Can NC State's Dave Doeren finally shake off bad start bug against Wake Forest?

Brian Schaible

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Can NC State's Dave Doeren finally shake off bad start bug against Wake Forest? image

NC State sits at 2–0 after back-to-back comeback wins, and now the Wolfpack face their first conference test tonight on the road at Wake Forest.

Head coach Dave Doeren emphasized how his team has responded in critical moments in the first two weeks. “The players were great. Coaches made really good corrections and the players understood what we needed to do to get the game back on our side,” he said. “It builds confidence…we’ve been tested twice and we finished both times. That belief is real.”

Despite the hot start, the Wolfpack knows all too well about falling apart early. Only three times in the past decade has Doeren's team started 3-0. In 2022, they enjoyed a 4-0 start before getting derailed by Clemson. The 2018 season would've likely yielded the same result, if not for a canceled game against No. 14 West Virginia. A 5-0 start that year before running into Clemson, again. Needless to say, this is typically the point in the season when NC State crumbles.

The Wolfpack offense has played sharp, mistake-free football. In the win over Virginia (designated as a nonconference matchup), NC State committed no turnovers, allowed no sacks, and drew no penalties. Quarterback CJ Bailey continued his steady start with a scrambling touchdown and efficient command of the offense. “He sees things, he understands the system, he’s in command of the guys around him,” Doeren said. “It’s an extension of the head coach when you have a quarterback like that.”

On defense, NC State showed growth after halftime, locking down in the red zone and producing stops when it mattered. Doeren praised his group’s stamina and toughness, “They are bowing up and showing mental toughness.”

Now the focus turns to Wake Forest, where a 2–0 Demon Deacons team awaits behind star tailback Demond Claiborne and a physical dual-threat quarterback. “It’s a rivalry game, and they’ve got explosive players,” Doeren said. “You’ve got to be really disciplined in everything that we do.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.

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Brian Schaible

Brian Schaible is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He is an award-winning journalist with over 25 years of experience covering college and professional sports. Brian holds a master’s degree in journalism/public relations from Kent State University.