The NC State Wolfpack football team is putting together an exciting schedule for the 2024 season. With a mix of home and away games, intriguing matchups, and a chance to compete for the ACC Championship, the Wolfpack faithful are in for a thrilling ride.
Led by head coach Dave Doeren, NC State has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the ACC. In recent years, they’ve consistently competed for bowl games and have a track record of success against top-ranked opponents. The 2024 schedule presents another opportunity for the Wolfpack to showcase their talent and make a run for the ultimate prize.
The journey begins on September 7, 2024, when NC State hosts the East Carolina Pirates in a highly anticipated rivalry matchup. The Pirates are known for their passionate fan base and energetic atmosphere, making this game a must-see for college football enthusiasts.
Ncsu Football Schedule 2024
Excitement awaits NC State football fans in 2024. With a challenging schedule featuring both familiar foes and new tests, the Wolfpack will have plenty of opportunities to showcase their talent and compete for the ACC Championship.
- Season Opener: East Carolina Pirates (Home)
- ACC Matchups: Clemson, Florida State, Louisville, Syracuse
- Non-Conference Tests: Notre Dame, West Virginia
- Homecoming Game: Boston College
- Rivalry Renewed: UNC Tar Heels (Away)
- Senior Day: Wake Forest
- Potential Top-25 Clash: Texas A&M (Neutral Site)
- Closing Strong: Georgia Tech (Away)
- Bowl Eligibility: 6 Wins Needed
- National Spotlight: ESPN College GameDay Possible
The 2024 NC State football schedule promises plenty of drama, excitement, and high-stakes matchups. With a talented roster and a passionate fan base, the Wolfpack are poised to make a statement in the ACC and beyond.
Season Opener: East Carolina Pirates (Home)
The NC State Wolfpack kick off their 2024 campaign with a highly anticipated home matchup against the East Carolina Pirates. This in-state rivalry promises an electric atmosphere and plenty of excitement for fans of both teams.
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Renewed Rivalry:
The Wolfpack and Pirates have a long and storied history, dating back to 1970. The two teams have met 24 times overall, with NC State holding a slight 13-11 advantage. The last meeting was in 2022, a thrilling 21-20 victory for the Wolfpack in Greenville.
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Home Field Advantage:
Carter-Finley Stadium will be rocking for the season opener, as the Wolfpack faithful welcome the Pirates to Raleigh. The stadium’s renowned “Wolfpack Walk” tradition, where fans line the streets to cheer on the team as they arrive, is sure to create an unforgettable atmosphere.
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Key Players to Watch:
NC State will look to quarterback MJ Morris and running back Demie Sumo-Karngbaye to lead their offense, while the defense will be anchored by linebacker Drake Thomas. For East Carolina, quarterback Holton Ahlers and wide receiver C.J. Johnson are among the top playmakers to watch.
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Setting the Tone:
The season opener is a crucial opportunity for both teams to set the tone for the rest of the season. A strong performance and a victory can provide momentum and confidence, while a loss can put a team on the back foot from the start.
With a passionate crowd behind them and a talented roster ready to make a statement, the Wolfpack aim to kick off their 2024 campaign with a resounding victory over their in-state rivals, the East Carolina Pirates.
ACC Matchups: Clemson, Florida State, Louisville, Syracuse
The NC State Wolfpack’s 2024 ACC schedule features a gauntlet of challenging matchups against some of the conference’s top programs. From the perennial powerhouses to rising contenders, these games will test the Wolfpack’s mettle and determine their position in the ACC pecking order.
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Clemson Tigers:
The Clemson Tigers, led by legendary coach Dabo Swinney, are the reigning ACC champions and one of the top teams in the nation. The Wolfpack will travel to Death Valley for a daunting road test in 2024.
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Florida State Seminoles:
The Florida State Seminoles, under the leadership of coach Mike Norvell, are aiming to return to their former glory days. The Wolfpack will host the Seminoles in Raleigh in what promises to be a high-scoring affair.
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Louisville Cardinals:
The Louisville Cardinals, led by coach Scott Satterfield, are known for their exciting, up-tempo offense. The Wolfpack will face the Cardinals on the road in 2024, looking to slow down their potent attack.
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Syracuse Orange:
The Syracuse Orange, under coach Dino Babers, have emerged as a surprise contender in the ACC. The Wolfpack will host the Orange in 2024, aiming to extend their dominance in the series.
These ACC matchups will be crucial in determining the Wolfpack’s fate in the conference standings. With a talented roster and a strong coaching staff, NC State has the potential to make a statement and challenge for the ACC Championship in 2024.
Non-Conference Tests: Notre Dame, West Virginia
Beyond the ACC gauntlet, the NC State Wolfpack have scheduled two intriguing non-conference matchups in 2024 that will test their mettle against top-tier competition.
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Notre Dame Fighting Irish:
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish, led by coach Marcus Freeman, are one of the most storied programs in college football history. The Wolfpack will travel to South Bend, Indiana, for a highly anticipated showdown in 2024.
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West Virginia Mountaineers:
The West Virginia Mountaineers, under coach Neal Brown, are known for their high-powered offense and passionate fan base. The Wolfpack will host the Mountaineers in Raleigh in what promises to be an offensive explosion.
These non-conference tests will provide the Wolfpack with opportunities to showcase their skills against some of the best teams in the country. A strong performance in these games will boost NC State’s national profile and strengthen their case for a New Year’s Six bowl berth.
Homecoming Game: Boston College
The NC State Wolfpack’s annual homecoming game is always a special occasion, and the 2024 edition promises to be no different. The Wolfpack will welcome the Boston College Eagles to Carter-Finley Stadium for a festive and spirited homecoming celebration.
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Family and Friends Weekend:
Homecoming weekend is a time for the NC State community to come together and celebrate the university’s rich traditions. Alumni, students, and fans from all over gather in Raleigh for a weekend of events, including tailgating, concerts, and the homecoming parade.
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Halftime Festivities:
During halftime of the football game, Carter-Finley Stadium will come alive with a dazzling display of music, dance, and pageantry. The Wolfpack marching band will perform their signature tunes, while the cheerleaders and dance team showcase their routines. The homecoming king and queen will also be crowned during this time.
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Post-Game Fireworks:
To cap off the homecoming festivities, a spectacular fireworks show will light up the sky above Carter-Finley Stadium. This dazzling display is a fitting end to a day of celebration and NC State pride.
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Community Spirit:
The homecoming game is a time for the NC State community to come together and show their support for the Wolfpack football team. The stadium will be packed with enthusiastic fans, all cheering on the team as they battle for victory.
The homecoming game is a cherished tradition at NC State, and the 2024 edition promises to be a memorable experience for all involved. It’s a day to celebrate the university, the football team, and the Wolfpack spirit that unites us all.
Rivalry Renewed: UNC Tar Heels (Away)
The NC State Wolfpack and the UNC Tar Heels have one of the fiercest rivalries in college football, dating back to 1928. The annual matchup between these two in-state foes is known as the “Carolina-Virginia Cup” and is always a highly anticipated event.
In 2024, the Wolfpack will travel to Chapel Hill to take on the Tar Heels at Kenan Stadium. This will be the first time the two teams have met in Chapel Hill since 2022, and the atmosphere is sure to be electric.
Both teams will be looking to gain bragging rights and improve their position in the ACC standings. The Tar Heels, led by coach Mack Brown, are always a contender in the Coastal Division, while the Wolfpack, under coach Dave Doeren, are aiming to challenge for the Atlantic Division title.
The game is also significant for the “Victory Bell,” a trophy awarded to the winner of the matchup. The bell was first awarded in 1953 and has become a symbol of the rivalry. Currently, the Tar Heels hold the bell after their 34-21 victory in 2022.
The NC State-UNC rivalry is one of the most passionate and intense in college football. The 2024 matchup in Chapel Hill promises to be another memorable chapter in this storied rivalry.
Senior Day: Wake Forest
The final home game of the 2024 regular season will be Senior Day, when the NC State Wolfpack honor their graduating players in a special pre-game ceremony. This is a time to celebrate the contributions of these student-athletes, who have dedicated years of hard work and sacrifice to the Wolfpack football program.
The Senior Day game is always an emotional affair, as the players and their families take a moment to reflect on their time at NC State. The fans also show their appreciation for the seniors, who have given their all for the Wolfpack.
In 2024, the Wolfpack will host the Wake Forest Demon Deacons for Senior Day. This will be a key game in the ACC standings, as both teams will be looking to finish the season strong and secure a bowl berth.
The Wolfpack seniors will be determined to go out on a high note in front of their home crowd. They will also be looking to continue NC State’s recent dominance over Wake Forest. The Wolfpack have won the last three meetings between the two teams, including a 45-24 victory in Raleigh in 2022.
Senior Day is a special tradition at NC State, and the 2024 game against Wake Forest promises to be a memorable event for all involved.
Potential Top-25 Clash: Texas A&M (Neutral Site)
The NC State Wolfpack’s 2024 schedule features a highly anticipated neutral-site matchup against the Texas A&M Aggies. This game is scheduled to be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, and has the potential to be a top-25 clash.
Both the Wolfpack and the Aggies are rising programs with talented rosters and ambitious goals. NC State is looking to build on their recent success and compete for an ACC Championship, while Texas A&M is aiming to return to the College Football Playoff after a disappointing 2023 season.
The game will be a test for both teams, as they will be facing a tough opponent in a hostile environment. The Wolfpack will be looking to use their speed and athleticism to overcome the Aggies’ size and power. Texas A&M, on the other hand, will be looking to establish their running game and put pressure on NC State’s defense.
The matchup also has the potential to be a high-scoring affair, as both teams have explosive offenses. NC State’s quarterback MJ Morris and running back Demie Sumo-Karngbaye are a dynamic duo, while Texas A&M’s quarterback Conner Weigman and wide receiver Evan Stewart form one of the most dangerous passing attacks in the country.
With both teams expected to be ranked in the top 25 when they meet in Atlanta, this neutral-site matchup has all the makings of a classic.
Closing Strong: Georgia Tech (Away)
The NC State Wolfpack will close out their 2024 regular season with a challenging road trip to Atlanta to face the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. This game will be a crucial test for the Wolfpack, as they look to finish the season strong and secure a spot in a major bowl game.
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Rivalry Renewed:
The NC State-Georgia Tech rivalry is one of the oldest in college football, dating back to 1893. The two teams have met 94 times overall, with NC State holding a slight 49-43-2 advantage. The Yellow Jackets have won the last two meetings, including a 28-21 victory in Raleigh in 2022.
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Tough Road Environment:
Bobby Dodd Stadium is known for its loud and passionate crowd, making it a difficult place for opposing teams to play. The Yellow Jackets faithful are sure to be in full force for the final game of the regular season, hoping to send their team out with a victory.
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Bowl Implications:
The outcome of this game could have a significant impact on the Wolfpack’s bowl destination. With a win, NC State could secure a spot in a prestigious bowl game, such as the Orange Bowl or the Cotton Bowl. A loss, however, could send the Wolfpack to a less desirable bowl game.
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Momentum Builder:
Finishing the regular season with a strong performance can give the Wolfpack momentum heading into the bowl game. A victory over Georgia Tech would also provide a boost of confidence for the team as they prepare for the postseason.
The NC State-Georgia Tech matchup is sure to be a memorable way to end the 2024 regular season. With both teams fighting for bowl positioning and bragging rights, the atmosphere at Bobby Dodd Stadium is sure to be electric.
Bowl Eligibility: 6 Wins Needed
In order to become bowl eligible in the 2024 season, the NC State Wolfpack need to secure at least six wins. This is a common requirement for most bowl games, and it is a significant goal for the Wolfpack as they look to extend their bowl streak to 10 consecutive seasons.
The Wolfpack’s schedule features a mix of challenging opponents and more favorable matchups, so reaching six wins will require a combination of strong performances and some luck. The non-conference schedule, which includes games against East Carolina, Notre Dame, and West Virginia, will be crucial in determining the Wolfpack’s early-season success.
The ACC schedule will also present its own set of challenges, as the Wolfpack will face several ranked opponents, including Clemson, Florida State, and Louisville. However, the Wolfpack also have some winnable games on their schedule, such as Boston College, Syracuse, and Wake Forest.
With a talented roster and an experienced coaching staff, the Wolfpack have the potential to reach six wins and become bowl eligible in 2024. However, they will need to stay healthy and avoid any major injuries if they want to achieve their goal.
Reaching bowl eligibility is an important milestone for any college football program, and the NC State Wolfpack will be determined to extend their bowl streak in 2024.
National Spotlight: ESPN College GameDay Possible
With a compelling schedule and a talented roster, the NC State Wolfpack have the potential to attract national attention in 2024. One way they could do this is by earning a spot on ESPN’s College GameDay, the popular pregame show that travels to a different campus each week to showcase a top matchup.
College GameDay is known for its energetic atmosphere and insightful analysis, and it is a great way for teams to generate excitement and promote their program. The Wolfpack have a few games on their schedule that could potentially land them on College GameDay.
The season opener against East Carolina is a rivalry game that is always played in a packed stadium. If the Wolfpack can start the season with a big win, they could make a strong case to host College GameDay the following week.
The home game against Clemson is another prime opportunity for the Wolfpack to earn a College GameDay appearance. Clemson is one of the top teams in the country, and a victory over the Tigers would be a major statement for NC State. Additionally, the game is scheduled for a Saturday night, which is College GameDay’s preferred time slot.
Earning a spot on College GameDay would be a huge boost for the NC State Wolfpack. It would give the program national exposure and help to attract top recruits. It would also be a great way to celebrate the team’s success and show the rest of the country what NC State football is all about.
FAQ
Have questions about the NC State Wolfpack’s 2024 football schedule? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:
Question 1: When is the 2024 NC State football season?
Answer 1: The 2024 NC State football season will begin on Saturday, August 31st, 2024 and end on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024.
Question 2: How many games will the Wolfpack play in 2024?
Answer 2: The Wolfpack will play a total of 12 regular season games in 2024.
Question 3: Where can I find the complete NC State football schedule for 2024?
Answer 3: The complete NC State football schedule for 2024 can be found on the official NC State Athletics website.
Question 4: Who are the Wolfpack’s biggest rivals?
Answer 4: The Wolfpack’s biggest rivals are the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and the Duke University Blue Devils.
Question 5: What is the capacity of Carter-Finley Stadium?
Answer 5: Carter-Finley Stadium has a seating capacity of 57,583.
Question 6: How can I purchase tickets for NC State football games?
Answer 6: Tickets for NC State football games can be purchased online through the NC State Athletics website or by calling the Carter-Finley Stadium ticket office.
Question 7: What are some of the best places to tailgate before NC State football games?
Answer 7: Some of the best places to tailgate before NC State football games include the PNC Arena parking lot, the Carter-Finley Stadium South Deck, and the Talley Student Union Quad.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the NC State Wolfpack’s 2024 football schedule. For more information, please visit the official NC State Athletics website.
In addition to the FAQ, here are some tips for making the most of your NC State football gameday experience:
Tips
Here are four tips for making the most of your NC State football gameday experience in 2024:
Tip 1: Arrive early to tailgate. Tailgating is a huge part of the NC State football experience. To get the best spot and avoid long lines, arrive early and set up your tailgate. You can bring your own food and drinks, or you can purchase them from one of the many vendors in the area.
Tip 2: Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking on gameday, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. The Wolfpack faithful are known for their passionate support, so you’ll also want to be able to stand and cheer for the entire game.
Tip 3: Bring sunscreen and a hat. Carter-Finley Stadium is an outdoor stadium, so it’s important to protect yourself from the sun. Bring sunscreen and a hat to keep yourself cool and comfortable.
Tip 4: Be prepared for weather changes. The weather in Raleigh can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for anything. Bring a raincoat or poncho in case of rain, and a jacket or blanket in case of cold weather.
Tip 5: Learn the Wolfpack fight song and cheers. Joining in on the Wolfpack fight song and cheers is a great way to show your support for the team and connect with other fans. You can find the lyrics to the fight song and cheers on the NC State Athletics website.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you have a fun and enjoyable experience at your next NC State football game.
So mark your calendars for the 2024 NC State football season and get ready to cheer on the Wolfpack to victory!
Conclusion
The NC State Wolfpack’s 2024 football schedule is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With a challenging slate of opponents, including ACC rivals and non-conference tests, the Wolfpack will have plenty of opportunities to prove themselves and compete for a bowl game.
The season will kick off with a highly anticipated home matchup against the East Carolina Pirates, followed by a tough road test against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The Wolfpack will also host ACC foes Clemson, Florida State, and Louisville, and travel to Syracuse and Wake Forest. Additionally, the non-conference schedule includes a home game against the West Virginia Mountaineers and a neutral-site matchup against the Texas A&M Aggies.
With a talented roster and an experienced coaching staff, the Wolfpack have the potential to make a statement in 2024. If they can stay healthy and avoid major injuries, they have the chance to reach bowl eligibility, compete for an ACC Championship, and even earn a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Regardless of the outcome, the 2024 NC State football season promises to be a memorable one for fans of the Wolfpack. So mark your calendars and get ready to cheer on the team as they chase their goals and bring excitement to Carter-Finley Stadium.