NC State Overcame App State's Furious Rally to Win 41-31

App State's undefeated start to the 2026 season came to an end Saturday night as NC State defeated the Mountaineers 41-31 at Carter-Finley Stadium.

The Mountaineers fell behind early and struggled to generate momentum during the opening quarter. NC State quarterback CJ Bailey opened the scoring with a five-yard touchdown run, before Duke Scott added another touchdown on a nine-yard run to give the Wolfpack a 14-0 advantage after the first quarter.

NC State continued to control the game early in the second quarter. Ashton Locklear caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Bailey, putting the Wolfpack ahead 21-0.

App State finally responded when quarterback Malachi Singleton scored on a three-yard keeper, completing a 75-yard touchdown drive. NC State answered with a 17-yard touchdown reception by Keenan Jackson with 39 seconds remaining in the first half, but James London converted a 48-yard field goal as time expired, cutting the deficit to 28-10 at the break.

App State Starts to Fight Back

The Mountaineers opened the second half with a much-needed scoring drive.

App State marched 75 yards in eight plays, with Jaquari Lewis finishing the possession with a two-yard touchdown run. NC State answered with a field goal from Kanoah Vinesett, however, leaving the Wolfpack with a 31-17 advantage entering the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter produced the most dramatic stretch of the game.

Singleton connected with Sam Pickett III for an 18-yard touchdown with 11:28 remaining, bringing App State within seven points. The Mountaineers then recovered an onside kick, giving their offense another opportunity almost immediately.

App State took advantage.

Singleton found freshman tight end Gavin Barber for a nine-yard touchdown with 9:41 remaining, and the extra point tied the game at 31-31. The Mountaineers had erased a 21-point deficit in a little over a quarter.

NC State Regains Control

Just when App State appeared to have completely turned the game around, NC State responded with its most important drive of the night.

The Wolfpack put together a 75-yard touchdown drive, relying heavily on its running game. Scott finished the possession with a 16-yard touchdown run, putting NC State back in front 38-31 with 5:08 remaining.

App State was unable to answer.

After forcing the Mountaineers to turn the ball over on downs, NC State added another Vinesett field goal with 1:51 left to extend the lead to 41-31.

App State's final opportunity ended with a missed 42-yard field goal with 47 seconds remaining, sealing the result.

Singleton's Strong Performance Not Enough

Despite the defeat, Singleton delivered another productive performance. He completed 26 of 38 passes for 317 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for a touchdown. Sam Pickett III led the Mountaineers with 97 receiving yards and a touchdown.

For NC State, Scott was the difference-maker on the ground. He rushed for 148 yards and two touchdowns, including the go-ahead score that ultimately ended App State's comeback attempt. Bailey finished with 253 passing yards.

App State Falls to 3-1

The loss leaves App State at 3-1 heading into Sun Belt Conference play.

The Mountaineers showed considerable resilience after falling behind 28-7, but NC State's ability to respond after the game was tied proved decisive. App State finished with 379 total yards compared with NC State's 459, while the Wolfpack's 206 rushing yards helped it control the most important moments late in the contest.