Is NC State football being underrated in the ACC? Our game-by-game predictions
NC State football is flying under the radar as game week approaches for the 2023 season.
The Wolfpack has been a model of consistency with at least eight wins in three straight seasons under veteran coach Dave Doeren. Following a road game at UConn to start the year, NC State returns home for one of the marquee games on its schedule against Notre DAme.
Here are game-by-game predictions for the 2023 Wolfpack football season:
Aug. 31 at UConn
Last season: NC State won, 41-10
The buzz: The Wolfpack hits the road for its opener with a chance to get a vibe for its new-look offense led by quarterback Brennan Armstrong and offensive coordinator Robert Anae. The Huskies made a bowl appearance in 2022, but State shouldn’t have much trouble in this one if it doesn’t look ahead to Week 2.
The pick: NC State wins, 34-10
Sept. 9 vs. No. 13 Notre Dame
Last season: Did not play. Notre Dame went 9-4.
The buzz: Arguably the marquee game on State’s schedule, Notre Dame comes to Carter-Finley Stadium with former Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman leading a top-15 squad. This will be a solid early-season test for the Wolfpack, which has a chance to send an early statement to the rest of the nation. But the Fighting Irish will be tough to top.
The pick: Notre Dame wins, 27-19
NC STATE'S DEPTH CHART: What will NC State football’s depth chart look like in season opener? Our final prediction
BOLD PREDICTIONS: Bold predictions for NC State football in 2023 season
FAN SURVEY: NC State football fan survey: How do you feel about Dave Doeren’s Wolfpack in 2023?
Sept. 16 vs. VMI
Last season: Did not play. VMI went 1-10
The buzz: These teams haven’t played in nearly eight decades, but NC State can use this game to build confidence throughout its roster before the ACC opener at Virginia. Look for some of the Wolfpack’s newcomers to shine against the Keydets.
The pick: NC State wins, 44-7
Sept. 22 at Virginia
Last season: Did not play. Virginia went 3-7.
The buzz: The Wolfpack gets a road trip to start league play, but Virginia has a crowd of question marks ahead of season. NC State hasn’t lost to the Cavaliers since 2006 and the Pack has won two straight in Charlottesville.
The pick: NC State wins, 29-18
Sept. 29 vs. Louisville
Last season: Louisville won, 25-10.
The buzz: The Cardinals earned a double-digit win against the Pack last season in Kentucky, but Carter-Finley Stadium’s atmosphere on a Friday night should help the home team get over the hump this time around.
The pick: NC State wins, 24-18
Oct. 7 vs. Marshall
Last season: Did not play. Marshall went 9-4.
The buzz: The Thundering Herd won’t be sneaking up on anybody this season after earning a victory at Notre Dame in 2022. NC State will be on alert and ready to roll against a program that won’t be scared. Still, the Wolfpack should win comfortably.
The pick: NC State wins, 34-18
Oct. 14 at Duke
Last season: Did not play. Duke went 9-4.
The buzz: Duke’s offense vs. NC State’s defense should provide plenty of intrigue. The Blue Devils have an open date prior to the Wolfpack’s visit, but have lost 12 of the last 14 in the series. Still, this feels like a perfect opportunity for Duke quarterback Riley Leonard to flip the script.
The pick: Duke wins, 27-24
Oct. 28 vs. No. 9 Clemson
Last season: Clemson won, 30-20
The buzz: Following the sting of a road loss at Duke and an open week to prepare for the Tigers, the Wolfpack will be hungry to nab a big-time victory at Carter-Finley Stadium. State is 1-9 in its last 10 against Clemson, but the Wolfpack’s veteran defense is capable of making things tough for sophomore quarterback Cade Klubnik.
The pick: NC State wins, 24-21
Nov. 4 vs. Miami
Last season: Did not play. Miami went 5-7.
The buzz: A letdown after a win against Clemson is reasonable. Miami should be much improved in its second season under Mario Cristobal. The Hurricanes have won four in a row against the Pack, including three close games.
The pick: Miami wins, 29-24
Nov. 11 at Wake Forest
Last season: NC State won, 30-21
The buzz: Winston-Salem hasn’t been kind to the Wolfpack. It’s been eight years since the Pack beat Wake Forest on the road and the teams have split the last 10 meetings in the series. Two of the last three road losses against the Demon Deacons were one-possession games.
The pick: NC State wins, 31-28
Nov. 18 at Virginia Tech
Last season: NC State won, 22-21
The buzz: Blacksburg will be rocking as Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” blares throughout Lane Stadium, but the Hokies simply don’t have as good of a roster as State. It’s a possible trap game ahead of the finale against the Tar Heels, but the Wolfpack’s talent should prevail.
The pick: NC State wins, 27-19
Nov. 25 vs. No. 21 UNC
Last season: NC State won, 30-27 (2OT)
The buzz: After winning with its fourth quarterback in Chapel Hill last season, NC State should have plenty of confidence in front of its home crowd in the finale. The Wolfpack has won two of its last three against the Tar Heels in Raleigh and State has made the big plays of late in the series.
The pick: NC State wins, 28-27
Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: NC State football game-by-game predictions 2023 schedule
