NC STATE PUTS THE GASPARILLA BOWL AWAY IN ONE HALF AGAINST MEMPHIS
Updated: 50 minutes ago
TAMPA, Fla. — The Gasparilla Bowl offered only fleeting suspense. In just two quarters, NC State imposed its tempo and built an insurmountable lead, rolling past Memphis 31–7 on Friday at Raymond James Stadium.
From the opening possession, the Wolfpack seized control. Quarterback CJ Bailey set the tone by capping the first drive with a 14-yard touchdown run. Comfortable within the system, Bailey delivered a complete performance: 221 passing yards, two touchdown throws, and another score on the ground, steering the offense with poise and authority.
The first half quickly turned into a showcase. Wesley Grimes took advantage of soft coverage to score on a 31-yard touchdown reception, while Teddy Hoffmann, targeted just once all game, made it count with a 40-yard touchdown catch. Will Wilson added to the onslaught with a one-yard rushing touchdown, before kicker Kanoah Vinesett stretched the margin with a 51-yard field goal. By halftime, NC State had already built a 31–7 advantage, scoring on five of its seven first-half possessions.
On the ground, Jayden “Duke” Scott consistently moved the chains with 108 rushing yards, allowing the Wolfpack to dictate the pace and wear down a Memphis defense that struggled to keep up early.
The Tigers faced a particularly difficult set of circumstances. In addition to numerous offensive absences due to injuries and opt-outs, Memphis played the Gasparilla Bowl without its outgoing head coach, Ryan Silverfield, and before the official start of Charles Huff’s tenure. The team was led on an interim basis by Reggie Howard.
Offensively, the lone bright spot came from Jamari Hawkins, whose 28-yard reception accounted for Memphis’ only touchdown in a game where scoring opportunities were scarce.
After halftime, the Tigers’ defense showed more discipline, but the damage was already done. NC State managed its lead without unnecessary risk, closing out a decisive and uncontested victory.
With the win, the Wolfpack finishes the season 8–5 and captures its first bowl victory since 2017. For Memphis, the loss signals the end of one chapter and the beginning of a major transition, in a game that, both on the scoreboard and on the field, truly lasted only one half.
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