N.C. State began ACC play two weeks ago with a humiliating loss at Clemson. It can right the ship Saturday when it plays in-state rival Wake Forest.
The Wolfpack (3-2, 0-1 ACC) and the Demon Deacons (1-3, 0-1 ACC) are each seeking their first conference victory of the season, which would move them to the middle of the standings. A win would also ensure they stay in the race for an ACC Championship berth. They are tied with North Carolina and Virginia Tech at 0-1.
In order to secure a victory, N.C. State needs a similar performance to its Week 5 outing against Northern Illinois: strong defense and special teams with at least a mediocre offense. Wake Forest’s offensive numbers look intimidating — it averaged 29.8 points per game in its first four contests, and 37.6 points when removing its six-point performance against Ole Miss. But, the Deacs have one of the weakest defenses in the nation.
The Pack has won two straight contests and three of its past four. A win would give N.C. State its first three-game win streak in the series since the 2014-16 seasons.
Grayson McCall suits up, expected to start for first game since Week 3
Graduate quarterback Grayson McCall warmed up in uniform and is expected to start for the first time since he left the Week 3 Louisiana Tech game with an undisclosed injury. He attended the Clemson and Northern Illinois games, but wore street clothes.
Brandon Cisse does not warm up
Cornerback Brandon Cisse did not participate in warmups or suit up, appearing to have a cast on his left forearm. Cisse has started every game this season and played 62 snaps in Week 5.
