blocker K.J. Kirkland’s helmet at the 3:53 mark, gifting the Wolfpack possession at midfield.
Fate doubled down at 2:21 when FSU returner Squirrel White fumbled another punt, scooped by Tra Thomas for NC State at the 14-yard line. Enter Joly: The freshman wideout, who entered the game with just 18 catches on the season, shook his defender on a slant route and snagged Bailey’s laser for the dagger. The extra point made it 21-11, and Florida State’s final field goal couldn’t bridge the gap.
NC State’s offense methodically controlled the clock with 32:45 of possession, while their defense—bolstered by two interceptions—limited FSU to 210 total yards.
| Team | Total Yards | Passing Yards | Rushing Yards | Turnovers Forced | Key Plays |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NC State Wolfpack | 285 | 142 | 143 | 3 | Joly’s 12-yd TD catch |
| Florida State Seminoles | 210 | 165 | 45 | 0 | Robinson’s 9-yd TD reception |
Stats via ESPN and ACC Official Box Score
Standout Performers: Joly Shines as NC State’s Game-Changer
Justin Joly’s clutch TD was the defining moment in this NC State vs Florida State thriller, but it capped a breakout night for the redshirt freshman. Joly finished with four receptions for 58 yards, including the go-ahead score that sent Wolfpack faithful into delirium. “It’s all about the team—when your number’s called, you answer,” Joly said postgame, his voice still hoarse from the roar of the crowd.
Backup QB C.J. Bailey, stepping in for a hobbled Wilson, was pinpoint perfect on the drive, going 3-for-3 for 28 yards. Defensively, cornerback Devon Marshall terrorized Castellanos with two picks and five pass breakups, anchoring a unit that held FSU to their lowest point total since last season.
For Florida State, Castellanos battled through pressure (16-of-32, 165 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs), but the Seminoles’ rushing attack sputtered with just 45 yards. Duce Robinson provided a spark with his touchdown grab (4 catches, 52 yards), yet it wasn’t enough to overcome the special teams collapses. No major injuries marred the game, keeping both rosters intact for what’s next.
Turning Points: Special Teams Blunders Set Up Joly’s Heroics
The game’s pivot hinged on FSU’s special teams implosion, creating the runway for Joly’s clutch TD. That helmet ricochet and muffed punt—both in the final four minutes—handed NC State short fields and shifted momentum irreversibly. Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren hailed the breaks: “Our guys stayed composed, and Joly made the play of his life. That’s how you win thrillers.”
These gaffes exposed Florida State’s season-long Achilles’ heel: bottom-tier ACC rankings in punt coverage and returns. For NC State, it was poetic justice in a rivalry where the Wolfpack have now won four in a row, including this Joly touchdown masterpiece.
What It Means: Bowl Glory for Wolfpack, Rivalry Woes for Seminoles
Joly’s late heroics lock in NC State’s third straight bowl berth, eyeing matchups like the Duke’s Mayo Bowl after rebounding from a Miami loss. At 6-5, the Wolfpack’s ACC finish is a testament to resilience, with Joly emerging as a cornerstone for 2026.
Conversely, Florida State’s eighth straight road loss deepens their 2025 despair, echoing a 3-13 ACC skid over 14 games since their 2023 title. Coach Mike Norvell faces mounting heat, but with one game left, a miracle upset over Florida could salvage bowl hopes. This Florida State vs NC State rivalry clash? A thrilling reminder that in college football, freshmen like Joly can rewrite narratives.
For more on Joly’s touchdown highlights, NC State bowl projections, and ACC football updates, search “Joly clutch TD NC State 2025.” The Wolfpack howl on—’Noles, regroup and roar back.
