REPORT: NC State confirms heartbreaking message after loss to Georgia Tech, leaves fans reeling

Sports can be brutal, and NC State fans experienced that cruelty firsthand. In a wild fourth quarter that saw both NC State and Georgia Tech combine for 36 points, the game ended heartbreakingly for the Wolfpack, as Aaron Philo scrambled in the final seconds to give Georgia Tech the win.

NC State had a chance to steal it back with a 58-yard field goal attempt as time expired, but the kick sailed wide left.

The Wolfpack had been fighting back hard in the final quarter, not leading until Hollywood Smothers’ long touchdown run and successful two-point conversion put them ahead 29-23 with 90 seconds remaining. Had they held onto that lead, it would have been a resilient victory. Unfortunately, Smothers’ score only set up the painful final moments.

Quarterback CJ Bailey had a solid performance on the ground but struggled with three interceptions, including one that appeared to seal the game for Georgia Tech, giving them a 23-14 lead with less than seven minutes left. However, NC State quickly responded with a touchdown, forced a three-and-out, and Smothers put them ahead. Despite the thrilling turnaround, the defense couldn’t make the final stop.

It’s a tough game to summarize, especially considering that State had only scored seven points before the fourth quarter surge and the defense had largely held up in the second half—up until the game’s crushing final possession.

NC State dominated the ground game, out-rushing Georgia Tech by over 250 yards, and based on that stat alone, a win seemed likely. But with another loss in conference play, NC State fans are left with more “what ifs” as they try to process the disappointment.