2025 Mar 14, 08:32
NC State coach Dave Doeren felt uneasy, embarrassed, unsure -- mystified, quite frankly, after a blowout loss at Duke. The Wolfpack were 4-3, and Doeren had already made changes to the offense by benching starting quarterback Brennan Armstrong. But losing 24-3 to the Blue Devils seemed like rock bottom. The team had struggled to convert on third downs and had numerous penalties
With their open date approaching, NC State knew that their next five games would define their season. Doeren held a team meeting and emphasized the need for regrouping and playing together. The Wolfpack responded by winning their final five games, setting themselves up for a chance to make history. A victory in the Pop-Tarts Bowl against Kansas State would give NC State its second 10-win season, a remarkable turnaround from where they were in mid-October. Doeren praised his team's resiliency and their ability to stick together during tough times. The Wolfpack improved as the season progressed and peaked in their final three games
Doeren also became the winningest coach in school history this season. NC State has been consistently successful, winning eight or more games in each of the past four seasons, along with Georgia, Alabama, Notre Dame, and Clemson. However, reaching the elusive 10-win mark has been a challenge for NC State. Despite coming close multiple times, they have only achieved it once. This season, they had a chance to reach that milestone in the Holiday Bowl against UCLA, but the game got canceled due to COVID-19
The disappointment was palpable for Doeren and his players, who felt like something had been stolen from them. Despite facing setbacks and injuries in the 2022 season, NC State has continued to show resilience. They have overcome adversity and are looking to finish the season on a high note. Armstrong, who was benched earlier in the season, has made a strong comeback and has been instrumental in the team's success. He has focused on avoiding turnovers and has posted impressive stats in his last three starts. Armstrong, along with the rest of the team, knows that the upcoming game is an opportunity to make a statement and leave their mark on the program
They are determined to make history and prove that they belong among the elite teams in college football.