After the Pack’s loss against Maryland Oct. 25, its fourth straight, defensive coordinator Mike Archer challenged his defense calling them the embarrassment of the conference. But one open date and a win later, the mood is a little different around the Wolfpack locker room. Coach Tom O’Brien said beating Duke has given the Pack some much needed confidence going into the game against No. 24 Wake Forest.

“It’s given everybody a little extra bounce in their step around here,” O’Brien said. “We certainly understand what a great football team Wake Forest is, and their chance to play their way to Tampa has to come through Raleigh.”

Wake Forest coach Jim Grobe knows not to judge N.C. State by its win-loss column. With linebacker Nate Irving and a number of other players finally healthy, Grobe said State could be a dangerous team.

“They had a great game last weekend against Duke so we know we got our work cut out for us,” Grobe said. “I think they’ve gotten better all year long. You know N.C. State’s biggest problem has been injuries. They’ve had so many kids injured throughout the season.”

Saturday’s game is set for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff. N.C. State (3-6, 1-4 ACC) will host Wake Forest (6-3, 4-2 ACC) in its second of three consecutive games against in-state rivals. The Demon Deacons come into Raleigh after two consecutive victories at home — a 33-30 overtime thriller over Duke and a 28-17 win over Virginia last weekend. O’Brien said Wake has steadily improved on offense as the season has progressed.

“They’ve changed their offense the last three weeks,” O’Brien said. “They’re more into the ‘I’ [formation] and running the football more effectively. They’re much more balanced than they were earlier in the year.”

Redshirt freshman quarterback Russell Wilson enters the game leading the ACC in pass efficiency with 130.9. But it has been Wilson’s play in the last five games that has propelled the resurgence of N.C. State’s scoring ability. Since the game against East Carolina, Wilson is throwing for a completion percentage of 59.2 percent with 10 touchdowns and zero interceptions. O’Brien said Wilson has continued to improve this season.

“If you separate his first two starts — on the road, both at South Carolina and Clemson — to his last five starts, it’s a completely different guy,” O’Brien said. “He’s gotten better each and every week and hopefully he continues to do that for us.”

Grobe is familiar with Wilson’s abilities — as a high school all-star out of Richmond, Va., Wilson was heavily recruited by the Demon Deacons. Grobe said Wilson’s ability to throw on the run makes him special.

“What makes him remarkable is when he gets pressured and has to move around and get out of the pocket,” Grobe said. “I think that’s when he’s most dangerous.”

Wilson is currently riding a string of 142 pass attempts without throwing an interception — the second longest streak in school history. O’Brien said Wilson should take a few more chances passing the football.

“Because of the fact that he’s so comfortable pulling the ball down and running, he’s got to take a couple more chances maybe throwing the football than maybe pulling it down and running,” O’Brien said. “But he’s been able to create situations as he gets back and scrambles around to find advantageous places to throw the football.”