NC State Linebacker Cian Slone's end-zone interception with a minute to go in the game secured a 35-31 Wolfpack win over Virginia on Saturday afternoon from Carter-Finley Stadium.

The contest was heavily fueled by the run game, with 457 of the game's 930 total yards coming on the ground with seven rushing touchdowns. The Wolfpack's CJ Bailey and Hollywood Smothers each accounted for two rushing scores.

Smothers became the first NC State player to rush for 130+ yards and score two rushing touchdowns in a game since Reggie Gallaspy II against ECU in 2018. His 140 ground yards came on only 17 attempts, averaging just over eight yards per carry.

Bailey also got it done through the air, passing for 200 yards to seven different receivers, completing 70 percent of his passes with a score.

Both offenses came out of the gate hot, resulting in four straight touchdown drives between the two sides to start the game. The Cavaliers ripped off a 39-yard touchdown run on a 4th and 1 play to open up the scoring, with Bailey scurrying in the end zone for a 30-yard run of his own on the following possession.

The Wolfpack's second score came on a 27-yard strike from Bailey to Noah Rogers. This marked the first touchdown of the season for Rogers, who had missed much of the second half last week against ECU due to an injury.

Virginia's offense was efficient on third down, converting 10 of 13 attempts in the first half, 1 of 1 on fourth down, and going 3 for 3 on their trips to the red zone. On the other side of the ball, NC State was 0-6 on third downs until the fourth quarter, when the Wolfpack converted its first third down with 5:20 left in the game.

The Pack entered the half trailing 14-24 after the Cavaliers scored a late second-half touchdown, sparked by a 48-yard punt return to extend their lead.

The Wolfpack offense came out in the second half much like it started the game, scoring touchdowns on its first three drives to take its first lead of the game, and it never gave it back.

The defense stepped up in big moments in the second half, allowing the offense to outscore Virginia 21-10 during the final two periods.

The Cavaliers' field goal try with 13:20 left to go in the 4th hit off the left upright, keeping their deficit at four and forcing them to unsuccessfully push for a touchdown on their final drive.

The Wolfpack's win moves the all-time series to 38-22-1 and 4-0 under Dave Doeren. NC State will next face off against Wake Forest at Winston-Salem on Thursday, September 11th, at 7:30 and broadcast on ESPN.