Overview
- Quarterback CJ Bailey totaled three touchdowns with 221 passing yards, two scoring throws and a 14-yard rushing score to pace the Wolfpack offense.
- Linebacker Caden Fordham earned MVP honors after recording 13 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss, highlighting a defense that forced two turnovers and allowed just seven points.
- NC State built a commanding first-half lead and took a 31-7 advantage into halftime before a scoreless second half sealed the result.
- Memphis played under interim coach Reggie Howard following Ryan Silverfield’s departure to Arkansas, with incoming coach Charles Huff set to take over next season, and the Tigers were without top playmakers Sutton Smith and Cortez Braham Jr.
- The game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa aired on ESPN at 2:30 p.m. ET, marked the programs’ first-ever meeting, and closed the season at 8-5 for both teams, snapping Memphis’ four-game bowl win streak and giving NC State its first bowl win since 2017.