Can NC State’s Emerging Young Offense Win Back the Fanbase’s Trust?
After NC State football defeated UNC-Chapel Hill 39-20 last season to finish with a 9-4 record and a five-game winning streak, head coach Dave Doeren made an appeal to the Wolfpack fanbase.
“For all of you who want us to keep winning, I encourage you to donate to our NIL,” Doeren said. “I’d love to see 5,000 people donate $1,000 each to help us recruit, retain, and develop players and succeed in the NIL era.”
Wolfpack fans answered the call, contributing significant funds during the offseason, which helped bring in talents like quarterback Grayson McCall, receiver Noah Rogers, and running back Hollywood Smothers.
The transfer class was considered one of the nation’s best, with hopes of elevating NC State from a good team to a great one. However, the team ended up needing a win over rival UNC just to become bowl-eligible, disappointing fans who had high expectations. Much of the blame was directed at Doeren for his reliance on the transfer portal, which seemed to miss the mark.
Given that Doeren had asked fans for financial support to improve the roster, only to fall short, many wondered whether they would continue to contribute. But after NC State’s 35-30 victory over UNC, Doeren now has a strong case for why fans should keep supporting—not just to recruit new players, but to retain the promising talent already in the program.
The Wolfpack’s young offense, led by freshman quarterback CJ Bailey, sophomore receiver Kevin Concepcion, and other key players like Rogers and Smothers, offers hope for the future.
Rogers, confident in his team’s potential, said, “We have the talent to be a powerhouse offense. Playing with teammates who want to win and improve makes you better.”
Bailey’s performance against UNC highlighted his growth. After a slow first half, he threw for 223 yards and two touchdowns in the second half, leading NC State on six straight scoring drives. His game-winning drive showcased his poise, especially when he connected with Rogers for a 44-yard gain with less than a minute to go, setting up the touchdown.
Smothers, who had limited touches in the first half, became a game-changer in the second, rushing for 116 yards and the game-winning touchdown. He’s been the Wolfpack’s most explosive playmaker in recent weeks, having recorded over 100 yards in three of the last five games and scored six touchdowns.
Despite some earlier drops, Rogers came through with the game’s biggest catch, proving his potential. Similarly, Concepcion, the reigning ACC Rookie of the Year, made crucial catches in the fourth quarter when NC State needed him most.
Though the Wolfpack’s young offense has faced its challenges this season, including mistakes in crucial losses, their performance against UNC showed that the future is bright. Doeren acknowledges the learning curve but is confident that with experience, the offense will continue to improve.
Now, the question is whether NC State fans, who have seen a difficult season unfold, will continue supporting the program financially. Will they overlook this underwhelming year for the promise of a young, talented offense? Or will they withhold their support, frustrated by the results so far?
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