NC State vs. FSU, Wk 13, 11-21-25 | Photo Gallery
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NC State head coach Dave Doeren has led teams to bowl games in 13 of his 15 seasons as head coach at two different stops (NC State, Northern Illinois).
NC State entered Week 13 of the 2025 college football campaign at somewhat of a crossroads. After beginning the season 3-0, the Wolfpack trudged through its next seven games (2-5). They needed a win over Florida State to qualify for bowl eligibility. If so, it would serve as Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren’s 13th bowl appearance in 15 years as a head coach.
FSU (5-6, 2-6) got off to a sterling start as well in 2025. Head coach Mike Norvell’s Seminoles defeated the eighth-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide 31-17 in its season opener. This came after a disappointing 2-10 finish in 2024. However, after starting 3-0, FSU lost five times over the next month-and-a-half.
In this contest, the Wolfpack got off to a strong start with a 23-yard first quarter touchdown pass from CJ Bailey to Terrell Anderson. It followed a Devon Marshall Red Zone interception of FSU quarterback Thomas Castellanos.
As had been the case for much of the season, the Seminoles moved the ball effectively much of the night. However, they squandered potential points with two missed field goals by freshman Jake Weinberg. In addition, a muffed punt by Squirrel White in the fourth quarter took away a possession. Prior to that, NC State punter Caden Noonkester recovered his own punt once it hit off the helmet of sophomore defensive back KJ Kirkland.
Hidden Gem
In conclusion, there were a number of current and future pro prospects on display for both teams. But it was an underrated former Villanova defensive back who stole the show in NC State’s 21-11 victory.
The aforementioned Marshall was spectacular in his battle with FSU first-team All-ACC receiver Duce Robinson. Time and time again the Seminoles attacked Marshall with both Robinson and speedster Micahi Danzy.
He was more than up for the challenge.
Marshall earned Bednarik Player of the Week honors after totaling four tackles, two interceptions and six pass break-ups. Many of those came in one-on-one opportunities against Robinson on the outside lanes. His clean backpedal transition supplemented an ability to rake away passes if he fell a step behind in coverage.
We break down some of the game’s other standouts in our photo collage breakdown of the action.
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