Full Breakdown
Notre Dame and North Carolina State: A Historic Rivalry Reignited
10/8/2025, 4:05:11 PM
Historical Context of the Matchup
The rivalry between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the North Carolina State Wolfpack began on January 1, 2003, during the Gator Bowl, where NC State secured a decisive 28-6 victory. The teams faced off again in 2016, with NC State winning 10-3 in a game impacted by Hurricane Matthew. The tides turned in 2017 when Notre Dame triumphed 35-14, and they continued their success with a 45-24 win in their most recent encounter on September 9, 2023. This Saturday, October 11, marks the fifth meeting between the two teams, with the series currently tied at 2-2.
Current Team Performance
As of now, Notre Dame holds a record of 3-2 and is ranked No. 16 nationally, coming off three consecutive victories, including a 28-7 win against Boise State. The Fighting Irish's offense has been bolstered by standout performances from redshirt freshman quarterback CJ Carr, who has thrown for 1,280 yards and 11 touchdowns this season, and junior running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, who have combined for over 800 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. NC State, with a record of 4-2, is also looking to build on a recent 56-10 victory over Campbell, led by quarterback CJ Bailey, who has thrown for 1,660 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Key Players to Watch
For Notre Dame, CJ Carr's development as a quarterback has garnered attention, with former Notre Dame star Brady Quinn praising his potential. Carr's ability to manage the game effectively, despite not surpassing 200 passing yards in the last outing, has been crucial for the team's success. On the ground, Jeremiyah Love has emerged as a key player, rushing for over 100 yards in two of the last three games.
NC State's CJ Bailey is a dynamic player, completing 74.6% of his passes and contributing significantly to the Wolfpack's offensive strategy. His performance will be pivotal against a Notre Dame defense that has shown resilience, particularly with sophomore cornerback Leonard Moore, who recently earned accolades for his two-interception game against Boise State.
Official Statements & Responses
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman emphasized the importance of momentum, stating, “I believe there’s a confidence that helps with momentum that success brings you. But I don’t believe you can rely on momentum to achieve an outcome that you want.” This sentiment reflects the team's focus on consistent performance rather than solely relying on past successes.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite their recent successes, both teams face scrutiny regarding their defensive capabilities. Critics argue that Notre Dame's defense must improve to contain NC State's potent offense, while NC State's defensive strategy will be tested against Notre Dame's explosive running game.
What's Next
The matchup on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in Notre Dame Stadium is anticipated to be a test of resilience and adaptability for both teams. With the series tied and both teams eager to gain an upper hand, the game promises to deliver an unpredictable and competitive atmosphere.
