Noteworthy Info from Dave Doeren’s Press Conference Prior to Tomorrow’s Pop-Tarts Bowl

Both head coaches met with the media this morning for a press conference prior to tomorrow’s Pop-Tarts Bowl. Below is a summary of things of note that NC State’s Dave Doeren had to say.

• Some players will get expanded roles.
• • With Payton Wilson out, we will see Redshirt Sophomore Caden Fordham play a lot more…young man they are excited to see out there.
• True Freshman Linebacker Kelvon McBride has been on the Scout team all season, but has been playing with the 2’s.
  • With Payton not playing, were able to get him a ton of work.
  • He’s put on 25 pounds since he got here.
  • Looks really good and is making plays.
• True Freshman Safety Zack Myers has also played a ton of reps in bowl prep.
• Couldn’t be happier for Brennan Armstrong…what he went through…how he responded…the type of human being he was to his teammates during that time.
  • Played through some pain…the guy is just a warrior…a great teammate.
  • Can’t thank him enough for what he’s meant to this team and the way that he’s held not just himself together, but these guys on our offense.
• Similarities between NC State and Kansas State: Play hard. Play till the end. They fight…they’re physical.
• Doeren is still planning to chase his Pop-Tart with some bourbon.
  • Preferred bourbon: Kentucky Owl.
  • Pop-Tart of choice: Brown Sugar.
• At NC State there’s been 1 team in the history of the program that’s won 10+ games, and so this is an opportunity to be different than 136 other teams that played in this uniform.
• Due to players entering the Transfer Portal, it changed the Scout Team a lot.
  • Only 1 starter transferred.
• Kansas State also runs a 3-3-5 defensive scheme: Doeren said they are “carbon copy defenses.”
  • NC State is +11 in Turnover Margin. K-State is +10.