TAMPA, Fla. – NC State dominated Memphis in the Gasparilla Bowl, securing a 31-7 victory at Raymond James Stadium on Friday. The Wolfpack (8-5) showcased a balanced attack and stifling defense, while the Tigers (8-5) struggled to find offensive consistency throughout the game.
CJ Bailey led the charge for NC State, throwing for 221 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding a rushing touchdown. On the ground, Jayden “Duke” Scott contributed 108 rushing yards, spearheading the Wolfpack's ground game. Wesley Grimes had three receptions for 48 yards, including a touchdown.
NC State came out strong, scoring on all but two of their first-half drives, establishing a commanding 31-7 lead by halftime. Bailey initiated the scoring with a 14-yard run. Grimes then hauled in a 31-yard touchdown pass, followed by Teddy Hoffman's 40-yard touchdown catch. Will Wilson added a 1-yard rushing touchdown to cap off the first-half surge.
Memphis struggled to respond, with their sole touchdown coming from a 28-yard reception by Jamari Hawkins. Hawkins concluded the game with four catches for 32 yards. The Tigers' offense, which had been explosive at times during the regular season, couldn't find its rhythm against a stout NC State defense.
This win marked NC State's first bowl victory since the 2017 Sun Bowl, concluding their season on a high note. The Wolfpack finished with a 4-4 record in the Atlantic Coast Conference. NC State is 18-18-1 in bowl games, and this was their sixth straight bowl appearance.
Despite the loss, Memphis maintains an impressive streak of 12 consecutive bowl invitations, one of only seven FBS programs to achieve this feat. The Tigers now have a 9-9 record in bowl games, having won four straight from 2020-2024.
The Gasparilla Bowl marked the first-ever meeting between Memphis and NC State. Entering the game, NC State was favored by 3.5 points. The over/under was set at 56.5 total points.
Memphis entered the game with interim coach Reggie Howard, following the departure of their former head coach to Arkansas. Meanwhile, NC State, coached by Dave Doeren, aimed to break a five-game bowl losing streak.
Looking ahead, Memphis will transition into a new era under the leadership of coach Charles Huff.
