MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — No. 15 Miami closed out its regular season home slate in dominant fashion, routing NC State 41–7 on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium behind a swarming defense and an efficient, three touchdown performance from quarterback Carson Beck.

But it was Miami’s defense who set the tone early.

Safety Jakobe Thomas jumped a route for a 60-yard interception return for a touchdown, one of two picks he snagged in the first half on Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey.

The Hurricanes held Wolfpack running back Hollywood Smothers — the ACC’s leading rusher entering the weekend (825 yards, 6 TDs) — to just four total yards on nine touches.

Beck was sharp throughout, finishing 21 of 27 for 291 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions.

He connected early and often with receivers Keelan Marion (seven catches, 96 yards) and Malachi Toney, who hauled in two scores. Toney also provided a highlight throwing the ball with a perfect 44-yard pass to JoJo Trader.

Tight end Elija Lofton added a 29-yard touchdown grab to help Miami (8-2, 4-2 ACC) build a 31–0 lead late in the third quarter.

Girard Pringle Jr. delivered a career day with 17 carries for 116 yards and two receptions for 32 yards, providing consistent balance for an offense that outgained NC State 249–82 in the first half and never relented.

It was also the first time this season that the Wolfpack went scoreless in the first half.

Running back Marty Brown’s 1-yard plunge and two field goals from Carter Davis (31 and 38 yards) rounded out the scoring for Miami.

Bailey was able to score on a 10-yard quarterback keeper with 2:18 left in the fourth quarter to put his team on the board as the game finished 41-7.

Up next

Miami faces Virginia Tech (3-6, 2-3 ACC) next Saturday at Lane Stadium. Game time: (To be decided)

NC State (5-5, 2-4) hosts Florida State (4-5, 1-5 ACC next Saturday at 8 p.m.

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