By Ethan McDowell

NC State (3-2) renews the second-longest continuous rivalry in FBS football this weekend. The Wolfpack and Wake Forest (1-3) will meet again in Carter-Finley Stadium Saturday as the program tries to pick up a third consecutive win over its in-state foe.

After defeating Northern Illinois 24-17 last week, NC State holds some defensive momentum thanks to 4 forced turnovers, 4 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. The Demon Deacons’ slow mesh offense will provide a serious test for that side of the ball.

Offensively, the Wolfpack will be going up against the worst rushing defense in the ACC. Wake Forest gave up 41 points in a loss to Louisiana last week.

The CW Network will broadcast this game. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.

Here are TheWolfpacker.com’s predictions for the in-state rivalry clash between NC State and Wake Forest.

Ethan McDowell’s predictions for NC State vs. Wake Forest

NC State dominated Wake Forest last year. The Demon Deacon offense was out of sorts, and the defense allowed the Wolfpack to run all over the field. Expect a much stronger challenge this year, at least from the offense.

Louisiana Tech transfer Hank Bachmeier is one of Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded quarterbacks in the country this season. He threw for 403 yards against UVA, and Wake Forest is happy to let him air the ball out. The signal-caller has attempted at least 35 passes in each of his past 3 games.

This game will be a challenge for an NC State secondary that has played well in coverage for most of this season. After living in the NIU backfield last week, the Wolfpack linebackers will have to play this game with elite eye discipline as Wake Forest tries to fool the program with its slow-developing run-pass options.

Caden Fordham and Sean Brown both recorded tackling career highs last week. They have a great opportunity to continue that level of play this week. Wake Forest’s offense is designed to fool them.

Bachmeier has only recorded 2 turnover-worthy plays this season, throwing 5 touchdowns and 1 interception through 4 games. NC State ranks second in the ACC with 6 fumbles forced and sixth in the league with 5 interceptions.

A couple of turnovers would really help the Pack’s struggling offense. Wake Forest is averaging 29.8 points per game this season, and NC State will have to keep pace with its rival.

If the Wolfpack cannot establish the run in this game, then it might not be able to have success on the ground against anyone this season. The Demon Deacons give up 184.8 rushing yards per game. Louisiana ran for 209 yards last week to set up an efficient passing game.

NC State needs to follow a similar formula. This is another breakout opportunity for Jordan Waters, Kendrick Raphael or anyone else in the Pack backfield. The offensive line has shown flashes in the run-blocking game, and the backfield made a few plays over the past couple of weeks.

It’s time for the program to put it all together. NC State needs to run well against Wake Forest to give the defense a breather after the unit played 74 snaps last week. If the offense can keep itself ahead of the sticks and take some pressure off of CJ Bailey, then this could be a comfortable win.

The Wolfpack has not shown anything that indicates it will be able to do that, but this game seems like a prime candidate for a breakout performance.

Prediction: NC State 30, Wake Forest 20

Previous predictions:
NC State 45, Western Carolina 10 (Actual: NC State 38, Western Carolina 21)
Tennessee 41, NC State 28 (Actual: Tennessee 51, NC State 10)
NC State 34, Louisiana Tech 3 (Actual: NC State 30, Louisiana Tech 20)
Clemson 38, NC State 24 (Actual: Clemson 59, NC State 35)
NC State 27, Northern Illinois 24 (Actual NC State 24, Northern Illinois 17)

Noah Fleischman’s prediction

NC State found a way to get back in the win column as its defense propelled the Wolfpack to a tight win over a quality Northern Illinois squad last weekend. The Pack was able to limit the Huskies’ elite rushing attack, while it also forced four turnovers that led to 14 points (a DK Kaufman scoop and score and a Brandon Cleveland fumble recovery that put the Pack at the 1-yard line for an easy touchdown). 

Now, it’s a matter of continuing that elite defensive play this weekend against Wake Forest. NC State had a physical week of practice ahead of the Northern Illinois game, which sent a message that the Wolfpack used in the game. The team has to find a way to bring that same edge to the Carter-Finley Stadium playing surface against the Demon Deacons, who despite having a 1-3 record could come out of Raleigh with a win. 

While the defense should be able to replicate its edge and play with a sense of toughness that NC State can be proud of, its offense will need to find a new gear this week. The Pack had just 176 yards of total offense in the 24-17 win over Northern Illinois, which included just 67 rushing yards. That will need to change this week, and Wake Forest’s porous rushing defense might allow that to happen. The Demon Deacons have the worst rushing defense in the ACC with 184.8 yards allowed a game.

If the Wolfpack’s running backs, led by graduate Jordan Waters and sophomore Kendrick Raphael, can get going, NC State could make life easier for freshman quarterback CJ Bailey to continue to take a step forward in the passing game. And if that’s the case, against the second-worst pass defense in the league (285.8 yards allowed a game), then NC State should be cooking with gasoline on offense in this one. 

In all, the Wolfpack should be able to win consecutive games for the first time this season and its offense will be the reason why. 

Prediction: NC State 27, Wake Forest 17

Previous predictions:
NC State 47, Western Carolina 3 (Actual: NC State 38, Western Carolina 21)
NC State 38, Tennessee 37 (Actual: Tennessee 51, NC State 10)
NC State 43, Louisiana Tech 10. (Actual: NC State 30, Louisiana Tech 20)
Clemson 35, NC State 20. (Actual: Clemson 59, NC State 35)
NC State 30, Northern Illinois 17 (Actual: NC State 24, Northern Illinois 17)

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