This is the Biggest Game in NC State Football History

Tonight’s game is the biggest game in the history of NC State football. Obviously, that’s my opinion. Determining the biggest game in school history is impossible. It’s subjective. Nonetheless, I believe it is.

NC State is ranked 10th. Clemson is ranked 5th.

The Wolfpack have never been in a Top-10 game in the history of the AP Poll (1936). This is only the 5th NC State team to be ranked in the Top-10.

I know there are plenty of games left after this one, and I’m not making any sort of an argument that NC State is a lock to win the Atlantic Division if they win this game. They have the grind of the difficult Atlantic Division waiting for them after this. FSU, Syracuse and Wake Forest are all ranked in either the AP or Coaches Poll.

At minimum this game is historical, but in my opinion, it’s the biggest.

As I perused every game and every season of NC State Football, here’s a look at some of the more significant games in Wolfpack history.

2021 – #21 NC State at #13 Wake Forest – 42-45. If NC State would have won this game, they would have won the Atlantic Division, and gone on to play in the ACC Championship game against Pitt. They would have also had 10 wins for only the 2nd time in school history. Don’t even get me started on not getting a chance at another win against UCLA in the bowl game.

2017 – #14 NC State at #9 Notre Dame – 14-35

2017 – #6 Clemson vs. #20 NC State – 38-31. If NC State would have won this game, they would have won the Atlantic

2010 – #21 NC State at Maryland – 31-38 – If NC State would have won, they would have won the Atlantic.

1992 – #12 NC State vs. #14 Florida – Gator Bowl – 10-27 – If NC State would have won, they would have finished with 10 wins and likely finished in the Top-10 for the 1st time ever.

1991 – #12 NC State at #19 Clemson – 19-29 – Would have had 10 wins.

1974 – #13 NC State vs. Houston – Bluebonnet Bowl – 31-31 – Would have given them 10 wins. Might have given them a top-10 finish.

1973 – #14 NC State at #2 Nebraska – 14-31

1967 – #10 NC State @ Clemson – 6-14 – Would have likely led the Wolfpack to finish in the Top-10, and finish with 10 wins.

1957 – #4 Duke vs. #11 NC State – 14-14

1957 – William & Mary vs. #10 NC State – 7-6 – NC State went on to win their following 2 games, but finished the season ranked 15th. Without that loss against William & Mary, NC State would have finished in the Top 10