Backing The Pack
Cheering for anyone else is for quitters.
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Game thread: Duke vs. NC State
Nobody’s had a worse week than Thom Brennaman, who hates getting the call that he has to do work, and further does not care for the implication that he might have to do work. Blue Devils vs. Wolfpack Kickoff: 12:30 ET TV: The CW (Thom Brennaman, et cetera) Streaming: ACCNX
NC State Wins a Tough One, 77-63 over ETSU
NC State edges ETSU 77-63 after a gritty first half and a dominant second‑half run. The Wolfpack trailed 36-35 at halftime, but a 12‑0 spurt post‑timeout sparked a double‑digit lead they held onto. Freshman Preston Edmead stars with 20 points, 10 assists and zero turnovers, while Christian Hammond adds 13 points and two steals. Despite nine first‑half turnovers, the Pack forces only three in the second half and out‑rebounds the Buccaneers 33-25. Coach Gainey praises the balanced scoring effort without Ven Lubin carrying the load.
Game thread: ETSU vs. NC State
A step up in competition for game two of the Justin Gainey era. Need to see the Pack play better down the stretch in this one. Buccaneers vs. Wolfpack Tip time: 7 p.m. ET TV: None. Online streaming: ACCNX (Andrew Sanders, Houston Fancher)
Duke vs. NC State injury report: Duke Scott, Teague Andersen questionable
NC State’s injury report ahead of Saturday’s showdown with Duke lists running back Jayden “Duke” Scott as questionable, leaving the Wolfpack’s big‑play ground game in doubt. Teague Andersen’s status is also unclear after a brief exit in the Cal loss, while tight end Preston Douglas and safety Tristan Teasdell are confirmed out. Meanwhile, Duke enters with most starters healthy, including right guard Bradley Smith, receiver Jeremiah Hasley and defensive backs Kyon Loud and Andrew Pellicciotta, all upgraded to probable. The mixed reports set up a pivotal matchup for both teams.
NC State Welcomes the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers
NC State hosts the ETSU Buccaneers on Friday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. in the Lenovo Center (ACCNX). KenPom and Bart Torvik project the Wolfpack to win by about 17‑21 points (86‑71 / 89‑68), with a final prediction of 80‑69. Coach Justin Gainey’s squad is still adjusting—Preston Edmead moves to full‑time point guard, Ven Lubin to forward, and centers Kyle Evans and Robert Jurkovic learn new roles. Key watchables include Lubin’s perimeter threat, Paul McNeil’s shot creation, and Evans’ development. ETSU, led by Coach Brooks Savage and preseason All‑SoCon BJ Ward, comes off a 75‑65 loss at Arizona State and is missing leading scorer Jordan McCullum (torn ACL).
NC State moves to 2-0 with 80-45 win over Campbell
NC State extends its early-season streak to 2-0 with a dominant 80-45 win over Campbell on Nov. 5, 2026. After a sluggish start, the Wolfpack seized control in the second quarter, forcing 24 turnovers while snagging 20 steals and outscoring the Camels 47-13 through the middle frames. Khamil Pierre leads with a 21‑point, 11‑rebound double‑double, supported by Zoe Brooks’ 16 points and five assists and Annsley Trivette’s 10 points. The Pack’s fast‑break efficiency (15‑of‑18) fuels confidence ahead of a challenging Sunday matchup versus Kentucky.
NC State reportedly interviewed Russell Wilson for head coaching job
Adam Schefter reports that former NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, who played three seasons at NC State, interviewed for the Wolfpack’s head‑coaching vacancy. The surprise move follows NC State’s search that also includes ex‑Pack star Philip Rivers. Though the school has not responded, the interview—potentially facilitated by former Steelers coach Bill Cowher, now a CBS analyst—raises eyebrows given Wilson’s lack of coaching experience. The Bills’ 33‑30 win over the Raiders is noted, but the focus remains on Wilson’s unlikely coaching candidacy.
The Gainey Era Begins: NC State 83 – Campbell 64
NC State opens the season with a solid 83-64 win over Campbell, despite a shaky start that saw the Wolfpack trail 7-1 and commit five early misses. Bench spark‑plug Christian Hammond scored the first bucket, and the team surged, shooting 56% overall and out‑rebounding Campbell 21-18. Ven Lubin led the way with a perfect shooting night, posting a double‑double (20 points, 10 rebounds) and 3‑for‑3 from three‑point range. NC State’s defense limited the Camels to 37% shooting, and a strong second‑half run built a 35‑point cushion before Campbell narrowed it to 19. Coach Gainey praised the effort as the Gainey era officially begins.
Game thread: Campbell vs. NC State
The hoops are here! The hoops are here! KenPom likes State by 20. Camels vs. Wolfpack Tip time: 7:30 p.m. ET TV: None. Online streaming: ACCNX (Evan Budrovich, Casey Morsell)
NC State a 4.5-point underdog against Duke
NC State enters Saturday’s matchup as a 4.5‑point underdog to Duke, with both Vegas odds and SP+ favoring the Blue Devils by six points. Duke rides a 47‑2 win over Boston College and a stout defense that hasn’t yielded more than 28 points all season, despite losing star Darian Mensah and shuffling at quarterback. Running back Nate Sheppard, fifth in FBS rushing yards and the top P4 back, needs just 28 yards to break the 1,000‑yard mark this weekend. Expect Duke to dominate unless the Wolfpack defense pulls off a surprise.
NC State Kicks Off the Season Against Campbell
The Wolfpack opens its 2026-27 men’s basketball season on Monday, Nov. 2, at 7:30 p.m. in the Lenovo Center against the Campbell Camels (CAA). Coach Kevin Gainey, now back home in Raleigh, predicts a comfortable win—KenPom forecasts a 90‑70 margin and Bart Torvik a 95‑69 victory. Gainey highlights improved rotations and a focus on rebounding after narrow exhibition losses, while newcomer point guard Darius Adams praises the dual‑PG system. Campbell, led by first‑year D‑1 coach Jimmie Williams, fields a largely inexperienced roster but showed resilience against South Carolina, losing by nine after leading at halftime. Key match‑ups to watch include the Pack’s big men battling the Camels’ undersized frontcourt and the performance of veteran forward Preston Edmead.
NC State pulls away from Cal for 31-10 win
NC State snaps its losing streak with a 31-10 victory over California on Oct. 31 at Carter-Finley Stadium. After a sluggish first half, the Wolfpack erupts in the second, scoring touchdowns on their first three possessions and dominating time of possession. Quarterback CJ Bailey improves from 5‑14 to 8‑11, hitting a 38‑yard TD pass to Chance Robinson, while wide receiver Deandre Desinor catches a 49‑yard strike early. The defense forces Cal to 5‑18 on third downs and records a key fourth‑down stop, limiting JKS to 4.4 yards per pass attempt. The win marks a much‑needed boost after recent staff changes.
Game thread: Cal vs. NC State
It’s a good day to exorcise some negative energy. Bears vs. Wolfpack Kickoff: Noon ET TV: ACC Network (Roxy Bernstein, Dave Clawson, Madison Hock) Online streaming: ACCNX
NC State honoring Chuck Amato with helmet sticker this week
NC State will have a helmet sticker to commemorate Chuck Amato for its game this week: There will be a much more substantial tribute to Chuck next season, but in the meantime, this is good stuff. The man was known for his shoes (although they were white) long before his shades.
Let’s have a warm welcome for our brothers in football despair, the Cal Bears
California and NC State face off in the 'Man, It’s REALLY Not Our Year Bowl' on Oct. 30, 2026, likely their only postseason appearance. New Cal head coach Tosh Lupii’s debut has been marred by injuries and coaching missteps, including inexperienced coordinators and a stripped‑down offense that averages just 70 rushing yards (2.7 yd/ carry) and has been held under 100 yards in six of seven games. Quarterback Jaron‑Keawe Sagapolutele struggles under a dead‑first‑week offense, while defensive players are being forced onto skill positions. With key running backs, linemen and receivers injured, Cal’s chances hinge on a passing attack that may feature only two receivers and even a defensive back as a rusher. Both teams are battling “serious gunshot wounds,” making the low‑scoring showdown uncertain.
NC State baseball won’t play series against UNC or Duke in 2027
NC State baseball’s 2027 schedule omits weekend series against traditional rivals UNC and Duke, sparking criticism of the ACC’s scheduling model. The Wolfpack’s conference slate features road games at UVA, Notre Dame, Boston College, Louisville and Clemson, with home matchups versus Wake Forest, Georgia Tech, Pitt, California and FSU. The only UNC encounter is a non‑conference game in Wilson on April 20. Coach Elliott Avent and fans lament the absence of in‑state rivalry series, calling for a return to traditional scheduling practices.
Cal vs. NC State injury report: Wolfpack gets Kamen Smith back
The NC State Wolfpack see a small boost in their bleak injury slate as offensive guard Kamen Smith returns, while Duke Scott, JoJo Trader and Tristan Teasdell stay sidelined. Cal, however, is heavily depleted, missing its top three running backs, its second‑leading receiver and two starting O‑line studs, forcing the Bears to shift defensive players to offense. Both teams list several key players as questionable, including AJ Tuitele, Ian Strong and others, making the upcoming matchup a test of depth for the Wolfpack and a disaster for the Golden Bears.
Let’s talk about the pros and cons of hiring Philip Rivers
Backed by fan enthusiasm but lacking college coaching chops, former NC State quarterback Philip Rivers is being floated as a possible Wolfpack head coach. The author weighs Rivers' celebrity draw and potential fundraising boost against his zero recruiting experience, lack of college‑football connections, and the risk of hiring an NFL rookie in a complex college landscape. While a Rivers hire could keep star recruit Gunner Rivers and free salary caps for staff, the piece argues the gamble may not deliver a top‑40 program and could backfire if he cannot assemble a seasoned coaching team.
Dave Doeren: ‘I leave here with no grudges’
In his final press conference, NC State head coach Dave Doeren thanks the Wolfpack community, reflects on his tenure, and says he departs with no grudges. Doeren praises the university, the state’s culture, and his family’s ties to the school, while acknowledging the missed chance to win a championship. He looks forward to personal time—travel, golf, fishing—and promises to continue cheering for NC State under new leadership.
Exhibitions – Lessons Learned – The Rotation
Ken Pomeroy’s latest newsletter argues that college basketball exhibitions are far from meaningless, citing detailed analysis of NC State’s two preseason games versus Mississippi State and Division II Lenoir‑Rhyne. Coach Kevin Gainey consistently ran a ten‑player rotation in the first ten minutes of each half, with smart sub choices that yielded rebounds, steals and scoring—especially from Paul McNeil Jr. and Lubin. The piece highlights how borderline players like Jurkovic, Keene and Wilkins earn specific roles, suggesting the rotation could shape early‑season lineups despite typical depth cuts in conference play.
NC State an 8.5-point favorite against Cal
NC State enters Saturday's matchup as an 8.5‑point favorite over Cal despite a chaotic offseason. The Wolfpack are adjusting after firing head coach Dave Doeren and defensive coordinator DJ Elliot, while interim coach Todd Goebbel wrestles with lineup tweaks. Cal, meanwhile, has stripped its new offensive coordinator of play‑calling duties and mishandled quarterback Jaron‑Keawe Sagapolutele, prompting criticism of the Bears' staff. The article argues the huge spread reflects Cal’s disarray more than NC State’s strength.
NC State fires Dave Doeren
NC State fires head football coach Dave Doeren effective immediately after a loss to Stanford, announcing the move on October 10, 2026. Athletic director Boo Corrigan praised Doeren’s 14‑year tenure before naming running backs coach Todd Goebbel as interim head coach. A national search for a permanent replacement begins, aiming to give the Wolfpack time to rebuild. The abrupt mid‑season termination has shocked fans, raising questions about external pressure on the program.
Exhibition #3: NC State 130 – Lenoir-Rhyne 66
NC State decimates Division II Lenoir‑Rhyne 130‑66 in an Oct. 24 exhibition, exposing a stark talent gap. The Wolfpack dominate the boards 42‑32 but lose the offensive rebounding battle 11‑18. Point guards Adams and Edmead orchestrate the offense with 17 combined assists on just eight shot attempts, while the team racks up 29 assists on 41 makes. McNeil erupts for a game‑high 23 points, hitting 7‑13 (53.8%) from three, and Jurkovic posts perfect shooting (1‑1 from three, 5‑6 free throws) with three blocks. Wilkins adds 14 points in 12 minutes, and Lubin leads rebounding (9) and blocks (4). Lenoir‑Rhyne struggles, shooting 9.1% from three and 47.6% from the line.
NC State cannot locate victory forest for the sadness trees
Stanford upended NC State on Oct. 23, 2026, in Palo Alto, delivering a dominant performance as the Wolfpack never led and were held to under seven points—a streak they’ve maintained in four straight games. The Wolfpack’s offensive line faltered, leaving CJ Bailey scrambling on every snap, while the defense offered no pass rush and couldn’t stop the run. Stanford exploited these weaknesses, showcasing a potent offense against a porous Wolfpack defense. The post‑game reaction calls for a coaching overhaul to address the systemic failures on both sides of the ball.
Exhibition #3: NC State Welcomes Lenoir-Rhyne to Lenovo
NC State wraps up its 2026‑27 exhibition slate on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the free‑admission Lenovo arena against the Lenoir‑Rhyne Bears (26‑9, D‑II Southeast Region finalists). Coach Gainey expects a dominant Wolfpack win, but stresses improved center play, rebounding and smarter ball‑handling after a sloppy showing versus Mississippi State. Key talking points include Darius Adams’ shot selection (12 attempts, 33% from three), Preston Edmead’s lack of assists, and a push to give more minutes to Yalaho and Zymicah. No TV or radio coverage is available, so fans should attend in person.
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