OUR FINAL TAKE: NC State vs. Wake Forest
Several members of the Inside Pack Sports staff predict the winner of the NC State-Wake Forest matchup.
James Henderson (IPS Publisher)
State 34, Wake 24
I think both teams can score it in this one and the Pack’s just better at home. Have a feeling the score could be higher than lower.
Bryant Carson (IPS Publisher)
State 38, Wake 31
I think this one is high scoring and close, but I think the home field advantage for the Pack makes the difference in the end.
Steve Williams (IPS Football Recruiting Analyst)
State 35, Wake 21
State just has more talent. You're at home. Wolfpack win. This is a game where you'd really like to see State run away from the Deacs and try to get on a roll.
Phillip Danford (IPW Football Writer)
State 30, Wake 24
Wake Forest is a team that’s made NC State fans uneasy for many years. And while I don’t think this iteration of the Deacons is good, they do have some talented offensive pieces. But this game is about NC State’s offense. This is the exact game they need to show a cohesive and comprehensive plan of attack. I said last week that the defense needed a good showing or the sharp critiques and complaints would be warranted. And I feel that way about the offense this week. Ultimately, I believe NC State pulls this out, but the context of victory will be important.
Jeff Reeves (IPS Photographer)
State 28, Wake 13
I feel good about the Pack's chances this week. State's defense will continue to play well and keep Wake in check. Bailey and the offense will continue to underperform but show signs of improvement. Never take a win over Wake for granted.
Rob McLamb (IPS Writer)
State 23, Wake 21
A late field goal hands the Wolfpack a critical conference win (“They are all important” — Dave Doeren, 10/3/24), but questions and concerns about the Wolfpack’s offense continue.
Runa Cooper (IPS Sponsor)
State 27, Wake 20
Our offense is loaded with personal talent but so far the whole is less than the sum of its parts. Is this the week it changes facing a weak defense, or will it be more of the same?
Hopefully the defense comes to play with the aggression of last week when it pretty much single-handedly won the game.
Jake McSwain (IPS Writer)
State 24, Wake 14
I still think State is better than what they have shown. The defense took a big step forward last week and I predict that trend continues this week. Offensively, this is a big opportunity to get into a bit of a groove. Facing the (statistically) worst P5 defense you have played so far should give you ample chances to take shots.
Ultimately, I think everyone walks away feeling a little bit better about both sides of the ball, but not great.
PJ Williams (IPS Writer)
State 34, Wake 20
Things might start off slow for NC State defensively with how unique Wake's offense is, but I expect them to eventually settle in and control the game for much of the second half. This is a great spot for CJ Bailey and the rest of the offense to find a groove that you hope they can stay in moving forward. Wake hasn't been good against the run or the pass. I don't care how the points are scored. Just show a genuine interest in putting the ball in the end zone from start to finish.
Sam Locklear (IPS Intern)
State 27, Wake 21
NC State has shown some sort of progress each week. They will continue to do so against Wake Forest this weekend: the offense will look better, and the defense will be as it was last week. I expect some more downfield passing for CJ Bailey with the coaching staff hopefully trusting him to be able to do more for the offense. I also hope to see a stronger run game to support the throwing game. The defensive line should be dominant as it was last week; however, I think linebacker play will step up even more this week. So because of that, NC State's offense will continue to take baby steps of improvement. The defense will continue to do the same as they continue to make adjustments.
BP Cox (IPS Photographer)
State 28, Wake 23
I think that even with the disarray NC State has shown in terms of efficiency this season, they will be able to keep Wake Forest at bay. I hope that Bailey can settle in and establish a rhythm early in the contest. The Wolfpack defense will need to keep Wake Forest RB Demond Claiborne in check. He has the capability to take over the ground game quickly.