December 11, 2023
Orlando, FL-With the Pop Tarts Bowl set for December 28th at Camping World Stadium, today we preview the matchup between the two ranked opponents participating in the game, the 18th ranked NC State Wolfpack (9-3) and the 25th ranked Kansas State Wildcats (8-4). The Wolfpack enter the showdown having won their last 5 games and proving to be one of the hottest teams in the country in the second half of the season. The Wildcats also enter the contest playing well having won 4 of their last 6 including a win over rival Kansas.
On the surface, this game looks to be a matchup between two teams with similar pedigrees and similar philosophies. A strong defense and disciplined style of play. Both teams enter the game 7th in turnover margin in the country and are looking to establish themselves as top 25 teams in the country. NC State enters the bowl with a 2-1 record in the bowl history.
NC State enters the contest with one of the nation’s leading tacklers in Payton Wilson who just earned the Butkus and Bednarik national awards, and also ended the season in the top 25 in total defense per the NCAA stats website. NC State is looking to earn their 10th win on the season for just the second time in program history since their 11-3 season in 2002. NC State ended the season on a 5-game winning streak with notable wins over #24 Clemson, UNC, and Miami. The offense was led by Senior QB Brennan Armstrong and freshman All-American Kevin “KC” Concepcion who ended the season with more than 1000 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns. The total yards and touchdowns were the most in school history for a true freshman.
The NC State defense was led by senior Payton Wilson, who led the team with 138 total tackles and 2 INT’s including a pick six, that sealed the win for the Pack against Clemson on Homecoming. Defense has been a staple for the Wolfpack all season and they currently are in the top 25 in total interceptions in the nation.
Kansas State also enters the contest on hot streak winning 4 of their last 6 games including a win over a ranked rival in Kansas. The Wildcats were led by Senior QB Will Howard on offense throughout the season and are looking for their 9th win of the season which will allow for the Wildcats to end the year ranked in the top 25. NC State is looking to finish in the final top 25 CFP ranking for the 4th consecutive season under head coach Dave Doeren who earlier in the season became NC State’s all-time winningest coach when he earned his 78th win.
The matchup will be held live at 5:45 pm EST on December 28th in Orlando at the Camping World Stadium and will be televised nationally on ESPN. For more information on the game, please visit www.poptartsbowl.com for all of the updated news and events.
