Wake Forest’s Fast Start Fizzles as NC State Rallies for 34–24 Win in ACC Opener

By Garin Turner

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2–1, 0–1 ACC) raced out to an early lead but couldn’t hold off the NC State Wolfpack (3–0, 1–0 ACC), falling 34–24 in their conference opener on Saturday. What began with fireworks on the opening kickoff ended in frustration, as turnovers and second-half miscues allowed NC State to storm back and stay unbeaten.

Blazing Start, Sudden Shift

It couldn’t have started better for Wake Forest. Chris Barnes electrified the stadium with a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, giving the Demon Deacons an immediate spark. The momentum carried into their next possession: a seven-play, 93-yard march capped by a one-yard plunge from Desmond Claiborne, stretching the lead to 14–0.

But the Wolfpack struck back. After cutting the margin to 14–7, NC State leveled the score when Isaiah Shirley jumped a route for a 41-yard pick-six, suddenly erasing Wake’s fast start.

Quarterback Robby Ashford steadied the offense with a one-yard rushing score in the second quarter, and both teams exchanged field goals before halftime. At the break, Wake Forest led 24–17, but the Wolfpack had seized momentum.

Second-Half Struggles

The Demon Deacons couldn’t finish the job after intermission. NC State tied the game midway through the third quarter with a CJ Bailey four-yard touchdown pass to Justin Joly.

In the fourth quarter, Bailey struck again, this time connecting with Keenan Jackson on a 12-yard score to give NC State its first lead. A Wolfpack field goal extended the margin, and Ashford’s interception on Wake’s next drive all but sealed the outcome. A late turnover on downs with 1:40 remaining closed the door.

Wake Forest Offensive Notes

• Robby Ashford (QB): 21/35, 252 yards, 1 INT; also added 21 rushing yards and a touchdown.
• Desmond Claiborne (RB): 12 carries, 35 yards, 1 TD.
• Chris Barnes (WR): 3 receptions, 76 yards; also sparked the game with his 98-yard return TD.
• Sterling Berkhalter (WR): 3 receptions, 43 yards.

Despite Ashford’s 250+ passing yards, the Demon Deacons’ offense sputtered in key moments, especially late, with turnovers overshadowing the early fireworks.

Defensive Standouts

Wake Forest’s defense battled but gave up big plays in critical spots.

• Nick Andersen led the way with 11 tackles.
• The front seven pressured Bailey at times, but NC State’s balanced attack wore the unit down in the second half.

Key Takeaways

1. Fast starts aren’t enough — Wake Forest proved they can strike quickly but struggled to sustain drives after halftime.
2. Turnovers kill momentum — Ashford’s late interception shifted control to NC State for good.
3. Special teams weapon — Barnes’ kickoff return touchdown was a reminder that Wake has playmakers who can flip games in an instant.

Looking Ahead

The Demon Deacons will look to regroup when they host Georgia Tech on Sept. 27. With ACC play heating up, finding consistency on both sides of the ball will be crucial if Wake Forest hopes to stay competitive in the conference race.

Final Score: NC State 34, Wake Forest 24

Wake Forest falls to 2–1 (0–1 ACC); NC State improves to 3–0 (1–0 ACC).