# NC State Faces Wake Forest Challenge

> NC State aims to secure win against Wake Forest to set season direction.
- Title: NC State Faces Wake Forest Challenge | Shortify
- Summary: NC State aims to secure win against Wake Forest to set season direction. NC State seeks victory over Wake Forest to determine season trajectory after…
- Keywords: nc state, wake forest, wolfpack, deacs, gio lopez, college football, nc state football, sports, State, Faces, Wake, Forest
- Source: North Carolina State Wolfpack On SI — https://si.com/college/ncstate/football/nc-state-looks-to-take-major-step-forward-vs-wake-forest
- Published: 2026-10-08T05:06:35+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nc state, wake forest, wolfpack, deacs, gio lopez, college football, nc state football, sports
## Wolfpack's Season Balance
NC State's season hung in the balance before their dramatic 31-28 victory over Louisville last weekend.
## Dyson's Game-Saver
Harvey Dyson's well-timed hustle play stripped the ball from Louisville's running back to preserve victory.
## Coach Doeren's Praise
Doeren called Dyson 'a guy that just won’t let the team lose' with an 'unbelievable play' by the defensive edge player.

> [Dyson] played like a guy that just won’t let the team lose
## Wake Forest's Strength
Wake Forest enters as 4-1 with a 2-game conference win streak and a defense allowing only 3 points last week.
## Gio Lopez's Impact
Gio Lopez, a dual-threat quarterback who transferred from UNC, has thrown for 1,377 yards and 10 touchdowns.
## Lopez's Versatility
Lopez has gained 192 rushing yards with 5 touchdowns and accounted for five touchdowns against Stanford.
## Defensive Tackling Issues
NC State missed 23 tackles against Louisville, more than in four games combined, leading to explosive plays.
## Tackling Fix Required
Doeren stated NC State must clean up tackling issues to win against Wake Forest.
## Season Direction
A win against Wake Forest would set the direction for the rest of NC State's season after tight games with Wake.
## Key takeaway

NC State seeks victory over Wake Forest to determine season trajectory after overcoming Louisville.