After a tough Week 2 matchup against 10th-ranked Notre Dame ended in a 45-24 loss, NC State will be facing a much easier opponent this time in VMI.
An FCS team, the Keydets surprisingly share a rich history with the Wolfpack, with the two teams having faced off 19 times from 1895 to 1946. The last time VMI came to Raleigh was 1921, and that game ended in a 7-7 tie.
However, NC State has come a long way since those days, and after two disappointing offensive outings, the Wolfpack needs to show it can easily handle against a significantly inferior team.
The Game
NC State vs. VMI
Raleigh
Saturday, 2 p.m., CW Network
Records
NC State: 1-1 (0-0 ACC)
VMI: 1-1
Head-to-head
The Keydets hold a 11-7-1 edge over the Wolfpack, but you have to go all the way back to 1946 to revisit the last meeting between these two schools, a 49-7 win for NC State.
Players to Watch
NC State tight end Juice Vereen: The true freshman led all Wolfpack players in receiving yards last week with 65 on four receptions against the Fighting Irish. He was quarterback Brennan Armstrong’s top target, so perhaps Vereen will receive more target going forward.
VMI wide receiver Chance Knox: The Keydets’ reception and yardage leader last season, Knox has continued that trend into 2023 with 152 yards on 11 catches. He is also VMI’s top punt returner, having picked up 60 yards on seven attempts this year.
Odds
Betonline.ag: Off the board
