What Wake Forest Said After the NC State Win

Wake Forest secured a significant win over NC State on Saturday, taking advantage of the Wolfpack's struggles against their defense. Following the game, Jake Dickert, the Wake Forest head coach, highlighted the team's offensive struggles at the half, particularly against NC State's run game. He emphasized that the offensive line and front game came to life, leading to a 38-14 victory.

Coach Dickert acknowledged that the Wolfpack had beaten Wake three of the last four years, but this win felt more significant due to the historical rivalry. Senior quarterback Jake Dickert also praised the mental toughness of his team, particularly in the second half, when they managed to disrupt NC State's one-dimensional offensive focus.

The team's intensity and connection on the field played a crucial role in their success. Receiver Jack Foley's performance was noteworthy, as he made 8 catches for 156 yards and a touchdown, while Carlos Hernandez provided much-needed support. Quarterback Jake Lopez expressed confidence in the offensive duo and their hard work both in practice and games.

Defensive back Braylon Johnson had a standout performance, intercepting a pass from NC State quarterback CJ Bailey and recovering a fumble, setting up the first touchdown. Johnson praised the defensive coaching staff's ability to make adjustments during halftime, which helped the team maintain momentum in the second half. With this win, Wake Forest improved to a 5-1 overall record, their best since 2022.

The team now looks ahead to their next game against Cal, scheduled for a 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time matchup.