North Carolina State vs Wake Forest Picks and Prediction for Thursday September 11 2025

By: Eddie Kline Published 09/08/2025, 02:46 AM ET

NC State Preview

The week three college football schedule will kick off on Thursday night with a matchup between the NC State Wolfpack and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Make sure you are ready for all the football action with our college football picks. The Wolfpack (2-0) lost longtime defensive coordinator Tony Gibson to Marshall and rank second worst in the ACC Conference in total defense. On Saturday, NC State LB Cian Slone intercepted a pass in the end zone on Virginia’s final drive to preserve a 35-31 home victory.

NC State RB Hollywood Smothers carried 17 times for a game-high 140 yards and two touchdowns. QB C.J. Bailey contributed 200 passing yards and three total touchdowns for the Wolfpack, who surrendered 514 total yards.

Wake Forest Preview

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons are looking at a full program reset for first year head coach Jake Dickert, who was hired in December after a successful stint at Washington State. The Demon Deacons (2-0) survived a scare from Kennesaw State in week one and are averaging 26 points per contest. Last week, Wake Forest raced out to a 21-point lead after one quarter and cruised to a 42-10 home victory versus FCS Western Carolina.

Wake Forest stud RB Demond Claibrone needed just 10 carries to rack up 193 rushing yards and find the end zone three times. Chris Barnes added a game-high 149 receiving yards for the Demon Deacons, who averaged 8.8 yards per rush.

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NC State vs Wake Forest Pick

NC State has been torched for 640 passing yards through the first two games. Wake Forest will look to establish Claiborne early and that could open up the passing game. The Wolfpack defense is not good enough to lay this many points on the road. Take the Demon Deacons to cover at home. Final Score Prediction, NC State Wolfpack win 28-27.

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