North Carolina State keeps having successful seasons that hint at even greater achievements. Coach Dave Doeren is firmly established with a winning program but remains excited about what more could be possible.
The team has had four consecutive seasons with eight or nine wins, bringing the 24th-ranked Wolfpack close to its second 10-win season ever and first since 2002. If N.C. State can achieve this, it could mean Doeren’s squad might compete for the Atlantic Coast Conference title.
“What we did last year and the year before and the year before is good,” Doeren said. “Winning nine games is good. We don’t want to be good, we want to be the best at what we do. These guys understand that.”
Doeren is starting his 12th season after becoming the program’s all-time winningest coach last season. He’s been aiming for the program’s first ACC title since 1979, and this year’s team is predicted to finish fourth in the expanded 17-team league.
N.C. State returns about half of its offensive and defensive starters but has also brought in a veteran group through the transfer portal, including new starting quarterback Grayson McCall from Coastal Carolina.
The season comes during a period of great success for Wolfpack athletics: men’s basketball won its first ACC title since 1987 and reached its first Final Four since 1983, women’s basketball made its first Final Four appearance since 1998, and baseball returned to the College World Series.
Doeren’s team would love to add to this list of achievements.
“The buzz has been buzzing. Our fan base has been electric,” defensive end Davin Vann said. “I wouldn’t really call it pressure, but we’re enjoying the energy they’re bringing.”
