In a highly anticipated college football matchup, the Appalachian State Mountaineers, riding a triumphant three-game winning streak, are set to face the undefeated James Madison Dukes. This clash is not just another game; it's a chance for App State to make a statement on the grand stage of ESPN's College GameDay, featuring the Mountaineers for the second consecutive season. After last year’s broadcast, Boone erupted as the Mountaineers defeated Troy on a last-minute Hail Mary, but the euphoria was short-lived as JMU handed App State a 32-28 defeat the following week. Memories of that loss linger as the Mountaineers aim to rewrite history on the turf of Bridgeforth Stadium. The Mountaineers have historically been a thorn in the side of AP Top 25 teams with seven of the Mountaineers’ last eight games against ranked teams ending in one-score games. App State is 2-2 in their last four games against the AP Top 25

Quarterback Joey Aguilar, thrust into the spotlight after replacing the injured Ryan Burger, has been a revelation. With 26 touchdown passes in 10 games, Aguilar ranks among the best in the Sun Belt and the Group of Five. His ability to lead the offense will be crucial against a formidable JMU defense. Running back Nate Noel, despite battling an injury, achieved a milestone by surpassing 3,000 career rushing yards. His explosive plays, exemplified by a 61-yard touchdown run against Georgia State, make him a key offensive weapon for the Mountaineers. Defensively, App State has shown resilience, limiting opponents in recent victories over Marshall and Georgia State. The Mountaineers aim to build on this momentum, ensuring that their 2023 losses, all decided in the closing seconds, become a thing of the past.

Campbell vs. North Carolina A&T: As the 2023 college football season reaches its conclusion, the Campbell Fighting Camels (4-6, 3-4 CAA) gear up for their final showdown against North Carolina A&T (1-9, 0-7 CAA) at Truist Stadium in Greensboro, N.C., with kickoff slated for 1:00 p.m. As Campbell concludes its inaugural CAA season, the team finds itself on the brink of making history. With a chance to secure a fourth victory in conference play, the Fighting Camels aim to join the ranks of Old Dominion, the only other program to achieve this feat in their first CAA season back in 2011. The team's current 3-4 record in the conference is a testament to their competitive spirit. Quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams, a standout performer, enters the final game of his Fighting Camel career as the program's all-time leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns, and completions. Williams, completing 71% of his passes, has orchestrated the offense with 243.4 passing yards per game and 17 touchdowns. His connection with a diverse group of 17 receivers has been a key feature of the Campbell offensive arsenal. North Carolina A&T, also in its inaugural CAA season, enters the finale on a six-game losing streak. Despite a challenging season, the Aggies showcase talent in running back Kenji Christian, who leads the team with 709 rushing yards and six touchdowns, and linebacker BJ Turner, who boasts 85 tackles, including 12 for loss.

NC State vs Virginia Tech: The upcoming clash between the NC State Wolfpack and the Virginia Tech Hokies, marking the 52nd meeting in a historic rivalry dating back 123 years, is steeped in tradition and significance. With only seven matchups since Virginia Tech joined the ACC in 2004, the Wolfpack aims to build on their recent victory. Notable connections, including current Wolfpack assistant coaches Brian Mitchell and Charley Wiles with extensive tenures at Virginia Tech, add intrigue. Quarterback Brennan Armstrong, familiar with the Hokies from his time at Virginia, brings a dynamic element to the contest. Defensive strength, highlighted by Virginia Tech's Sacksburg reputation and NC State's resilience, sets the stage for an intense battle. As both teams vie for supremacy in the ACC, this matchup promises gridiron excitement and the continuation of a college football saga.

WINSTON-SALEM – In a showdown between ACC rivals, the North Carolina State Wolfpack asserted their dominance over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in a resounding victory, triumphing 26-6 in a game that showcased their offensive prowess and defensive resilience.

How it Happened

In the first quarter, quarterback Brennan Armstrong connected with J. Gray for a 20-yard touchdown pass, setting the tone for their offensive prowess. The Wolfpack continued their scoring spree in the second quarter, with Armstrong rushing for a 1-yard touchdown and Delbert Mimms III adding another 1-yard rushing touchdown. The fourth quarter saw the Wolfpack extending their lead with a 45-yard field goal by Narveson. The Demon Deacons managed to score a touchdown late in the fourth quarter with Michael Kern throwing a 19-yard pass to Deuce Alexander. Interestingly, the Wolfpack's Jaylon Scott intercepted the Demon Deacons' two-point attempt and raced 100 yards for the defensive PAT, setting the final score at 26-6 in favor of the Wolfpack.

Offensive Showdown

The Wolfpack’s quarterback, Brennan Armstrong, had a solid performance, completing 12 of 17 passes for 111 yards and one touchdown. Armstrong also showcased his versatility on the ground, rushing for 96 yards and one touchdown on 15 attempts. Armstrong’s rushing efforts were complemented by a well-distributed ground attack featuring KC Concepcion (86 yards), Kendrick Raphael (54 yards), and Delbert Mimms III (35 yards, one touchdown). The team’s rushing unit totaled an impressive 268 yards on 50 attempts, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. In the receiving department, Julian Gray hauled in a 20-yard touchdown pass, contributing to a receiving corps that accumulated 111 yards overall. Armstrong distributed the ball effectively, with Keyon Lesane leading the receiving chart with four receptions for 27 yards.

Demon Deacons Struggle to Find Momentum

On the other side of the field, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons faced a tough challenge against the stout Wolfpack defense. Quarterback Michael Kern threw for 156 yards, completing 14 of 26 attempts, and connected with Deuce Alexander for a 19-yard touchdown pass. However, the Demon Deacons were unable to establish a consistent ground game, managing only seven rushing yards on 18 attempts.

Defensive Standouts

The defensive battle was equally intense, with both teams making notable plays. For the Wolfpack, linebacker Jaylon Scott and linebacker Payton Wilson stood out, combining for 15 tackles, two sacks, and two tackles for loss. Safety Sean Brown made a crucial interception, adding to a formidable defensive effort that held the Demon Deacons to just one touchdown. Wake Forest’s defense, led by linebacker Dylan Hazen and defensive back Chelen Garnes, showed resilience despite the challenging circumstances. Hazen recorded 14 tackles, while Garnes contributed with a sack and a tackle for loss.

Key Stats and Analysis

The game statistics reflected the Wolfpack’s dominance, as they outgained the Demon Deacons in total yards (379-163), passing yards (111-156), and rushing yards (268-7). The Wolfpack converted 5 of 14 third downs, while the Demon Deacons struggled, managing only 1 of 12.

The Takeaway

With this convincing win, the NC State Wolfpack (7-3, 4-2) improved their record and solidified their position in the competitive ACC. The team showcased a balanced offensive attack and a stingy defense, signaling their readiness for future challenges in the conference. The Demon Deacons (4-6, 1-6), on the other hand, will need to regroup and address their offensive struggles as they look to bounce back in the remaining games of the season, needing to win both games to become bowl eligible.

In what promises to be an electrifying clash, Duke and North Carolina are set to renew their age-old rivalry in the 110th meeting, with the iconic Victory Bell hanging in the balance. The game, scheduled for Saturday at 8 p.m., will be broadcast live on ACC Network, amplifying the excitement for fans eagerly anticipating this gridiron showdown. The Tar Heels hold the historical edge in the series at 64-41-4, but recent encounters between the two teams have been nothing short of nail-biting. In the last meeting on October 15, 2022, fans witnessed a thrilling spectacle as Duke and North Carolina combined for a staggering 1,078 yards and seven lead changes. The Tar Heels ultimately secured a dramatic 38-35 victory with a go-ahead touchdown just 16 seconds before the final whistle, leaving Blue Devils fans stunned. Duke’s last triumph over North Carolina dates back to November 10, 2018, a memorable day when quarterback Daniel Jones set school records en route to a 42-35 victory. The Battle for the Victory Bell traces its roots back to 1948 when North Carolina claimed possession following a 20-0 win. The concept was born from the minds of the head cheerleaders from Duke and North Carolina, Loring Jones and Norman Sper, respectively. With Jones designing the model and Sper acquiring a bell from an old railroad train, Red Lewis, Duke’s business manager, found the funds to bring the idea to life.

Duke heads into this clash as the underdog, facing its fifth nationally-ranked opponent this season. The Blue Devils are 1-3 against Top-25 foes, with all three losses coming in hard-fought battles. However, they boast a potent offense, ranking sixth in the ACC with an average of 5.84 yards per play. The team’s resilience is evident, being one of only three schools nationally with all three losses against Top-25 opponents. Leading Duke’s defensive charge is redshirt sophomore linebacker Tre Freeman, who sits sixth in the ACC with 71 tackles this season. Freeman has been a force in recent games, compiling impressive statistics over the last five outings. Senior defensive end Ryan Smith, fresh off ACC Player of the Week honors, adds depth to the Blue Devils’ defensive prowess. On the flip side, North Carolina enters the contest with momentum, having secured a victory against Campbell after two midseason losses. The Tar Heels, under the leadership of Mack Brown, have dominated recent matchups, winning the last four encounters with Duke. They’ve been formidable as a ranked team, boasting a 57-24 record under Brown. Running back Hampton has been a standout for the Tar Heels, rushing for 100 yards in four consecutive games. Last week, he reached the 1,000-yard mark in just nine games, a feat not achieved since Giovani Bernard in 2012. The Tar Heels have been prolific in the red zone, scoring 37 times in 42 drives this season.

NC State vs. Wake Forest: In a clash that transcends time, NC State and Wake Forest are set to renew their historic rivalry in the 117th meeting between the two squads, making it the longest-continuous rivalry in the ACC and the second-longest in the FBS. With NC State holding a 68-42-6 advantage in their 132 years of football history, this matchup is steeped in tradition and carries significant weight for both teams. Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren, now the winningest coach in school history, leads a formidable squad into this contest. Linebacker Payton Wilson, a force on the field, leads the ACC in tackles and has been named the Butkus National LB of the Month. True freshman receiver KC Concepcion, a standout rookie, has made history by becoming the first true freshman in school history to achieve two 100+ yard games in a season and record six touchdown receptions. With a strong defense ranking in the top 20 nationally in multiple categories, the Wolfpack aims to extend its impressive record in Carter-Finley Stadium, having won 20 of the last 23 games at home. This matchup promises not only a battle for supremacy on the field but also a continuation of a rivalry that has withstood the test of time, dating back to the teams’ first encounter in 1895 when NC State was known as The North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. The Wolfpack and the Demon Deacons are set to create yet another chapter in the storied history of the ACC’s longest-continuous rivalry.

Delaware vs. Campbell: In a thrilling culmination of their 2023 home campaign, Campbell University’s Fighting Camels (4-5, 3-3 CAA) are gearing up to face the formidable No. 8 Delaware Blue Hens (7-2, 5-1 CAA) on Saturday, November 11, at Barker-Lane Stadium. As the season nears its end, the Fighting Camels will honor Military Appreciation Day and Senior Day, recognizing 25 seniors before their last home game. Despite a challenging matchup against FBS North Carolina last week, Campbell boasts the 25th-ranked scoring offense in FCS, averaging 31.2 points per game. Quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams, with a remarkable 73.4 percent completion rate, leads a dynamic offense that includes standout receivers Jalen Kelsey and VJ Wilkins. On the defensive front, CJ Tillman and Monchovia Gaffney spearhead the efforts with 82 and 58 tackles, respectively. Facing the Blue Hens for the first time, Campbell anticipates a fierce battle against a Delaware team coming off their lone CAA loss. Delaware’s quarterback Ryan O’Connor and rusher Marcus Yarns pose significant threats, setting the stage for an intense clash that will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of both teams’ seasons. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m., promising an exciting spectacle for fans at Barker-Lane Stadium.

RALEIGH – In an intense college football matchup, the North Carolina State Wolfpack claimed a hard-earned victory against the Miami Hurricanes in front of a raucous crowd at Carter-Finley Stadium. In a game that showcased impressive defensive performances from both sides, NC State ultimately emerged as the victors with a final score of 20-6.

First Quarter: A Kicking Start

The game kicked off with both teams demonstrating their defensive prowess. Miami started with a promising 12-play drive but was only able to secure a field goal, courtesy of a 48-yard kick by Andres Borregales. However, NC State quickly responded with a touchdown as Jordan Poole caught a 12-yard pass from MJ Morris, followed by Brayden Narveson's successful extra point. The first quarter ended with NC State leading 7-3.

Second Quarter: Field Goals and Defensive Duels

In the second quarter, both teams relied on their kickers to add points to the scoreboard. Borregales, Miami's kicker, added another 27-yard field goal. On the other side, Brayden Narveson of NC State nailed a 39-yard field goal, bringing the score to 10-6 in favor of the Wolfpack.

NC State's Dominant Defense

The second half of the game saw NC State's defense take control. Kendrick Raphael's 31-yard run for a touchdown in the fourth quarter extended the lead to 17-6. With Miami unable to mount a successful comeback, Narveson added a 19-yard field goal to secure NC State's victory with a final score of 20-6.

Defensive Standouts

NC State's defense was instrumental in securing the win. Players like Payton Wilson, Jaylon Scott, and Devan Boykin led the charge with multiple tackles and key plays. Wilson and Boykin each recorded interceptions, further thwarting Miami's offensive efforts.

Key Statistics
-Miami managed 19 first downs compared to NC State's 12.
-The rushing game was evenly matched, with Miami gaining 119 yards and NC State gaining 108.
-Passing yards favored Miami with 173 to NC State's 123, but NC State's touchdown pass made the difference.
-The total offensive yards were 292 for Miami and 231 for NC State.
-Miami struggled on third-down conversions, going 4 of 15, while NC State was 3 of 11.
-Both teams were successful in the red zone, with Miami scoring once out of three chances and NC State capitalizing on all three of theirs.
-The game featured some remarkable defensive plays, with NC State's defense recording three interceptions and three sacks.

Next Week

NC State travels to Winston-Salem to take on Wake Forest in a 2 p.m. game set for the CW Network.

RALEIGH – The NC State Wolfpack delivered an electrifying performance at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday, securing a 24-17 victory over the Clemson Tigers in a game that had the Wolfpack faithful in a frenzy of excitement when the final horn sounded. With this win, head coach Dave Doeren celebrated his 100th career victory and tied the program record for most wins with 77, alongside Earle Edwards, who set the mark in 1970.

Freshman sensation KC Concepcion stole the show, notching two crucial touchdowns and showcasing his incredible versatility. Concepcion hauled in a 72-yard touchdown pass from quarterback MJ Morris, capping off a remarkable catch-and-run in the third quarter. His performance didn't stop there, as he also led the team in rushing, accumulating 51 yards on the ground.

The game began with a nine-yard touchdown connection between Morris and Concepcion, giving NC State an early 7-0 lead. The Wolfpack extended their lead with a 41-yard field goal from Brayden Narveson after an impressive 55-yard drive. Clemson managed to narrow the gap with a one-yard rushing touchdown from Phil Mafah, bringing the score to 10-7 in favor of NC State.

Just before halftime, Clemson had an opportunity to level the score with a field goal, but an NC State timeout disrupted their plans, keeping the score at 10-7. The Wolfpack defense stepped up in a big way, with Payton Wilson making a spectacular 15-yard interception return for a touchdown, giving NC State a 17-7 lead.

NC State's offensive momentum continued, with Morris and Concepcion connecting once again for a 72-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to its largest margin of the day. While Clemson managed to put together 10 consecutive points, it wasn't enough to overcome the Wolfpack's lead.

The Wolfpack defense played a pivotal role in this victory, forcing two turnovers, securing two sacks, and making nine tackles for a loss. Linebacker Sean Brown led the defensive effort with 11 tackles, and Jaylon Scott was right behind with 10 tackles.

The victory marks the second straight time NC State has defeated Clemson at home, and the first time since 2011 that the Tigers have lost back-to-back games. The Wolfpack now stands at 5-3 (2-2 ACC), moving within one game of securing a bowl berth.

Up next, NC State will face Miami in another crucial ACC matchup at Carter-Finley on Saturday, November 4, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m., broadcast on the ACC Network. The Wolfpack faithful have every reason to be excited about their team's resurgence after this impressive win over Clemson.