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NC State

3 thoughts ahead of NC State’s ACC opener at Wake Forest

image_6483441 (3)by: Noah Fleischman4 hours agofleischman_noah
Hollywood Smothers
Sep 6, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack running back Hollywood Smothers (3) runs with the football to score a touchdown during the second half of the game against Virginia Cavaliers at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

NC State is 2-0 after earning a pair of one-possession victories to begin the 2025 campaign. The Wolfpack, which already owns a power conference win over Virginia, is set to open ACC play at Wake Forest on Thursday night (7:30 p.m., ESPN).  But before the Pack begins its league slate in Winston-Salem — the team’s first true road game of the fall — here are three thoughts on NC State as it looks to earn its second straight win at Allegacy Stadium since it did so in the 1993 and 1995 seasons.