NC State Leaps to #23 in AP Poll Following Victory Over Clemson

RALEIGH NC – Following their historical performance this past Saturday against Clemson (2-2), NC State (3-1) finds themselves in the top 25 in the AP Poll for the first time in 2021, ranking 23rd. Their first Clemson victory in over 10 years was arguably the shock of the college football season thus far, and the statement made by the Pack has suddenly placed them in the driver’s seat to make a potential ACC Championship run. The loss dropped Clemson to 25th and they are now in danger to be unranked for the first time since 2011.

The last time the Pack were ranked? Just a year ago as they were precisely ranked 23rd when they went 8-4 in 2020. Before that, they saw themselves ranked 16th in 2018 and 14th in 2017. During the Dave Doeren (58-47) era at NC State, the success is impressive, and all signs show that the Pack should keep rolling. 

Past shows that they tend to let games slip when they become nationally ranked, but this team seems to be different compared to past Wolfpack squads. The veteran leadership is authentic, and the fact that they did not fold following their disappointing 24-10 loss to Mississippi State is encouraging and shows a lot of grit.

The 27-21 win over Clemson was highly unexpected, as the odds were against them in almost every phase of the game, and going in as 10 point underdogs was a sign that it would be a challenging contest. However, Devin Leary, who won ACC QB of the week, and Emeka Emezie, who took home ACC WR of the week honors, came to play. Their performances carried this offense against a talented Tigers defensive front who had not allowed more than 10 points in a game entering week 4.

The 23rd ranked Wolfpack will stay in Raleigh and host the Louisana Tech Bulldogs (2-2) on Saturday night at Carter-Finley Stadium. Expect the home fans to be roaring again for their Pack as they have been the hot topic within the college football world. They will attempt to extend their home record to 4-0 in the 2021 campaign against a beatable Louisana Tech team.