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Duke walks into a tricky situation on Saturday in nearby Raleigh when the Blue Devils take on rival NC State. One week after firing head coach Dave Doeren after 14 years in charge, the Wolfpack put together arguably their best game of the season, a 31-10 win over California.
Manny Diaz’s team should be used to being on upset watch after back-to-back October losses to Georgia Tech and North Carolina. The Blue Devils are the favorites, but only by five points as of Monday morning.
The Wolfpack will try to keep Nate Sheppard from getting going, as he comes off a Duke record performance with five rushing touchdowns in the 47-2 victory over Boston College. NC State ranks 53rd in rushing defense, allowing 131.00 yards per game.
Duke’s defense will have its hands full with quarterback CJ Bailey, who has thrown for 1,955 yards and 13 touchdowns to just four interceptions this season. When close to the goal line, the Wolfpack love to utilize backup quarterback Will Wilson, who leads the team with eight rushing touchdowns.
The Blue Devils and Wolfpack kick off at 12:30 p.m. ET on the CW.