The North Carolina State Wolfpack fell to a 53-34 defeat against the Pittsburgh Panthers. During the game, tight end Justin Joly scored two TDs, including a 59-yard reception. The Wolfpack fell to 4-4 on the season, while the Panthers continued their three-game unbeaten run.
NC State suffered a 36-7 loss two weeks ago against Notre Dame. Following this week’s defeat, they have almost certainly been knocked out of bowl contention with their current record. They have two upcoming ranked matchups against Florida State and Georgia Tech.
Viral Greg Jennings Play Resurfaces After Justin Joly Touchdown
In the game against Pittsburgh, Joly caught a 59-yard pass from wide receiver Teddy Hoffman for his second touchdown of the night. Fans quickly compared the play to the iconic Greg Jennings touchdown from over 15 years ago.
“Greg Jennings type of play,” one viral post on X was captioned, showing a clip of Joly limping into the end zone after the catch to get NC State back in the game.
Greg Jennings type of play 😬 pic.twitter.com/QaCq49FwPn
— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) October 25, 2025
Following the touchdown, Joly did not return to the game. He was later seen working on a bike on the sideline. This was the first 100-yard game of the tight end’s career. However, all the focus was on his viral moment.
The reference nods to the famous Madden NFL 10 clip from 2015, where player Demetry James narrated a 99-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to Greg Jennings, who played despite a leg injury against the New Orleans Saints. James’ commentary imagined Jennings’ internal monologue.
“Dawg, I gotta do this s**t,” James said in the viral 2015 video. “I put the team on my f**king back, doe. My leg broke, I don’t know how the f**k I’m running right now, doe. I gotta do this s**t, for Madden. Oh s**t! Darren Sharper — one of the most hardest-hitting safeties in the league! But I put the team on my back, doe. F**k it! You can’t stop me! Cross the plane, touchdown! Greg Jennings! 40–20, man, f**k with me. F**k you, Gumby!”
In today’s game, Joly recorded his first 100-yard receiving game. After going for 101 yards despite his injury, he finished as NC State’s best receiver against Pittsburgh. There has been no update as of yet following his injury.
Joly is actually in the top 75 tight ends in the nation this year, according to PFSN’s TE impact ratings. At 64th overall, the NC State tight end has a TE impact rating of 77.7. He has recorded five touchdowns this year.
While there has not been any update on the tight end’s status, NC State will need somebody to put the team on their back. They are currently projected to end the season out of bowl contention with a 5-6 record, according to PFSN’s playoff meter.
