Bailey, Gause lead NC State to 31-10 win over California

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — C.J. Bailey threw two touchdown passes in N.C. State's 31-10 victory over California on Saturday. The Wolfpack, previously led by coach Dave Doeren, secured a commanding lead when Bailey connected with Chance Robinson on a 38-yard TD pass. Darius Johnson then rushed for a 2-yard touchdown, extending the margin to 24-10.

Bailey concluded with 13 completions on 25 passes for 192 yards and two scores. Davion Gause amassed 104 rushing yards and a touchdown. The team's performance in the third quarter marked a notable shift from their recent struggles, as they outscored the Golden Bears 28-0. Doeren's tenure ended after back-to-back ACC losses to Wake Forest and Stanford.

The 31-28 loss to Stanford on October 23 was Doeren's final game as head coach. California's Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele accounted for 196 passing yards, including a touchdown and an interception. The Bears, who joined the ACC in 2024, lost their first game to an Eastern time zone opponent this season. N.C. State's streak of 31 consecutive sellout crowds, which began on September 17, 2022, concluded with Saturday's game.