Wolfpack Dominates Fourth Quarter to Secure Gritty Victory Over Hokies in Thrilling ACC Clash

The atmosphere at Carter-Finley Stadium was electric as the NC State Wolfpack hosted the Virginia Tech Hokies in a highly anticipated ACC football showdown. What unfolded was a testament to competitive college football, a seesaw battle where every possession felt critical, ultimately culminating in a dramatic fourth-quarter surge by the Wolfpack to secure a hard-fought 27-20 victory.

From the opening kickoff, both teams established a physical tone.

Virginia Tech's defense, known for its tenacity, stifled NC State's early attempts to establish a run game, forcing a couple of crucial punts. The Hokies, meanwhile, found an early rhythm on offense, culminating in a well-executed passing touchdown that put them on the board first, silencing the home crowd temporarily.

The first quarter ended with Virginia Tech holding a slim lead, signaling a dogfight.

As the second quarter began, NC State's offense started to click. Their star quarterback, showing poise under pressure, connected on several key throws, moving the chains effectively. A powerful run game finally broke through, capping a methodical drive with a rushing touchdown that tied the game.

The half saw both teams trade blows, including field goals and impressive defensive stands. By halftime, the scoreboard read 13-13, a perfect reflection of the evenly matched contest and promising a thrilling second half.

The third quarter was a showcase of strategic adjustments and raw determination.

Virginia Tech re-established their ground game, chewing up yardage and valuable clock time, which led to another score and a renewed lead. However, NC State refused to back down, answering with their own sustained drive, proving their resilience. The tension was palpable; every completed pass, every tackle for loss, drew roars from the crowd.

Both defenses made game-changing plays, preventing either team from pulling away significantly.

Entering the fourth quarter, with the score delicately balanced, the game reached its dramatic crescendo. NC State's defense, fueled by the home crowd, stepped up enormously, forcing a critical turnover that swung momentum firmly in their favor.

The Wolfpack offense capitalized swiftly, executing a flawless drive that ended in a go-ahead touchdown. Not content with a narrow lead, NC State's defense continued its dominance, pressuring Virginia Tech's quarterback and shutting down their last-ditch efforts. A late field goal extended their lead, and a final, desperate Hokie drive was thwarted, sealing a triumphant 27-20 victory for the Wolfpack.

It was a gritty, hard-earned win that showcased NC State's resolve and left Virginia Tech with valuable lessons learned as they look ahead.