Surrendering 31 points to Virginia was no way for the North Carolina State Wolfpack defense to engender any kind of faith this season.
Giving up anything more than 21 points to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons will erase any lingering hope that Dave Doeren’s Wolfpack can return to his usually preferred identity.
My NC State vs. Wake Forest predictions and college football picks expect a shootout on Thursday, September 11.
Our best NC State vs Wake Forest SGP for Week 3
North Carolina State struggled so much to stop Virginia in late-down situations last weekend that Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren effectively advertised his lack of trust in his defense.
Going for a 4th-and-1 deep in his own territory in the final minutes was a clear statement that Doeren did not believe his defense could get a stop when it needed one.
Wake Forest may not have that same success, but replicating any of it should propel this game well past its total, and some late-game chaos should get the Demon Deacons into position to cover this spread.
The only reason Doeren will tolerate any of this is that he knows sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey can produce both through the air and on the ground. Bailey has rushed for three touchdowns already this season, and asking him to do so again may become a common bet in 2025.
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