Stanford (2-6, 1-4 ACC) is set to face N.C. State (4-4, 1-3) on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET, with the game being broadcasted on the ACC Network.
N.C. State enters this matchup as a 10-point favorite according to BetMGM College Football Odds. This game marks the first time these two teams have met on the football field.
The stakes are high as N.C. State, coming off a bye week, looks to secure a strong conclusion to their season, aiming to replicate a successful finish from the previous year. The Wolfpack’s offense has experienced turmoil following the departure of starting quarterback Grayson McCall due to concussion issues, resulting in freshman CJ Bailey taking the reins. Meanwhile, Stanford is desperate to break a five-game losing streak that began after their opening victory against Syracuse in the ACC.
A crucial area to focus on will be N.C. State’s defense up against Stanford’s offense. Both squads have experienced challenges, with N.C. State’s defense notably struggling as a result of recent changes. Currently, they sit at the bottom of the ACC in scoring defense, allowing an average of 35 points per game, and rank 13th out of 17 teams in total defense, giving up 415.3 yards per game. Conversely, Stanford has not excelled offensively; they rank second to last in the conference for scoring offense and total offense.
In terms of standout players, Stanford’s wide receiver Elic Ayomanor remains a key offensive asset despite the team’s struggles. He recently had an impressive performance against Wake Forest, recording 11 receptions for 96 yards, and he achieved a notable 1,000-yard season last year. For N.C. State, running back Kendrick Raphael has stepped up as the leading rusher with 287 yards and three rushing touchdowns, providing valuable contributions to the ground game alongside teammates Jordan Waters and Hollywood Smothers.
A few additional facts: Grayson McCall announced his retirement from football last week due to ongoing concussion concerns. Freshman CJ Bailey has made history by becoming the first true freshman in N.C. State’s program since Philip Rivers in 2000 to throw for over 300 yards—he’s achieved this milestone in two consecutive games. Last year, after a mid-October bye week, N.C. State managed to rally, winning five straight games to reach bowl eligibility, marking their second nine-win season in four years.
Despite scoring 24 points in a recent home loss to Wake Forest, Stanford has struggled to reach 15 points in four prior ACC matchups. The competition is tight as Stanford aims to avoid a repeat of previous seasons, in which they won two or fewer conference games, including three straight losses in the Pac-12. This game will represent Stanford’s third and final journey across the country for an ACC matchup, while N.C. State previously clinched a victory against Cal just before their bye week.