NC State braces for stern test from Wake Forest

Field Level Media|published: Wed 2nd October, 07:37 2024

Sep 28, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey (16) looks for an opening for a throw against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

North Carolina State will make another attempt to stack victories together when it hosts struggling Wake Forest on Saturday afternoon at Raleigh, N.C.

The Atlantic Coast Conference matchup between in-state rivals is a chance for the Wolfpack to start looking like a top-notch team.

"We've got seven games with two bye weeks and two months," North Carolina State coach Dave Doeren said of the remaining slate. "It's going to go really fast. We've got to stay really mission-focused on the day we're in and have a great week of practice."

The Wolfpack (3-2, 0-1) will aim to gain back-to-back victories for the first time this season after topping visiting Northern Illinois 24-17 last week.

Wake Forest (1-3, 0-1) has a three-game losing streak as it prepares for its first road game of the year. Last week's 41-38 loss to Louisiana came with some offensive highlights for the Demon Deacons, but too many glitches.

"We just have to keep these guys together and make sure they keep improving and keep working, and stick together," Wake Forest coach Dave Clawson said.

The Demon Deacons are 1-3 for the first time in 11 seasons under Clawson.

The Wolfpack will identify areas to exploit. Doeren said it won't be easy facing a team that has caused trouble for North Carolina State at inopportune times.

"You know who you're getting," Doeren said. "You're getting a team that plays really hard, really fundamentally sound, that knows what their systems are, do a good job of punching the ball out on defense. They're going to be in the places you think they're going to be."

Wake Forest has scored at least 30 points in three of its four games this season.

Meanwhile, North Carolina State's offense has yet to fully roll. Freshman quarterback CJ Bailey will be set for his third consecutive start unless Grayson McCall is back to action following an injury three weeks ago.

Doeren said he would like to see more efficiency from other offensive players to boost Bailey.

"We've got to make sure that we're not beating ourselves," Doeren said. "There's no doubt CJ has great energy. That kid has that every single day. I appreciate that about him."

--Field Level Media

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