The Virginia football team has three tough matchups to start the season and things won’t get any easier in week four when ACC begins. The Hoos will open up league play when NC State travels to Charlottesville for some Friday night lights. The Wolfpack won 8 games last season.

It’ll be the return of some familiar faces also as former coaches Robert Anae and Garett Tujague as well as transfer quarterback Brennan Armstrong are now all a part of the NC State program. Coach Tony Elliott went just 1-6 in conference play during his first season, so he’ll be looking to start strong in front of a home crowd.

Let’s take a look at Virginia’s first ACC opponent of the 2023 season.

NC State Wolfpack

• Date: Friday, Sept. 22, 7:30 PM ET (ESPN)
• Location: Scott Stadium – Charlottesville, VA (natural grass field)
• 2022 Record: 8-5
• Coach: Dave Doeren, entering 11th season
• Last Meeting: Oct. 10, 2020 @ Scott Stadium, NC State won 38-21
• Last Bowl Appearance: 2022 Duke’s Mayo Bowl – lost to UMD 12-16
• Key Returning Players: RB Jordan Houston, WR Keyon Lesane, OL Anthony Belton, OL Dylan McMahon, LB Payton Wilson, CB Aydan White, CB, Shyheim Battle, DT Devin Vann

What to Expect on Game Day

What’s to Like: Stingy defense. The NC State defense excelled in 3rd and 4th down situations in 2022. The Wolfpack defense’s 32.8% 3rd down conversion percentage was ranked 19th nationally. If teams opted to go for it on 4th down, they didn’t have much more success, converting just 34.8% of the time. This was good enough to rank the defense 9th overall nationally in 4th down conversion percentage. Being able to hold offenses in these scenarios is pivotal for a defense as it gets the unit off the field.

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