North Carolina State and Duke have been getting into reverse instructions in current weeks heading into their Atlantic Coast Convention sport Saturday afternoon in Raleigh, N.C.
The Wolfpack (5-4, 2-3) have received two in a row to get their season again on monitor going into their dwelling finale.
“We have now 20 gamers on our workforce which might be out of eligibility,” North Carolina State coach Dave Doeren stated. “After this sport, they will by no means stroll by way of that tunnel with their uniform on once more to play a sport.”
The Blue Devils (6-3, 2-3) have misplaced back-to-back video games in opposition to nationally ranked opponents, falling to SMU and Miami.
“I feel we have proven that in spurts we will play with anyone,” Duke coach Manny Diaz stated.
The Blue Devils led within the second half of each of their most up-to-date ACC highway losses, to Georgia Tech and Miami (53-31 final Saturday). So there’s a lot to construct on for Duke.
“To go problem ourselves to go be on this place once more,” Diaz stated.
North Carolina State’s final two video games have resulted in triumphs in opposition to ACC newcomers Cal and Stanford, however now the Wolfpack have a date with a neighboring rival.
Final yr, Duke defeated the Wolfpack 24-3 at dwelling, although North Carolina State responded by successful its subsequent 5 video games.
For Wolfpack working again Jordan Waters, he’ll attempt to be on the successful aspect for the second yr in a row however in a distinct uniform. He performed in elements of 5 seasons for Duke earlier than transferring to North Carolina State. He is the Wolfpack’s main rusher with 375 yards, whereas his 5 whole touchdowns (4 speeding, one receiving) rank second on the workforce.
North Carolina State has been buzzing on offense as freshman quarterback CJ Bailey continues to regulate to being the clear-cut starter. He has thrown for 11 touchdowns in contrast with 4 interceptions. The Wolfpack’s 59-28 victory in opposition to Stanford final week marked probably the most factors the workforce has scored in opposition to an ACC foe.
Duke’s offense has been erratic at occasions. However Diaz stated indicators of progress got here up to now two video games when the opponents switched out of man-to-man coverages within the secondary. But now, he stated, the Blue Devils should present a greater assault in opposition to zone coverages.
Diaz was a North Carolina State assistant coach for six seasons (2000-05) underneath former coach Chuck Amato.
As a result of they had been in reverse ACC divisions for years, this might be simply the fourth time in Doeren’s 12 seasons that the Wolfpack play Duke. The house stadiums for the groups are 22 miles aside.
“Now we get to play yearly,” Doeren stated. “That can add to that.”
–Subject Stage Media
