The Chiefs (6-2, 2-3) travel to Raleigh to face NC State (4-4, 2-3) on Saturday afternoon at 12:30 pm EST. Television coverage will be provided on the CW Network. The leader opened as a 5.5-point favorite. The leader came off a 47-2 upset of Boston College in the last game, while NC State beat California 31-10 in the last outing.
The teams face two common opponents this season. Duke beat Stanford 35-7 and Virginia 19-16, while NC State beat Stanford 31-28 and Virginia 34-8.
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After the loss to Stanford, Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren was fired. Chief Head Coach Manny Diaz was asked how the interim coach has changed the Chief’s game preparation. Diaz answered, “You just have to believe what you see on film. With the team two months into the season, their identity is pretty much formed. They believe in things and they can do their things really, really well. There are a lot of guys on that staff that I still respect a lot and know personally. It’s really just how you play. Can you follow your rules? Can you play your skills and fundamentals well.
Special Teams Coordinator and Running Backs Coach Todd Goebbel is the Wolfpack’s interim coach.
Injury Report: The health of Andreas Pellicciotta is considered probable. Cornerback Kyon Loud, offensive lineman Bradley Smith, and tight end Jeremiah Hasley are doubtful. Wide receiver Kavon Simmons is out.
For NC State, running back Jayden Scott and tight end Preston Douglas are doubtful. Quarterback Will Wilson and defensive end Joseph Addide are likely.
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Offense: The Wolfpack’s offense revolves around talented quarterback CJ Bailey. Bailey completed 156 of 244 (63.9%) of his pass attempts for 1,955 yards with 13 touchdowns against four interceptions. He rushed for 1294 yards and rushed 63 times for 178 yards and two touchdowns.
Lead Defensive Coordinator Jonathan Patke on Bailey: “The QB knows where to go with the ball, he’s smart, he’s played a lot of football and he can get out of trouble, he can win with his feet. And he doesn’t just win by running with his feet but he wants to win with his feet and he can also run down the field, he’s still looking for open guys.”
In short yardage situations, the Wolfpack is likely to insert backup quarterback Will Wilson who is a power runner. Wilson rushed for 46 times for 88 yards and eight touchdowns. The two quarterbacks have combined for 10 rushing touchdowns to be considered in the Red Zone.
Statistically, NC State averages 249.4 passing and 158.9 rushing yards per game, which rank 10th and 9th respectively in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
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The Wolfpack’s leading wide receiver is Keenan Jackson who has 30 receptions for 456 yards and six touchdowns. Jackson has nice size at 6’3″ and 194 pounds. Tight end Preston Douglas has 26 receptions for 304 yards and one touchdown. Douglas is listed as questionable on this week’s initial injury report.
Running back Jayden Scott has missed two games with an injury and his status this week against the Chiefs is questionable. He rushed 62 times for 358 yards and four touchdowns. Davion Gause rushed 87 times for 352 yards and two touchdowns.
The Chiefs have successfully defended their mobile quarterback defense in 2026, including Mason McKenzie and Beau Pribula the past two weeks. The Blue Devils must contain Bailey on Saturday as another strong effort from the defensive line is needed to win an explosive playoff game in Raleigh.
Players to watch out for: CJ Bailey, Jayden Scott, Keenan Jackson
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Defense: NC State is tough to run the ball on. The Wolfpack is allowing only 131 rushing yards per game while giving up 235.1 passing yards per game. Chief needs to have success passing downfield to open up running lanes for Nate Sheppard.
Lead Offensive Coordinator Jonathan Brewer on the State’s defense, “They play free defense, guys let it go. They’re a good front that attacks the offensive line. The front seven is very talented, both defensive ends are really good. That’s the key. They don’t have a lot because they can generate a lot of pass rush with four defensive lines.”
Linebacker Popo Aguirre leads the Wolfpack with 76 tackles, linebacker Elias Satchell recorded four sacks and cornerback Jaren Sensabaugh intercepted two passes.
It may sound like a broken record, but a strong balance will be key for the Chiefs in attacking NC State’s defense. Run, raise your throat, pass, raise, run. Each success will result in points on the scoreboard.
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Players to watch out for: Popo Aguirre, Josiah Victor, Chase Bond
Prediction: The Blue Devils extended their winning streak to three games to remain in the conference for a return trip to Charlotte and the ACC Championship Game. Duke 28, nc Civitas 20
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