The NC State football schedule for 2024, Dave Doeren’s 12th with the Wolfpack, could provide an opportunity for a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff.

NC State has a pair of September tests against Tennessee and Clemson, but the Wolfpack will avoid Florida State, Louisville, Miami and Virginia Tech in ACC play.

Coming off a 9-4 overall record, including a 6-2 mark in the ACC, the Wolfpack will welcome back several starters and a stout group of players from the transfer portal.

NC State will open the season Thursday, Aug. 29, against Western Carolina at Carter-Finley Stadium. But which games will be the most difficult for Doeren’s team?

Here's a ranking of each matchup, based on level of difficulty. Location of the game and quality of opponent are factored into the breakdown. There’s also a poll included below, allowing fans the chance to vote for the game they’re looking forward to most this season.

Louisiana Tech (Sept. 14)

Louisiana Tech’s 2023 record: 3-9, (2-6 CUSA)

Series record: 2-0

Kickoff: ACC Network, Noon

Notes: The Bulldogs haven’t logged a winning record since 2019, but Louisiana Tech had N.C. State sweating in 2021 before the Wolfpack prevailed with a 34-27 win. Nowadays, these programs are moving in different directions.

Western Carolina (Aug. 29)

Western Carolina’s 2023 record: 7-4 (5-3 SoCon)

Series record: 7-0

Kickoff: ACC Network, 7 p.m.

Notes: The Wolfpack and Catamounts haven’t played since 2019 — a 41-0 victory for State — and each of the seven games in the series have resulted in blowout wins for the Pack.

Northern Illinois (Sept. 28)

Northern Illinois’ 2023 record: 7-6 (5-3 MAC)

Series record: 1-0

Notes: Dave Doeren got his head coaching journey started at Northern Illinois, leading the Huskies to a 12-win season and Orange Bowl appearance in 2012 before making his way to Raleigh. Northern Illinois and N.C. State met in 1997, with the Wolfpack winning 41-14.

Stanford (Nov. 2)

Stanford’s 2023 record: 3-9 (2-7 Pac-12)

Series record: First meeting

Notes: Following a trip to the west coast, N.C. State returns to Raleigh for a homecoming matchup with Stanford. The Wolfpack and Cardinal have never met on the gridiron, but Stanford has won two Rose Bowl games and an Orange Bowl since 2010. Coming off a tough stretch of seasons, Stanford should provide N.C. State with one of its easiest ACC wins.

Wake Forest (Oct. 5)

Wake Forest’s 2023 record: 4-8 (1-7 ACC)

Series record: 69-42-6

Notes: The Wolfpack hasn’t lost to the Demon Deacons in Raleigh since 2018. Coming off a 26-6 win in Winston-Salem last season, N.C. State shouldn’t face much resistance against a program that is coming off its first losing season since 2015.

Syracuse (Oct. 12)

Syracuse’s 2023 record: 6-7 (2-6 ACC)

Series record: 13-3

Notes: The Wolfpack has won three of its last four games against the Orange, but ‘Cuse secured a 15-point victory in 2022. Syracuse has a new coach in Fran Brown and Ohio State transfer Kyle McCord at quarterback. This could be a sneaky tough game for the ‘Pack.

Duke (Nov. 9)

Duke’s 2023 record: 8-5 (4-4 ACC)

Series record: 37-42-5

Notes: Last season’s embarrassing loss to the Blue Devils was the turning point for the Wolfpack, which closed its season with wins in five of the last six games. After losing three of the last four games in the series, N.C. State will be fired up for some revenge against first-year coach Manny Diaz.

at Cal (Oct. 19)

Cal’s 2023 record: 6-7 (4-5 Pac-12)

Series record: First meeting

Notes: It’ll be the Wolfpack’s first regular season game on the west coast since 1960. Cal hasn’t had a winning season since 2019, but head coach Justin Wilcox returns a crowd of key contributors and added some talent via the transfer portal. The travel, along with the improvement of the Bears, will provide a tough challenge for N.C. State.

at UNC (Nov. 30)

UNC’s 2023 record: 8-5 (4-4 ACC)

Series record: 39-68-6

Notes: The Wolfpack has won three in a row against the rival Tar Heels, including four of the last five games in Chapel Hill. Following the departure of quarterback Drake Maye, UNC has questions at the sport’s most important position. N.C. State has bullied the Tar Heels of late, and the regular-season finale could have major implications for the 'Pack.

at Georgia Tech (Nov. 21)

Georgia Tech’s 2023 record: 7-6 (5-3 ACC)

Series record: 11-20

Kickoff: ESPN, 7:30 p.m.

Notes: Following its off week, the Wolfpack will head to Atlanta for a Thursday night game against the Yellow Jackets. N.C. State is 4-11 at Georgia Tech and hasn’t won an away game in the series since 2010.

Tennessee (Sept. 7 in Charlotte)

Tennessee’s 2023 record: 9-4 (4-4 SEC)

Series record: 2-2

Kickoff: ABC, 7:30 p.m.

Notes: A big-time opportunity against a big-time SEC opponent. If N.C. State wants the national spotlight on Raleigh, the Wolfpack needs a strong showing in front of a national audience. The Vols have won the last two in the series.

at Clemson (Sept. 21)

Clemson’s 2023 record: 9-4 (4-4 ACC)

Series record: 30-60-1

Notes: N.C. State’s trip to Clemson is not only the biggest ACC game on the schedule, but the biggest game of the Wolfpack’s season. A win at Memorial Stadium could get State to the ACC championship game and help it snag a spot in the College Football Playoff. But the Wolfpack hasn’t won at Clemson since 2002, dropping nine in a row in Death Valley.

Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on X/Twitter. 

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: NC State football schedule 2024: Ranking Wolfpack’s toughest games