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.

WINSTON-SALEM – Drake Maye threw for 448 yards and three
touchdowns and ran for a touchdown to lead the #15 ranked North Carolina Tar Heels
to a 36-34 win over Wake Forest on Saturday evening. Sam Hartman had 320 yards
and four touchdowns in the losing effort for the Demon Deacons.

UNC came out strong in the first quarter with Maye
connecting with Josh Downs, their first of three touchdown connections on the
night, six minutes into the game. The Tar Heels scored touchdowns on four of
their first five drives of the night.

When it seemed like the top-fifteen Heels were going to run
away with the game, the Wake Forest offense came alive, tallying touchdowns on three
straight drives in the first half, making it a one-score game at the half.

The Demon Deacons used the third quarter to take the lead
over the Tar Heels, with Hartman netting two of his scoring passes in the quarter.
After AT Perry made a great grab to give the home team the lead, Maye responded
for the Tar Heels, running it in from five yards out. It was the last touchdown
the Tar Heels would score on the evening. Wake Forest’s Donavon Green got
behind the defense, snagged in a ball from Hartman, and raced sixty yards to
the end zone to give the Demon Deacons a one-point lead going into the final
quarter.

North Carolina started the fourth quarter on the Wake Forest
one-yard line, but the Demon Deacons defense stepped up and stuffed the Tar Heels,
keeping them out of the end zone and turning them over on downs. Wake Forest
then marched ninety-one yards down the field on eleven plays before the UNC
defense returned the favor, stopping the Demon Deacons on downs. The decision
to not kick the field goal would come back to haunt Wake Forest as Noah
Burnette was able to kick the go-ahead field goal for the Tar Heels, giving
them a two-point lead, a margin that held through the final whistle.

Key Stats

North Carolina was 10 of 16 on third down while Wake Forest
was 3 of 12. Wake Forest was 4 of 6 on fourth down, though.

North Carolina led the time of possession battle, 33:02 to
26:58.

Both teams were great in the red zone with North Carolina
scoring six times on eight tries with Wake Forest scoring on three of their four
trips.

Notable North Carolinians

Drake Maye (Myers Park) – The redshirt freshman was 31 of 49
for 448 yards and three touchdowns while leading the team with 71 rushing yards
and a touchdown.

Sam Hartman (Davidson Day) – The senior quarterback threw
for 320 yards and four touchdowns. Hartman became just the second quarterback to
throw for over 100 touchdowns in his career.

Donavon Green (Mount Airy) – The sophomore receiver scored two
touchdowns on the evening for Wake Forest.

Cedric Gray (Ardrey Kell) – The junior linebacker led the Tar
Heels with nine tackles, including five solo tackles.

Next Week

Both teams are at home next Saturday as North Carolina (9-1,
6-0) hosts Georgia Tech at 5:30pm while Wake Forest (6-4, 2-4) hosts Syracuse
at 8:00 pm.

RALEIGH – A top 25 matchup of two in-state schools does not
happen that often in the state of North Carolina. Wake Forest and NC State,
both with high hopes opening the season, were looking to finish the last
quarter of the regular season strong and a win in this game would put either
team in prime position for a high-profile bowl later on. In the end, it was NC
State, behind a three-touchdown effort by freshman quarterback MJ Morris, who
emerged victorious, 30-21 over the Demon Deacons.

After forcing a quick punt to open the game, Wake Forest
looked like they were in business to grab the momentum early on. That hope was
short-lived as Jakeen Harris picked off a Wake Forest pass and returned it
across midfield, but the Wolfpack were only able to turn it into a Christopher
Dunn field goal, the only scoring over the first nineteen minutes of the game.
The second quarter showed off both teams’ offenses with each team scoring twice
before the half. Christian Turner’s rushing score was answered by MJ Morris
finding Keyon Lesane. Sam Hartman’s scoring toss to Taylor Morin was answered
by Morris hitting Darryl Jones in the end zone. The two connected for another
score in the third quarter. Another Dunn field goal saw the Wolfpack heading
into the final quarter with a 27-14 lead.

Wake Forest wasn’t done, though, driving ninety-nine yards
on a drive halfway through the fourth quarter and making it a one-score game
after Sam Hartman’s twenty-nine-yard pass to AT Perry. NC State wasn’t going to
be denied, and Christopher Dunn’s third field goal of the night put the game
out of reach.

Defensively, Aydan White and Jakeen Harris tallied second-half interceptions for the Wolfpack. Isaiah Moore and Drake Thomas were
monsters roaming the field for NC State, combining for eighteen tackles,
including five for a loss, and three sacks. The Wake Forest defense was paced
by Ryan Smenda, Jr., who tallied sixteen tackles on the evening.

Next Week

NC State (7-2) is back at Carter-Finley Stadium hosting
Boston College at 3:30 pm while Wake Forest (6-3) plays another in-state rival,
North Carolina, at 7:30 at Truist Field in Winston-Salem.

By Winning Percentage

By Total Wins

Congratulations to Wake Forest, Charlotte Catholic, Randleman, and Mount Airy for finishing #1 in their classifications.