Night Game Magic at Carter-Finley Stadium
11/2/2016 8:33:00 AM | Football
RALEIGH, N.C. – There is something special about watching NC State football play under the lights at Carter-Finley Stadium. Maybe the crowd is just a little bit louder. Maybe the fireworks are little bit brighter. Or maybe the players feel like they are back on their high school field playing in front of their family and friends.
Whatever the reason, NC State has won seven straight night games at Carter-Finley Stadium lights dating back to 2013.
After playing four straight contests that kicked off before 1 p.m., the Wolfpack returns home this weekend to face No. 19 Florida State, Saturday at 7 p.m. in front of a national TV audience on ESPNU.
Since 2010, the Wolfpack has won 15 of its 16 home games kicking off at 6 p.m. or later.
In his fourth season at NC State, head coach Dave Doeren has gone 7-1 in home night games, outscoring the opponents 38.3-17.3. In each of the last three home games played at night, the Pack has scored at least 48 points, and in five of the last six has eclipsed 40 points.
"It's a great atmosphere, it's something special," said Doeren. "I know our fans like the night games. It gives them an opportunity to have a nice day tailgating and not be rushed getting out here and set up the way they want to be set up. And I know the students will be rowdy.
"It's always awesome here at night."
The Pack will be put to the test versus the Seminoles – the team's third ranked opponent in its last four outings. It marks the first time since 1997 that the Wolfpack has faced as many ranked teams in such a short amount of time.
"We're hoping for a great crowd with a night game against a great opponent with Florida State," said Doeren.
Two of the last three times the Seminoles have visited Carter-Finley has been a primetime affair and both times, the Pack has upset a ranked FSU squad.
In 2012, the Wolfpack defeated the third-ranked Seminoles in a 17-16 thriller behind QB Mike Glennon (Tampa Bay Bucs) and in 2010, Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks) orchestrated a 28-24 win over the No. 16 visitors from FSU.
"I've only seen [an ACC night game]," said WR Nyheim Hines, who has never played in one. "I know it's going to be great, and we'll have great support."
The Pack will be looking to get a fast start Saturday night. In five home games this season, the NC State has outscored its opponents 34-7 in first quarter action. In its four wins, the Pack has outscored its opponents 34-7, but in the four losses NC State has been shutout 29-0 in the first 15 minutes.
"That's been our motto for the past two or three weeks, to start fast," said safety Josh Jones. "As long as we start fast, play our ball, we'll be fine."
Â
Whatever the reason, NC State has won seven straight night games at Carter-Finley Stadium lights dating back to 2013.
After playing four straight contests that kicked off before 1 p.m., the Wolfpack returns home this weekend to face No. 19 Florida State, Saturday at 7 p.m. in front of a national TV audience on ESPNU.
Since 2010, the Wolfpack has won 15 of its 16 home games kicking off at 6 p.m. or later.
In his fourth season at NC State, head coach Dave Doeren has gone 7-1 in home night games, outscoring the opponents 38.3-17.3. In each of the last three home games played at night, the Pack has scored at least 48 points, and in five of the last six has eclipsed 40 points.
"It's a great atmosphere, it's something special," said Doeren. "I know our fans like the night games. It gives them an opportunity to have a nice day tailgating and not be rushed getting out here and set up the way they want to be set up. And I know the students will be rowdy.
"It's always awesome here at night."
The Pack will be put to the test versus the Seminoles – the team's third ranked opponent in its last four outings. It marks the first time since 1997 that the Wolfpack has faced as many ranked teams in such a short amount of time.
"We're hoping for a great crowd with a night game against a great opponent with Florida State," said Doeren.
Two of the last three times the Seminoles have visited Carter-Finley has been a primetime affair and both times, the Pack has upset a ranked FSU squad.
In 2012, the Wolfpack defeated the third-ranked Seminoles in a 17-16 thriller behind QB Mike Glennon (Tampa Bay Bucs) and in 2010, Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks) orchestrated a 28-24 win over the No. 16 visitors from FSU.
"I've only seen [an ACC night game]," said WR Nyheim Hines, who has never played in one. "I know it's going to be great, and we'll have great support."
The Pack will be looking to get a fast start Saturday night. In five home games this season, the NC State has outscored its opponents 34-7 in first quarter action. In its four wins, the Pack has outscored its opponents 34-7, but in the four losses NC State has been shutout 29-0 in the first 15 minutes.
"That's been our motto for the past two or three weeks, to start fast," said safety Josh Jones. "As long as we start fast, play our ball, we'll be fine."
Â
Players Mentioned
RB
/ Football
SAF
/ FootballCoach Doeren Postgame Presser vs Georgia Tech
Sunday, November 02
FB Players Postgame Presser vs Georgia Tech
Sunday, November 02
Coach Doeren Weekly Press Conference (Oct. 27))
Monday, October 27
Coach Doeren Weekly Press Conference (Oct. 20)
Monday, October 20