By the Numbers: NC State vs Virginia History

Doeren's First Crack at the Cavaliers

The NC State head coach waited six seasons to face Virginia for the first time in 2018. The Cavaliers arrived in Raleigh with a 3-1 record. The 'Hoos were led by rising star Bryce Perkins at quarterback. He had thrown for over 800 yards and rushed for over 300 yards before arriving at Carter-Finley Stadium.

Wolfpack quarterback Ryan Finley outclassed Perkins, however. Finley threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns and helped the Wolfpack score 24 straight points after falling behind 7-3 in the second quarter.

The Wolfpack thoroughly controlled the game and ultimately won 35-21. Virginia went on to finish the season 8-5 and win the Belk Bowl over South Carolina. Doeren and the Wolfpack finished the season 9-4 and were dominated in the Gator Bowl by Texas A&M. It marked the beginning of Doeren's ongoing five-bowl losing streak.

COVID Matchup

In the pandemic-shortened season, NC State travelled to Charlottesville to face Virginia in October. The Wolfpack entered the game 2-1, while the Cavaliers entered with a .500 record.

In front of just 1,000 fans, Wolfpack running back Zonovan Knight dominated Virginia. He rushed 18 times for 101 yards and two touchdowns as the Wolfpack stormed out to a 24-0 lead in the first half. Virginia pulled within 10 points twice, but Doeren's team answered back each time with touchdowns.

The Cavaliers finished 5-5 and missed bowl eligibility in the unorthodox season. State finished the year strong, winning four of its last five games and ending with an 8-4 record. The team lost the Gator Bowl to Kentucky 23-21.

Elliott vs Doeren No. 1

The two current coaches had a history in ACC play before Elliott took the Virginia job. Before taking over the Cavaliers in 2022, he served as the offensive coordinator for Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers. While Elliott was with Clemson, Doeren only beat the Tigers once in eight tries, as the Tigers dominated the ACC throughout that period.

Doeren got his revenge, barely, in 2023. Virginia quarterback Anthony Colandrea led the Cavaliers back into the game with a game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter. Wolfpack quarterback Brennan Armstrong, who began his career with Virginia, led the team down the field for a game-winning field goal. The Wolfpack snuck away with a 24-21 victory.

NC State finished third in the ACC with a 9-3 record and lost to Kansas State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Virginia, still very much rebuilding under Elliott, finished 3-9 and missed bowl eligibility.

Elliott will get another crack at Doeren at Carter-Finley Stadium. The game is scheduled to kick off at 12 P.M. EST.