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Why self-inflicted errors with special teams, turnovers cost NC State in loss at Duke

image_6483441 (3)by: Noah Fleischman09/21/25fleischman_noah
Dave Doeren
Sep 20, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; NC State Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren reacts to a call during the fourth quarter against the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

DURHAM — Before NC State arrived at Duke’s Wallace Wade Stadium for a Week 4 clash on Saturday afternoon, Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren laid out what a winning formula would be with one simple statistic: both teams’ turnover margins going into the tilt.  The Wolfpack had a plus-two ratio through its first three weeks, which led to three straight wins. The Blue Devils, meanwhile, were minus-six and one a two-game losing streak. To the 13th-year coach, that’s where NC State’s second ACC bout would be decided.  “We can’t beat ourselves in this football game,” Doeren recalled telling his team earlier in the week. “If we just play together, and don’t beat ourselves, we’ll win the football game.”