Sunshine & Smackdowns: Hurricanes Flatten NC State in Home Finale

By Monday, November 17, 2025 No comments

 

“Sunshine & Smackdowns: Hurricanes Flatten NC State in Home Finale” 

 

 

NC State clocked by Miami, 41-7 | Backing The Pack 

 

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – In their regular-season home finale at Hard Rock Stadium, the No. 16 Miami Hurricanes cruised to a 41–7 win over the NC State Wolfpack on Saturday, handing them a tough defensive day and asserting their playoff-chasing credibility.  

Key Storylines 

  1. Senior Day Spotlight 
     Miami sent off some of its veterans in style. Defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor, playing his final home game, anchored a dominant unit; he has been a leader all season and clearly meant a lot to this Hurricanes’ core.  

  1. Carson Beck & Malachi Toney Shine 
     Quarterback Carson Beck had a very efficient day, completing 21 of 27 passes for 291 yards and three touchdowns, with zero turnovers.  

Freshman receiver Malachi Toney played a big role, hauling in multiple scores.  

  1. Defense Takes Over 
     Miami’s defense refused to give NC State any room. The Wolfpack were held to just 149 total yards, their rushing game was virtually stifled (only 29 rushing yards), and their usually dangerous offense looked out of sync.  

A huge play came early: Jakobe Thomas, Miami’s safety, picked off NC State quarterback C.J. Bailey, returned one of those for a touchdown — that momentum swing set the tone.  

  1. NC State Struggles 
     Bailey finished with 120 passing yards, two interceptions, and his only touchdown came late in the fourth quarter when Miami had already started inserting reserves.  

The Wolfpack were coming in with a potent offense (they’ve had big-yardage games), but Miami’s front seven made life very difficult.  

  1. Implications for Miami 

  1. The win improves Miami to 8–2 overall, 4–2 in ACC play.  

  1. They outgained NC State 581–149, an emphatic display.  

  1. With the way they closed out their home schedule, the Hurricanes are sending a message to the College Football Playoff committee and to the rest of the ACC that they’re a serious contender.  

  1. Where They Go from Here 

  1. For Miami, next up is a road game at Virginia Tech.  

  1. NC State still has work to do; they host Florida State next Friday, and they need another win to reach bowl eligibility.  

 

Takeaway & Analysis 

  • Momentum Matters: Miami’s performance wasn’t just dominant — it was controlled. They didn’t let NC State build any momentum, and their efficient offense combined with a suffocating defensive effort made this more than a “get-right game” — it was a statement. 

  • Teams Respecting Miami: Given their ranking and aspirations, the Canes needed a convincing win — and they got one. That could boost their College Football Playoff chances or at least elevate them in the eyes of pollsters. 

  • NC State Alarm Bells: The Wolfpack have a high-powered offense on paper, but if they can’t execute against top defenses, they may struggle down the stretch. Their path to bowl eligibility now hinges on closing strong. 

 

 

 

Written by: Giancarlo Morera  

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