North Carolina State cornerback Brandon Cisse (2) nearly intercepts a pass intended for Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Ismeal Cisse (84) in second half action in Raleigh NC on Sat Nov 2, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum

Saturday, November 2, 2024

Stanford suffered its sixth consecutive football defeat in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, as North Carolina State hammered the Cardinal 59-28 in Atlantic Coast Conference play while snapping a two-game home losing streak.

Hollywood Smothers and Jordan Waters each ran for two of the Wolfpack’s touchdowns, and quarterback CJ Bailey threw for three more. It was the first football meeting between NC State (5-4 overall, 2-3 ACC) and Stanford.

Waters rushed for 115 yards on five carries, and Smothers gained 100 yards on 15 attempts.

Bailey took over at quarterback for NC State after Grayson McCall was medically retired due to head injuries. He completed 18 of 20 passes for 234 yards.

Stanford (2-7 overall, 1-5 ACC) started strong, scoring on three of its first six possessions. Cardinal quarterback Ashton Daniels had touchdown runs of 67 and 48 yards while tying a single-game Stanford record for rushing by a quarterback with 129 yards on 11 carries.

NC State led 31-14 at halftime and finished the game with 527 total yards. Stanford lost despite racking up 398 yards in total offense.

Daniels was injured early in the third quarter on a hit by NC State’s Kemal Bonner that drew a roughing the passer penalty. Justin Lamson took over at quarterback for the Cardinal and ran for one touchdown and threw for another.

Largely because of Daniels’ efforts, the Cardinal rushed for 225 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. It was the first time Stanford accomplished that feat this season and the first time they’ve done it since 2022.

Cole Tabb made his college football debut and added 72 rushing yards, and Elic Avomanor caught four passes for 108 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, Tevarua Tafiti made the first interception of his career in the fourth quarter. David Bailey added two sacks for the Cardinal.

After a bye week, Stanford plays its final home game of the season on Nov. 16, hosting Louisville.