NC State has one of their most significant ACC tests of 2024 on the horizon as they head to Death Valley to take on Clemson. They’ll be led on offense by true freshman CJ Bailey, who is making his first collegiate start.
NC State is turning to true freshman CJ Bailey as the starting quarterback for their Week 4 matchup against Clemson in Death Valley, head coach Dave Doeren announced. Bailey took over during NC State’s 30-20 win over Louisiana Tech after Coastal Carolina transfer Grayson McCall left with an undisclosed injury. McCall is considered “day-to-day,” and Bailey is set to start his first career in a demanding environment against the Tigers.
“CJ will start the game,” Doeren informed the media at his weekly press conference. “It’s his team. We’ll take it one day at a time with Grayson, and when he’s ready to play, he’ll be back.”
Doeren’s decision to forgo bringing in a veteran backup through the transfer portal seems justified, as CJ Bailey impressed during spring practices and showcased his potential in NC State’s comeback win over Louisiana Tech. Bailey’s poise and performance have validated the coaching staff’s confidence in the young quarterback.
Bailey Brings the Wolfpack Back
After entering the game with NC State trailing 17-6 at halftime, Bailey remained composed, delivering decisive throws and showcasing his playmaking ability. He led the Wolfpack on three second-half scoring drives, helping NC State outscore Louisiana Tech 24-3 and sealing the win with his first collegiate touchdown.
“I think it’s just poise,” Doeren said when asked about the most impressive part of Bailey’s performance against Louisiana Tech. “He just went out there and played the game. Whether he was throwing the football or scrambling, throwing it away, rushing for some tough yards at times to extend the chains, he did a really good job just managing it and playing fast, and he looked really poised. So that was good to see.”
Bailey now prepares for his first start against Clemson, a daunting test for the young quarterback as he aims to build on his promising debut performance. Facing one of the nation’s top defenses, this matchup will be a pivotal early challenge in his collegiate career.
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Who is CJ Bailey?
CJ Bailey, a Hollywood, Florida native, was a three-star recruit and ranked as the No. 27 quarterback in the 2024 class. During his senior season at Chaminade-Madonna Prep, Bailey threw for an impressive 3,125 yards and 47 touchdowns. Over his high school career, he amassed 9,005 passing yards and 116 touchdowns, highlighting his prolific arm and playmaking ability.
In last week’s NC State game against Louisiana Tech, Bailey stepped in for the injured Grayson McCall, completing 13 of 20 passes for 156 yards, with one interception, and adding 27 rushing yards and a touchdown. His performance helped the Wolfpack rally to a 30-20 win.
Now, Bailey faces an even greater challenge as he prepares for his first collegiate start on the road against Clemson. The Tigers’ elite defense, led by a fierce front seven, will look to pressure the freshman quarterback, making this a significant early test for the promising young signal-caller.
NC State has defeated Clemson in two of their last three matchups, but the Wolfpack hadn’t won at Clemson since 2002 when Philip Rivers led them to victory. Now, freshman CJ Bailey faces the daunting challenge of leading NC State into Death Valley for his first collegiate start.
Can Bailey rise to the occasion and make college football history by guiding the Wolfpack to a monumental win in one of the sport’s most challenging environments? All eyes will be on the young quarterback as he looks to defy the odds and break NC State’s 22-year drought at Clemson.
