Just three days away from a must-win game for NC State this weekend against Wake Forest, the Demon Deacons are riding high for the first in a while for the struggling program. The team received nine votes in the AP Top 25 poll this past week and has enjoyed a 4-0 start to the season. The most recent win was against a high-powered Indiana Hoosiers team on the road, and although the defense was able to force five turnovers, the offense did its part. After a 7-3 opening night win over Tulane, the Wake Forest offense has put up 24, 38 and 33 points, two of those games being on the road.

The NC State offense has put up big points against each of its opponents this year but the schedule is about to get tougher. The Wolfpack should get sophomore wide receiver Nyheim Hines back this week as it looks to continue its offensive hot streak.

Quarterback

The Wolfpack got its usual solid play from redshirt sophomore Ryan Finley against Old Dominion, as he completed 24 of 28 passes for 281 yards and three touchdowns. Finley has yet to throw an interception this season, and that streak will be tested against a Wake Forest defense that has forced six interceptions this season.

The Wolfpack has found a great weapon in the red zone by using redshirt sophomore Jalan McClendon as a battering ram to score when in close. McClendon scored two rushing touchdowns and then used play action to throw for another score inside the five. The combination of both quarterbacks, which was looked at as a problem before the season, has actually been a bright spot for the Wolfpack in the early going.

The Demon Deacons were dealt a blow when sophomore quarterback Kendall Hinton suffered a sprained ligament in his left knee against Delaware and was ruled out for two to four weeks. Hinton will miss the game against NC State, and without him in the lineup, the Demon Deacons lose his athleticism and running threat.

Wake Forest will rely on junior John Wolford, who has played extensively over the last three seasons. Wolford is a solid quarterback option, yet presents nothing flashy at the position. He has completed just 54.7 percent of his passes this season, for two touchdowns and one interception. He is capable with his legs, although he doesn’t possess blazing speed or athleticism.

Advantage: NC State

Running Back

The Wolfpack continues to bring one of the most talented backfields in the country into every contest, with senior Matt Dayes leading the way. Dayes has 312 yards on the ground this season and is averaging more than 100 yards per game. The Wolfpack have an excellent change-of-pace back in sophomore Reggie Gallaspy II, who presents more power to Dayes’ finesse.

The Demon Deacons have been hit hard by injury at this position as well, as freshman Cade Carney, who was their starting back and rushed for 129 yards and three touchdowns through the first couple game of the season, suffered a knee injury and will miss this weekend’s contest as well. Replacing him is sophomore Matt Colburn, who has rushed for 298 yards this season and one touchdown.

Advantage: NC State

Wide Receiver

The Wolfpack continue to do most of its damage through the air by throwing to Dayes and junior tight end Jaylen Samuels. Redshirt sophomore Steph Louis has been the Wolfpack’s best receiving threat, having hauled in nine catches for 226 yards and a touchdown. Adding Hines back into the mix should help this unit.

The most explosive player for the Demon Deacons is sophomore Tabari Hines, who has the speed and athleticism to create problems. Other than him there aren’t many proven playmakers at his position for the Deacons.

Advantage: Wake Forest

Tight End

For the first and maybe only time this season, a team has the talent to challenge the Wolfpack in the tight end category. Redshirt junior Cam Serigne is the best player on Wake Forest’s offense, and he may be the best tight end in the league. With that being said, he is a traditional style tight end, whereas Samuels is a jack-of-trades. You can’t expect to compare the two.

Advantage: Tie, both the Deacons and Pack sport excellent tight ends

Offensive Line

The Demon Deacons start two seniors and three redshirt sophomores on the offensive line. They’ve managed to allow the Wake offense to run for 200 yards per game but they have allowed 12 sacks.

The Wolfpack offensive line has allowed NC State running backs to rumble for 210 yards per game and have allowed seven sacks this season.

Advantage: NC State

Overall

In total the Wolfpack win five of the position battles to Wake Forest’s three, with one category as a push. On paper the Wolfpack have more talent and should win the contest, but we won’t know until Saturday who’s the better team. 

A version of this article appeared in print on Sept. 29, 2016, on page 13 with the headline: Breaking down the Pack, Deacon offenses