The Duke football program is in search of a much-needed bounce-back win after dropping its last two games. That opportunity comes this weekend when the Blue Devils host NC State, one of the ACC’s early-season surprises. The Wolfpack enter at 3-0, averaging 31 points per contest and showcasing one of the league’s most balanced offenses. Duke, meanwhile, has struggled to find offensive consistency, forcing head coach Manny Diaz and offensive coordinator Jonathan Brewer to make key adjustments if they want to keep pace. After a 1-2 start, the Blue Devils will try to wipe the slate clean by opening conference play with a statement win.
Four NC State Players Duke Fans Should Know Before Saturday
1. QB CJ Bailey
One of the ACC’s premier dual-threat quarterbacks, sophomore CJ Bailey has hit the ground running in 2025. Through three games, the 6’6 signal-caller has thrown for 719 yards with five touchdowns against just one interception, while adding 84 rushing yards and three scores on the ground. Bailey currently holds the sixth-highest efficiency rating among ACC quarterbacks (154.9). His ability to stress defenses with both his arm and legs could be a nightmare matchup for Duke, which surrendered 111 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns to Tulane quarterback Jake Retzlaff last week.
2. RB Hollywood Smothers
Sophomore standout Hollywood Smothers has established himself as arguably the top running back in the ACC. His 380 rushing yards lead the conference, averaging 126.7 yards per game — over 10 yards more than the next-best back, UNC’s Demon June. Smothers isn’t just a ground threat; he’s also caught 10 passes for 42 yards, ranking second on the Wolfpack in receptions. Combined with Bailey, NC State boasts a devastating one-two rushing punch. For a Duke defense currently allowing the third-most rushing yards per game in the ACC (147.3), containing Smothers will be critical.
3. TE Justin Joly
Tight end Justin Joly brings size, reliability, and red-zone production to the Wolfpack offense. Widely regarded as one of the nation’s best returning tight ends, the 6’3, 251-pound junior leads NC State in receptions (13) and has already found the end zone twice. After a quiet start to the season, Joly erupted against Wake Forest with four catches for 22 yards and two touchdowns, reminding opponents of his playmaking ability. He’ll be a player Duke’s linebackers and safeties must track closely.
4. LB Sean Brown
Defensively, linebacker Sean Brown sets the tone for NC State. The 6’0 veteran leads the team with 31 tackles, ranking third in the ACC, and has added 12 solo stops plus a pass breakup. In 2024, Brown proved to be a turnover machine, pacing the conference with three fumble recoveries (fifth nationally). His instincts and leadership make him the anchor of the Wolfpack defense — and a player Duke’s offense must account for on every snap.
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