2023 North Carolina State Wolfpack Football Preview

Last year’s season started off strong, with the Wolfpack winning all four of their non-conference games before they started ACC play. In ACC play, however, they were thrown right into the fire, having to travel to Clemson, where they lost to the Tigers 30 to 20. They would alternate wins and losses for the next three games before winning for the second straight week against #20 Wake Forest 30 to 21. They would lose the next two games against Boston College and Louisville before finishing the regular season with a thrilling overtime win over rival North Carolina to finish the ACC season with an even record. NC State finished the season at the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, where they lost to Maryland 16 to 12.

What has changed

There are a number of big changes in Raleigh for the 2023 season, both on and off the field. On the field, the biggest change is a new quarterback. Devin Leary transferred to Kentucky, along with up-and-coming running back Demie Sumo-Karngbaye. Coming in to replace Leary at quarterback is Virginia transfer Brennan Armstrong. Off the field, there is a new offensive coordinator, Robert Anae, who comes to NC State from Syracuse to replace Tim Beck, who accepted the head coaching job at Coastal Carolina.

Season preview

The Wolfpack have a much tougher early portion of the schedule compared to last season. Following a trip to Storrs to face UConn in what should be an easy first win, NC State hosts Notre Dame in one of the biggest tests for the Wolfpack this season. The ACC schedule is generous for the program this season as most of the toughest conference games will be at Carter-Finley Stadium.

The big questions going into the 2023 season center around Brennan Armstrong. How well will he replace Devin Leary and how well will he connect with Anae? As long as the team can continue its growth from last season and Brennan Armstrong can replace Devin Leary effectively, the Wolfpack should be able to have a solid season.

Schedule/Predictions

@UConn- W 28-17

Notre Dame- L 49-21

VMI- W 56-7

@Virginia- W 28-14

Louisville- W 24-21

Marshall- W 35-14

@Duke- L 24-21

Clemson- L 35-24

Miami- L 24-21

@Wake Forest- W 24-21

@Virginia Tech- W 28-17

North Carolina- L 35-24

Wolfpack's Final Record/Postseason Prediction

7-5, Pinstripe Bowl

Final Thoughts

While the record doesn’t show any improvement from last season, there are a few question-mark games on the schedule that could go either way and will impact the Wolfpack’s season immensely. If NC State is able to win a game against the likes of Miami or North Carolina the impression of the season would change from decent to great. Not to mention, if the Pack are able to get a bowl win this season, which would be their first since 2017 when they beat Arizona State in the Sun Bowl. The 2023 Wolfpack season will be one defined by Brennan Armstrong and the coaching staff's ability to create an effective offensive gameplan.