In Week 4 of the 2025 College Football regular season, the North Carolina State Wolfpack take on the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, NC. Scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2025, this matchup will be televised on ESPN2 at 4:00 PM. The Wolfpack enter this game with an impressive 3-0 record, having secured two conference wins already this season.
North Carolina State has demonstrated strong offensive capabilities, as shown by their recent victories against Wake Forest, Virginia, and East Carolina. The Wolfpack has effectively balanced their passing and rushing attacks, contributing to their unbeaten status. Their recent win against Wake Forest saw them gaining 209 rushing yards, showcasing their ability to control the ground game.
On the other hand, the Duke Blue Devils have faced challenges in the early part of the season, holding a 1-2 record. Despite a commanding win over Elon Phoenix in Week 1, they suffered setbacks against Illinois and Tulane. Playing at home, Duke will aim to leverage their familiarity with Wallace Wade Stadium to improve their standing in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Duke vs North Carolina State At a Glance
- Game Location: Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, NC
- Kickoff Time: Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 4:00 PM
- Broadcast: Available on ESPN2
- NC State Record: 3-0 this season
- Duke Record: 1-2 this season
- Betting Odds: Duke is favored with a -154 moneyline
Blue Devils on the Rise: Duke Blue Devils’ Upcoming Game Preview
Offensive Performance
The Duke Blue Devils have shown significant potential in their offensive game during the 2025 season. Ranking 10th in passing yards with 1,058, the team is a force in the air. However, their rushing yards stand at 386, placing them 89th, indicating room for improvement on the ground.
With 91 points scored, they rank 42nd in the nation, demonstrating a solid start to the season. Their ability to secure first downs, ranked 16th with 71, highlights their efficiency in moving the chains.
Defensive Strength
Defensively, Duke has conceded 96 points, ranking them 78th, a figure they will look to improve upon in upcoming games. Their pass rush is formidable, with 8 sacks, ranking 7th nationally. Despite not recording any interceptions, their defensive line remains a key component of their strategy.
The Blue Devils have excelled in recovering fumbles, ranking 5th with one recovery this season. This ability to create turnover opportunities could prove crucial as they progress through their schedule.
Recent Game Analysis
In their recent game against Tulane, Duke fell short with a 34-27 loss. They managed to outperform Tulane in first downs and passing yards, securing 27 first downs and 313 passing yards. However, their ground game was less effective, as they recorded only 145 rushing yards compared to Tulane’s 160.
Against Illinois, the Blue Devils were unable to secure a win, losing 45-19. They showcased a strong passing game with 356 yards but struggled with turnovers, committing four fumbles. Despite these challenges, their offensive line has shown promise.
Key Players
Quarterback Darian Mensah has been instrumental, ranking 1st in the team for passing yards with 1,036. His performance will be crucial in future games. Running back Nate Sheppard leads the team’s ground efforts, with 127 rushing yards.
Wide receiver Cooper Barkate has been a standout performer with 272 receiving yards, ranking 1st on the team. His ability to make key receptions will be vital in Duke’s offensive strategy.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: 19-1 (95.0%) in last 20 games (2021–2025)
- SU – Home Games: 17-3 (85.0%) in last 20 games (2022–2025)
- O/U – All Games: 3-0 (100.0%) in last 3 games (2025)
- ATS – After Loss: 8-3 (72.7%) in last 11 games (2022–2025)
- O/U – As Favorite: 15-8-1 (62.5%) in last 24 games (2020–2025)
North Carolina State Wolfpack Look to Continue Strong Start Against Duke
Recent Performance
The North Carolina State Wolfpack has made a promising start to their 2025 season, securing three consecutive wins. They recently defeated Wake Forest 34-24, showcasing their ability to close out games effectively. The team has maintained a perfect record so far, which sets the tone for their upcoming away game against Duke.
Their recent game against Virginia was a close contest, with North Carolina State edging out a 35-31 victory at home. This tight win demonstrated their resilience and ability to handle pressure in high-stakes situations. Their season opener saw them overcome East Carolina 24-17, further reinforcing their strong start.
Offensive Overview
Offensively, North Carolina State ranks 40th in points scored this season with a total of 93. Their passing game, led by quarterback CJ Bailey, has accumulated 719 yards, placing them 55th nationally. The rushing attack is also solid, amassing 539 yards to rank 49th.
Key contributors include running back Hollywood Smothers, who has rushed for 380 yards, ranking 6th in the nation. The Wolfpack’s balanced attack is further complemented by receivers like Wesley Grimes and Noah Rogers, who have been crucial in advancing the ball downfield.
Defensive Strength
The Wolfpack’s defense has allowed 72 points this season, ranking them 57th. Their pass rush has been effective with 2 sacks, earning them a 13th-place ranking. The defense has also excelled in forcing turnovers, recording 3 interceptions which ranks 4th nationally.
Despite some injuries in the squad, the defensive unit has remained strong and resilient. The ability to create turnovers has been a significant factor in their success, often providing the offense with advantageous field positions.
Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: 25-4 (86.2%) in the last 29 games
- O/U – Away Games: 6-0 (100.0%) in the last 6 games
- ATS – Away Games: 4-0 (100.0%) in the last 4 games
- O/U – As Underdog: 7-1 (87.5%) in the last 8 games
- SU – Totals ≥ 50: 4-0 (100.0%) in the last 4 games
Injury Concerns
The Wolfpack faces some injury challenges, with several players listed as questionable. These include key positions such as linebacker and offensive tackle, which could impact their depth. The team will need to manage these injuries carefully as they prepare for their game against Duke.
Despite these setbacks, the depth of the roster and the performance of their starters have provided stability. The team remains optimistic about their chances, given their recent form and overall team performance.
Duke vs North Carolina State Prediction: Over 59.0
The upcoming game between Duke and North Carolina State brings an interesting matchup with both teams showing offensive capabilities. Duke has scored 91 points this season, ranking 42nd in points for, while North Carolina State has amassed 93 points, ranking 40th. This offensive efficiency sets the stage for a high-scoring game.
Defensively, Duke has allowed 96 points this season, which ranks 78th, indicating potential vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, North Carolina State has conceded 72 points, positioning them 57th. These defensive rankings suggest that both teams are likely to give up points, contributing to a higher combined score.
Betting trends strongly favor the over, with Duke hitting the over in their last three home games and North Carolina State having the offensive firepower to complement this trend. The game’s total is set at 59.0, which both teams are likely to surpass given their offensive and defensive performances.
Considering both teams’ offensive strengths and defensive weaknesses, the game is projected to go over the total of 59.0. A final score prediction could see Duke edging out North Carolina State with a scoreline of 38-35, reflecting a high-scoring game.
- Duke vs North Carolina State Prediction: Over 59.0
- Duke vs North Carolina State Score: Duke 38 – North Carolina State 35
