Wake Forest Defeated N.C. State 38-14
The Demon Deacons scored 31 unanswered points in the second half to secure a victory in Raleigh.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Football
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Wake Forest secured a 38-14 win over N.C. State on October 4, fueled by a dominant second half where the team scored 31 unanswered points. The victory moves Wake Forest to 5-1 on the season.
Why it matters
The result significantly impacts the Atlantic Coast Conference standings, as Wake Forest improves to 3-1 in conference play while N.C. State falls to 1-2. Both teams are now looking ahead to upcoming road games later this month.
Wake Forest quarterback Gio Lopez completed 26 of 33 passes for 303 yards, while N.C. State quarterback CJ Bailey finished 28 of 40 for 241 yards. Wake Forest totaled 265 yards of offense after the halftime break.
The players
Gio Lopez
He is the Wake Forest quarterback who recorded three touchdown passes and one rushing touchdown during the game.
CJ Bailey
He is the N.C. State quarterback who completed 28 of 40 passes for 241 yards.
Jack Foley
He is a Wake Forest receiver who accumulated 156 receiving yards on eight catches.
Carlos Hernandez
He is a Wake Forest receiver who recorded 117 receiving yards on 12 receptions.
The details
Wake Forest overcame an early deficit as Gio Lopez threw three touchdown passes and added a rushing score to his stat line. Jack Foley and Carlos Hernandez led the receiving efforts with 156 and 117 yards respectively, helping the team capitalize on an N.C. State fumble on the opening possession.
Timeline
October 4, 2026: The game was played in Raleigh.
October 17, 2026: Wake Forest plays at California.
October 23, 2026: N.C. State plays at Stanford.
Season Trajectory
This win keeps Wake Forest in contention within the Atlantic Coast Conference as they improve to 3-1 in league play. Conversely, the loss puts pressure on N.C. State as they fall to a 3-3 overall record heading into their next matchup.
Wake Forest's offense proved highly efficient with 265 yards of production in the second half alone. N.C. State's inability to establish the run, finishing with only 15 rushing yards, served as a primary factor in the final outcome.
The takeaway
Wake Forest demonstrated significant second-half adjustments that effectively neutralized their opponent. Consistency in ball security and explosive play-making remain the primary benchmarks for both programs as they progress through the conference schedule.
What happens next
Wake Forest will travel to play California on October 17, 2026, while N.C. State is scheduled to play at Stanford on October 23, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on local gridiron performance, check out our Football section.
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