Saturday night’s ACC Network game from Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh will be the 113th meeting between the NC State Wolfpack and the North Carolina Tar Heels. The Tar Heels, recovering from a loss at Clemson, are preparing to face their rivals in the final game of the 2023 regular season. The Tar Heels’ offense, which averages 38.1 points per game, is the 12th highest nationally, and they’ve been successful on third downs, converting 49.7% of them. Quarterback Drake Maye and running back Omarion Hampton have been key players, with Maye throwing at least one touchdown pass in 10 of the 11 games this season and Hampton rushing for 100 yards in six consecutive games.

On the other side, the Wolfpack have been formidable opponents under the guidance of head coach Dave Doeren, the winningest coach in school history with 80 wins at NC State. They are one of only four teams in the Power 5 that have won eight or more games in each of the last four seasons. Their defense, which leads the ACC in total defense and scoring defense vs. league opponents, has been particularly impressive. In the last nine games, the Wolfpack defense has allowed just 88.5 rushing yards per game. During that span, three opponents have rushed for less than 100 yards. This game promises to be a thrilling end to the regular season, with both teams bringing their A-game to the field for bragging rights and a claim to best FBS team in the state.

NCAA Division II Playoffs (Round 2)

Lenoir-Rhyne vs Benedict: The Lenoir-Rhyne Bears are set to face the Benedict Tigers in the NCAA Division II playoffs this Saturday. The Bears have had a strong season, with an 11-1 record and an average of 40.17 points per game. Their rushing game is led by Dwayne McGee, who has gained 1213 yards with an average of 110.27 yards per game. In the passing game, Jalen Ferguson has completed 111 out of 154 attempts, throwing for 1468 yards and 16 touchdowns. The receiving corps is led by DeAree Rogers, who has made 43 catches for 621 yards and 6 touchdowns. On defense, Jon Ross Maye leads the team with 86 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. The Bears' defense has been particularly effective, with 35 sacks and 13 interceptions this season. The team's overall performance has been impressive, with an average of 443.7 yards per game. This game promises to be a thrilling encounter, with the Bears looking to leverage their strong performance this season against the formidable Tigers.

NCAA FCS Playoffs (Round )

Gardner-Webb vs. Mercer: This Saturday, the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs, under the guidance of Head Coach Tre Lamb, a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award, will face off against the Mercer Bears in the NCAA FCS playoffs. The Bulldogs have had a strong season, with back-to-back conference championships for the first time since 2002 and 2003, and an undefeated home record. Their offense, led by Lamb, has been aggressive, averaging 34.7 points per game in conference games and converting 24 of their 37 fourth-down attempts. On the defensive end, Ty French has set a new school record for career sacks with 30.5 and has been named a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award. Running back Narii Gaither has also made history, becoming just the second player in program history to rush for at least 3,000 yards. The Bulldogs have a record of 9-36 against FCS teams ranked inside the national polls, but they defeated #13/14 UT Martin earlier this season. Freshman quarterback Jaylen King, a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, has gone 5-1 in his first six career starts, including leading the Bulldogs to a 38-34 upset victory over #13/14 UT Martin. This game promises to be a thrilling encounter, with the Bulldogs looking to leverage their strong performance this season against the formidable Bears.

North Carolina Central vs. Richmond: This Saturday at 3pm, the NCAA FCS playoff game between North Carolina Central and Richmond is set to be a thrilling showdown. NCCU, with a record of 9-2 overall and 4-1 in conference play, has been a force to reckon with this season. They have outscored their opponents 403 to 296, averaging 36.64 points per game. Their rushing attack, led by Latrell Collier with 684 yards and 8 touchdowns, and Davius Richard with 579 yards and 15 touchdowns, has been particularly potent. Richard has also been impressive in the passing game, completing 60.98% of his passes for 1915 yards and 20 touchdowns. On the receiving end, Devin Smith and Joaquin Davis have been key contributors, with 505 and 404 receiving yards respectively. On the defensive side, Jayden Flaker leads the team with 74 total tackles and 4.5 sacks. With a rare appearance in the FCS playoffs, NCCU is poised to give a tough fight to the University of Richmond.

Honoring NCCFB Legend Armanti Edwards 

App State vs. Georgia Southern: App State will host Georgia Southern at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone in a game that will be broadcast on ESPNU Saturday afternoon at 3:30. App State leads the series 21-16-1 overall and 14-5-1 in Boone. Leading the Mountaineers’ offense is quarterback Joey Aguilar with 2,975 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, receiver Kaedin Robinson with 45 catches for 609 yards and 8 touchdowns, and running back Nate Noel with 787 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns. Andrew Parker Jr. paces the App State defense with 98 tackles. The game will be a significant event, as it's not only the regular-season finale but also Senior Day, and the retirement of QB Armanti Edwards’ No. 14 jersey will take place at halftime. App State is also vying for a Sun Belt Championship Game berth. The team needs to beat Georgia Southern and have JMU win at Coastal Carolina to advance to face West champ Troy on Dec. 2.

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.

DURHAM – The No. 17 Duke Blue Devils (5-1, 2-0) delivered an impressive performance at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium on Saturday night, sealing a commanding 24-3 victory over the NC State Wolfpack (4-3, 1-2). Duke's defense shone brightly, allowing just three points, marking the fewest points scored by NC State since 2014. This ACC clash was characterized by explosive plays, defensive prowess, and a young quarterback's promising debut.

The game began with NC State taking an early lead, as Brayden Narveson drilled a career-long 57-yard field goal on the Wolfpack's opening possession. This kick set a new program record for the longest field goal, surpassing Damon Hartman's 56-yard mark from 1990.

Duke quickly responded with a two-play, 90-yard drive that saw redshirt freshman Henry Belin IV connect with redshirt senior Jalon Calhoun for a stunning 69-yard touchdown reception. This play gave the Blue Devils a lead they wouldn't relinquish, making it 7-3 with 6:26 left in the first quarter.

Before heading into halftime, Duke extended their lead to 17-3 with a career-long 52-yard field goal from Todd Pelino and an eight-yard touchdown reception by Jeremiah Hasley, his first career score. The defensive dominance displayed by the Blue Devils was evident, limiting the Wolfpack to just a single field goal.

In the second half, graduate Jordan Waters made a significant impact by rumbling for an impressive 83-yard touchdown run, securing the win for Duke with a final score of 24-3. This run tied for the third-longest touchdown in program history.

The standout performance was not limited to the offense. The Blue Devil defense recorded a season-high four sacks and eight tackles for loss, holding NC State to its fewest points scored in an ACC game since 2008.

Redshirt sophomore linebacker Tre Freeman was a force to be reckoned with, tallying a career-high 15 tackles and claiming his first career interception. The last Duke player to record 15 or more tackles in a game was Shaka Heyward in 2021.

With this victory, Duke maintained their unblemished record in ACC play, setting up an exciting matchup against unbeaten and No. 4 ranked Florida State on October 21. The Seminoles are coming off a dominant 41-3 win over Syracuse, promising another thrilling showdown in the weeks to come.

Duke and NC State Set to Renew Rivalry: A Look at the Upcoming Clash

The anticipation is building for the 84th installment of the Duke-NC State football rivalry, set to take place this Saturday night at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium. Both teams are gearing up for a classic battle that promises to be memorable for fans of both sides. The history between these two ACC charter members dates back nearly a century, with Duke holding a narrow lead in the series, 41-37-5. However, recent history has favored the Wolfpack, with NC State boasting a 15-3 record against the Blue Devils since 1990. The most remarkable stretch for the Wolfpack came between 1994 and 2008 when they enjoyed an 11-game winning streak. The proximity of the two stadiums, a mere 22 miles apart, adds to the intensity of the rivalry. It's a game where bragging rights are not the only things at stake.

Dave Doeren, in his 11th year as head coach for the Wolfpack, has seen limited action against the Blue Devils. In his inaugural season in 2018, Duke emerged victorious in a 38-20 victory in Durham. In 2020, the Pack won 31-20 in a home game at Carter-Finley Stadium. This weekend's clash will mark just the third meeting between these teams during Doeren's tenure. The Wolfpack is currently making waves in college football under Coach Doeren. Notably, they lead the ACC in third-down conversion defense, boasting an impressive .293 success rate, which ranks 14th in the entire FBS. Dave Doeren is also on the verge of tying the school record for coaching victories, and a win in this rivalry game could put him in the history books.

NC State is also demonstrating its prowess in the red zone, going 12-for-12 inside the 10-yard line this season, with 11 touchdowns and one field goal. True freshman receiver KC Concepcion is making waves, accounting for 28% of the Wolfpack's receptions and becoming the first true freshman in school history to record two 100+ yard games in a season. In the last outing, quarterback MJ Morris made a significant impact with a career-best four touchdowns and 265 passing yards, despite it being only his third career start. Running back Delbert Mimms has been impressive too, ranking sixth in the ACC and 24th nationally with six rushing touchdowns, which is two more than any Pack player had in all of 2022.

The Wolfpack's defense has been no slouch either, ranking 11th in the FBS in team sacks, thanks to reserve defensive end Red Hibbler. However, they have been dealing with the loss of two of their top four safeties for the season, which poses a challenge for their defensive unit. Linebacker Payton Wilson is having an incredible season, leading the ACC in tackles with an average of 11.7 per game, which is the fourth-best in the FBS. He was named the Butkus National LB of the Month for September and has earned ACC LB of the Week honors three times already this year. 

On the other side of the rivalry, Duke is coming off a strong start to the season, with a 4-1 record. Under the guidance of head coach Mike Elko, Duke has won the turnover battle in 12 of their last 18 games, leading to 115 points off those turnovers. Elko's record through his first 18 games is the best start to a head coaching stint in school history. 

This year's Blue Devils rank highly in both scoring offense and defense within the ACC. Their scoring offense ranks 6th with an average of 32.6 points per game, while their defense is leading the conference, allowing a mere 11.2 points per game. They are one of only two ACC schools averaging 30.0 points per game and allowing just 15.0 points per outing, with Miami being the other school achieving these impressive numbers.

All eyes are now set on Saturday night as these two longstanding rivals prepare for another intense and highly anticipated battle. The history, the records, and the proximity between the stadiums all contribute to making this a must-watch ACC matchup. The kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. and will be televised live by ACC Network.

Saturday Showdown: Barton Bulldogs Face Undefeated Lenoir-Rhyne Bears in Crucial SAC Matchup

This Saturday, the college football world's attention turns to Moretz Stadium in Hickory, North Carolina, as the Barton Bulldogs prepare to take on the undefeated Lenoir-Rhyne Bears in a highly anticipated SAC matchup. The clash will feature the two teams with the best overall records in the conference, setting the stage for a thrilling battle on the gridiron.

The Bears, currently boasting a perfect 6-0 record, will put their unblemished mark on the line as they aim to continue their remarkable winning streak. Not only are they on an eight-game winning streak, but their six consecutive victories in 2023 have propelled them to a strong position in the South Atlantic Conference.

Lurking just one game behind the Bears in the SAC standings is the Barton Bulldogs, who bring a commendable 5-1 record to Moretz Stadium. Their lone loss this season came at the hands of Mars Hill, but they are determined to make a statement and potentially seize the driver's seat in the conference with a win and the tiebreaker over Lenoir-Rhyne.

A win for the Bears would take them a significant step closer to clinching the Piedmont Division Championship, but the Bulldogs are poised to disrupt those plans with their strong performance this season.

The matchup is filled with intriguing storylines and streaks on the line. Lenoir-Rhyne has not only won its last six games but also the final two games of the 2022 season, which makes for an impressive eight-game winning streak. This streak currently ties them for the second-longest in all of NCAA Division II, with only Harding boasting a longer streak of 10 consecutive victories. Western Colorado, like the Bears, has also won eight straight.

Moreover, the 2023 season marks just the third time since 1970 that Lenoir-Rhyne has started with a perfect 6-0 record, showcasing their consistency and dominance on the field. Previous seasons with such a strong start came in 2014 and 2019.

Adding to the anticipation, Lenoir-Rhyne has a perfect 12-0 record against Barton in their history, a record that the Bulldogs are surely eager to change. This long-standing dominance has also translated into a seven-game winning streak in conference play, which ranks eighth in NCAA Division II.

In national rankings, Lenoir-Rhyne enters the game ranked No. 12 in the AFCA national poll and No. 13 in the d2football.com poll. The Bears have historically performed well when nationally ranked, with a record of 53-12.

At Moretz Stadium, their home field, the Bears have been particularly formidable when ranked, boasting a record of 29-5. This bodes well for their prospects in the upcoming game.

As the stage is set for this Saturday's showdown between the Barton Bulldogs and the undefeated Lenoir-Rhyne Bears, college football fans are in for an exciting clash that could have a significant impact on the South Atlantic Conference standings. With both teams showcasing impressive records and a hunger for victory, it promises to be a game that football enthusiasts won't want to miss.

CHARLOTTE - NC State (8-4) faces Maryland (7-5) on Dec. 30 in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte at noon on ESPN. The overall series record between NC State and Maryland stands exactly even at 33-33-4. The Wolfpack and the Terps met every year on the gridiron from 1956 until Maryland’s departure from the ACC following the 2013 season.

This is NC State’s 34th bowl appearance (17-15-1) and will mark the fourth time the Wolfpack has played a bowl game in Bank of America Stadium. The Wolfpack won the 2005 Meineke Car Care Bowl and the 2011 Belk Bowl and lost the 2015 Belk Bowl.

In 2005, NC State turned in a storybook ending to a rollercoaster season with a 14-0 victory over South Florida on New Year’s Eve. The defense, led by bowl MVP Stephen Tulloch, shut out the Bulls in USF’s first bowl game appearance in school history. It marked the only shutout in a bowl that year and the first ever by the Wolfpack.

In 2011, the Wolfpack scored 24 unanswered points in the second and third quarters to overwhelm Louisville in the 2011 win. Quarterback Mike Glennon, who completed 21 of 33 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns, was named the MVP of the game.

In 2015, Mississippi State - behind QB Dak Prescott - won 51-28 over the Wolfpack in the soggy Belk Bowl. 

In addition to the three bowl games the Wolfpack has played in Bank of America Stadium, it’s also played four regular season contests in that venue. The Wolfpack closed out the regular season versus East Carolina in Charlotte in 1996 (L, 29-50) and in 2005 (W, 52-14). In 1998 and 1999, NC State and UNC moved their matchup to the stadium. The Wolfpack fell in both of those contests, a 34-37 overtime shootout in Torry Holt’s last regular season game and a 6-10 loss the following year. NC State opened the 2017 campaign at BoA Stadium versus South Carolina in the Belk College Kickoff Game, losing by a touchdown to South Carolina (28-35).

Coach Dave Doeren has now led NC State to more bowl games than any coach in school history.

All-Time Record Between NC State and Maryland

RALEIGH – NC State's Christopher Dunn was named the winner of the 2022 Lou Groza Place-Kicker Award on Thursday night during The Home Depot College Football Awards show on ESPN.

Dunn, a former All-Gridiron player who set new ACC records in points scored (479) and field goals (93) in 2022, leads the ACC and ranks second nationally in field goal percentage (.960). He also tops the league in kick scoring and field goals and tied for the national lead in field goals per game.

The Lexington native becomes the third national award winner under NC State football head coach Dave Doeren, joining Bradley Chubb (Nagurski & Hendricks Award, 2017) and Garrett Bradbury (Rimington Trophy, 2018). He is the second Groza Award winner in NC State football history joining Marc Primanti (1996).

"I'm so proud of Chris for all of his accomplishments and am so happy that he was recognized nationally with the Groza Award," Doeren said. "Nobody has worked harder than he has.

"He's overcome a lot of obstacles – on and off the field – but his dedication, persistence, and faith have helped him become the remarkable person and kicker that he is today. I can't wait to see what the future holds for him."

Dunn was also named a CBS Sports and The Athletic All-American earlier on Thursday. He's the first NC State kicker to earn All-America accolades in 26 years, as Primanti earned the honor the same year he won the Groza, 1996.

In 2022, Dunn twice earned ACC Specialist of the Week honors and Lou Groza Star of the Week accolades. He claimed both honors in the same week after he tied a career-high with four made field goals in NC State's 19-17 win over Florida State, scoring 13 of the Pack's 19 points. He also tied a career-long with a 53-yarder in the victory over the Seminoles.

Of Dunn's 24 makes on the season, 10 of them came from 40 yards or longer. He went a perfect 7-for-7 from 20-29 yards, 7-for-7 from 30-39 yards, and 2-for-2 on kicks over 50 yards. He also went 8-for-9 from 40-49 yards, missing just one kick the entire season – in the regular season finalé. He is a perfect 200-for-200 on PAT attempts in his Wolfpack career.

In 1992, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission established the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award to honor the nation's top collegiate place-kicker. The winner is determined by a voting panel of Division I head coaches, sportswriters, sportscasters, conference representatives, professional kickers, and previous winners.

The award is named in honor of Lou Groza, a nine-time all-pro and winner of eight championships, four in the AAFC and four in the NFL. Groza, one of the greatest kickers in football history, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974.

The 2022 college football regular season and conference championships have come to a close. Five NCCFB FBS teams have qualified for postseason bowls. The Duke's Mayo Bowl returns to Charlotte in 2022 and will feature teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and Big Ten Conference.

Duke Blue Devils

Record: 8-4 (5-3 ACC)

Location: Navy-Marine Corps Stadium (Annapolis, Maryland)

Opponent:

Time: 2:00 PM

Tickets: http://militarybowl.org/tickets/

East Carolina Pirates

Record: 7-5 (4-4 AAC)

Location: Protective Stadium (Birmingham, Alabama)

Opponent:

Coastal Carolina (9-3, 6-2 SBC)

Date: December 27, 2022

Time: 6:45 PM

Tickets: https://ticketsmarterbirminghambowl.com/tickets/

NC State Wolfpack

Record: 8-4 (4-4 ACC)

Location: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, North Carolina)

Opponent:

Maryland (7-5, 4-5 B1G)

Date: December 30, 2022

Time: 12:00 PM

Tickets: https://charlottesports.org/events/tickets/

North Carolina Tar Heels

Record: 9-4 (6-2 ACC, Coastal Division Champs)

Opponent:

Oregon (9-3, 7-2 PAC 12)

Date: December 28, 2022

Time: 8:00 PM

Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0A005D37CA7F5243

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Record: 7-5 (3-5 ACC)

Opponent:

Missouri (6-6, 3-5 SEC)

Date: Friday, December 23

Time: 6:30 PM

Tickets: https://www.gasparillabowl.com/tickets/

Duke's Mayo Bowl

Teams: North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Maryland Terrapins

Date: December 30, 2022

Time: 12:00

Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.

Tickets: https://charlottesports.org/events/tickets/

CLEMSON – The No. 10 NC State football team dropped its first game of the season in a 30-20 defeat at No. 5 Clemson Saturday night at the Tigers' Memorial Stadium.

Devin Leary led the Pack with two passing touchdowns on 28 of 47 passing. Leary also ran for a score. Thayer Thomas led the team with nine receptions for eighty-four yards. Linebacker Payton Wilson was the defensive leader for NC State with eleven tackles, including six solo stops, and a tackle for loss.

Up Next

NC State hosts Florida State next Saturday night on ACC Network.

RALEIGH – Both #16 NC State and
Texas Tech came into Saturday night’s game with 2-0 records, with each team
struggling with an in-state American Athletic Conference rival and also blowing
out an FCS opponent. With both offenses having scored a combined 162 points
over the first two weeks, it seemed like a shootout was in the works for the 56,919
fans in attendance in Carter-Finley Stadium. But, it was the NC State defense
that shined the brightest on Saturday night as the hometown Wolfpack walked
away with a 27-14 win.

The first quarter of the game saw the Wolfpack excelling in
two of the three phases of the game. Defensively, the Wolfpack forced a punt on
the first three possessions of the game. In special teams, Christopher Dunn hit
two field goals and the punt team recovered a muffed punt return by Texas Tech.

After the NC State defense forced yet another punt, the Wolfpack
offense began to wake up after their slow start. When a personal foul penalty
added fifteen yards to a Devin Leary deep completion to Thayer Thomas, Demie Sumo-Karngbaye
became the first Pack player to find the end zone on the evening with a
fourteen-yard scoring run on the next play.

Trying desperately to find any offensive momentum in the
first half, Texas Tech rolled the dice on the next drive and went for it on a
fourth down at the NC State 28-yard line. Defensive end Davin Vann forced Red
Raiders quarterback Donovan Smith to hurry the throw and sophomore Aydan White
stepped in front of the pass and raced eighty-four yards down the home sideline
for the pick-six and a three-score lead. Smith made up for his error on the
next drive, hitting Myles Price on a deep pass across the middle for the Red
Raiders touchdown.

The third quarter ended up being the only scoreless quarter
of the evening. NC State almost got on the board late in the quarter, but a
Texas Tech player punched the ball out of Demie Sumo-Karngbaye's hands at the one-yard
line and the ball rolled out of the end zone for a touchback.

Opening the fourth quarter, Texas Tech tried its luck again
as the Red Raiders decided to go for it on fourth down at their own 35 yard
line, but they stopped short of the first down marker. Sensing a chance to put
the game away, NC State came out with a halfback pass from Thayer Thomas to
Demie Sumo-Karngbaye on the next play for a Wolfpack TD.

Even after Texas Tech quarterback Donovan Smith made it a two
score-game again with a three-yard keeper, the NC State defense stepped up with
Jakeen Harris picking off Smith on the Raiders’ next possession. When Aydan
White intercepted his second pass of the night with one minute left in the
game, NC State was able to run out the clock and celebrate a 3-0 start to the
season.

Notable North Carolinians

Thayer Thomas (Heritage) – the graduate receiver caught 4
passes and even threw for a touchdown in the third quarter.

Aydan White (Asheville Christ School) – the sophomore cornerback
had an eighty-six-yard pick-six in the third quarter and a second interception
to seal the game later on.

Payton Wilson (Orange) – the redshirt junior linebacker led
the team with nine tackles for a defense that only gave up fifty-four rushing
yards.

Next Week

Both teams are at home next week as NC State (3-0) hosts
UConn at Carter-Finley Stadium while Texas Tech (2-1) invites in-state rival
and the #21 ranked Texas Longhorns to Lubbock.

GREENVILLE – The thirteenth-ranked NC State Wolfpack survived on Saturday
afternoon after a failed comeback attempt by the host East Carolina Pirates. A
record crowd of 51,711 at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium watched the Wolfpack power out
to a 21-7 halftime lead before the Pirates scored thirteen unanswered points in
the second half to come up just short.

After an ECU third-quarter touchdown made it a one-score
game, a goal-line stand by the Pirates defense gave the home fans hope for the
comeback. Seven minutes later, the Pirates offense, led by signal caller Holton
Ahlers, found the end zone in hopes of tying the game up, but the PAT was wide
and the Wolfpack was clinging to a one-point lead. The Pirates defense stepped
up again, forcing a punt, and the ECU offense got in NC State territory with
just a few seconds left but the potential game-winning field goal was wide and
the Wolfpack escaped with the one-point win.

Coaches Corner

NC State Head Coach Dave Doeren

"First, give East Carolina a lot of credit. We were up
21-7 and their kids fought. The most disappointing part for us is not scoring
at the goal line and the other opportunities that we didn't come up with
points. There's a lot to look at on film. It always starts with the schemes
that we're running, seeing how we're coaching things, looking at guys that are
running the plays and where we can get better and we will get a lot better. The
one thing I can't do is change our record tomorrow. We're 1-0 and we're
excited. The last time I was here, we lost 33-30 so it feels good to leave with
a win. You've got to give Coach Houston and his staff at ECU a lot of credit.
They did a great job today."

East Carolina Head Coach Mike Houston

"There's not a whole lot to say. Kids fought their
tails off. They inspire me with the way they play. Our preparation coming into
this game, we were very confident this morning. I know nobody outside of
Greenville gave us much of a chance, but those kids never doubted. We should
have won the ballgame. We outplayed them. We dominated them physically in the
second half. I just hurt for those kids in that locker room right now. They've
brought this program from the depths back to what it was today. That stadium
today was incredible. Our fan base is incredible, and we all deserve to have a
win today. I'm just sorry we're not sitting here celebrating one."

Notable North Carolinians

Thayer Thomas (Heritage) – the graduate wide receiver had
four catches for fifty-eight yards and a touchdown

Jaylon Scott (Shelby) – the junior linebacker had eight
tackles, including five solo stops

Holton Ahlers (Conley) – the senior quarterback completed 24
of 40 attempts for 255 yards with two touchdowns

Next Week

NC State (1-0) hosts Charleston Southern in their home debut
at Carter-Finley Stadium while East Carolina (0-1) hosts Old Dominion (1-0), who
is fresh off a Power 5 upset of Virginia Tech.

RALEIGH – It was homecoming under the lights at Carter-Finley
Stadium on Saturday during the Halloween weekend. The Wolfpack, fresh off a disappointing
loss at Miami the previous Saturday, looked for a treat in a rebound win
against Atlantic Division rival Louisville. The Cardinals, coached by North
Carolina native Scott Satterfield, looked for the trick in ending NC State's
seven-game home winning streak.

Going into the fourth quarter, Coach Satterfield thought he
had a basket of full-size chocolate candy bars with the home team seemingly asleep
with the light off. In the end, it ended up being a bucket of black licorice
for Louisville as the Wolfpack came alive in the fourth quarter, outscoring the
Cardinals 21-3, on their way to a 28-13 win.

In the spirit of Halloween, here are a few tricks and treats
from tonight's game.

Trick

After starting the game with two nine-play drives, the
second of which ended in a touchdown catch by Emeka Emezie, the Wolfpack
offense went stagnant over their next six drives, punting each time.

Treat

The Wolfpack finally woke up early in the fourth quarter,
with Devin Leary hitting Porter Rooks and Trent Pennix for two long passes, with
Pennix's reception resulting in the Pack's second touchdown of the night.

Trick

The Wolfpack defense got hit with two personal foul
penalties on a Louisville drive in the fourth quarter.

Treat

The defense rebounded and forced Louisville to kick a field
goal.

Trick

The Wolfpack only rushed for eleven yards through three
quarters.

Treat

Eleven NC State players recorded at least one reception on
the night.

Trick

Louisville QB Malik Cunningham led the Cardinals in rushing
and passing for the night.

Treat

The NC State defense stepped up when it mattered, stopping
the prolific dual-threat quarterback on a fourth-down twice in the fourth
quarter.

Notable North Carolinians

Drake Thomas (Heritage) – the sophomore linebacker had fifteen tackles, two sacks, and a pass breakup.

Emeka Emezie (Marvin Ridge) – the senior wide receiver had five
catches for ninety-one yards and a touchdown.

Trent Pennix (Sanderson) – the redshirt sophomore running
back came alive in the passing game, scoring the go-ahead touchdown early in
the fourth quarter.

Up Next

Both teams stay in Atlantic Division action next week as NC
State (6-2) travels to take on Florida State while Louisville (4-4) hosts Clemson.

JACKSONVILLE, FL – The NC State Wolfpack, ranked 23^rd
coming into Saturday’s TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, were unable to complete the comeback
they needed against the Kentucky Wildcats, fell 23-21 to finish the 2020 season
at 8-4.

Quarterback Bailey Hockman was 27/40 passing for 268 yards
and a touchdown. Running back Zonovan “Bam” Knight had 52 yards rushing and a
score. Isaac Duffy led the defense with thirteen tackles.

Coach Dave Doeren

“It was a great football game. I’m proud of the way we
fought back in the second half and had multiple chances to get it back and get
a lead. Obviously, it’s one of those games when you lose by two points there’s
a lot of plays you think about, and we were without a lot of players today…I
thought our defense really battled not having Alim [McNeill] and Payton
[Wilson] and Drake [Thomas] and Tanner [Ingle], the kids who had to play in
their place played hard…Offensively, we just turned the ball over three times,
missed two field goals. We had our chances to make that a different game and we
didn’t. You have to give Kentucky credit for that. It was a really hard-fought
game and a physical game, as I expected it to be…Proud of the way the kids
fought, proud of our season. This doesn’t make me feel like we didn’t have a
good season – we did. It was a great experience. I’m appreciative of the
opportunity to be down here, and I’m really excited that so many of these
players are back. It’s going to be a great offseason with them.” “I love these
guys. The players, the coaches, the staff, we went through a lot. We went
through a lot last season when there was a lot of people talking negatively
about us. We stuck together, we came back with a growing attitude…We grew a lot
together, we learned a lot from each other. A lot of guys stepped up this year
and stepped into roles where they weren’t starters and injuries took place and
guys would step in and just play.”

Scoring Summary

Qtr         Time      Scoring Play       V-H

1st         06:00    UK - Matt Ruffolo 25 yd FG 16-68 9:00    0-3

2nd        06:23    UK - Chris Rodriguez 4 yd TD RUSH (KICK by
Matt Ruffolo), 6-79 2:39       0-10

2nd        00:02    UK - Matt Ruffolo 26 yd FG 7-69 1:21      0-13

3rd         02:56    ST - Riley, C.J. 9 yd TD PASS from Hockman,
B. (KICK by Dunn, C.), 13-76 6:12   7-13

4th         05:45    UK - Matt Ruffolo 20 yd FG 7-40 3:09      7-16

4th         04:46    ST - Knight, Z. 13 yd TD RUSH (KICK by Dunn,
C.), 3-37 0:54               14-16

4th         02:55    UK - Chris Rodriguez 26 yd TD RUSH (KICK by
Matt Ruffolo), 1-26 0:07       14-23