What Is 1933 NC State Wolfpack football team

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1933 NC State Wolfpack football team represented North Carolina State University during the 1933 college football season, finishing with a 3–6–1 record under head coach George T. Barclay, who was in his first year leading the program.

Key Facts

The 1933 NC State Wolfpack had a final record of 3 wins, 6 losses, and 1 tie (3–6–1).
George T. Barclay served as head coach in his inaugural season, marking the beginning of a two-year tenure.
The team competed in the Southern Conference, posting a 1–3–1 conference record.
They played home games at Riddick Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Key results included a 20–0 shutout win over Guilford and a 13–6 loss to rival North Carolina.

Overview

The 1933 NC State Wolfpack football team represented North Carolina State University during the 1933 college football season. Competing in the Southern Conference, the team struggled under new leadership and finished with a 3–6–1 overall record.

Despite the losing record, the season marked a transitional phase for the program as George T. Barclay began his first year as head coach. The Wolfpack showed flashes of competitiveness, particularly in non-conference matchups, but consistency remained an issue throughout the season.

Season Record: The team finished with a 3–6–1 overall record, including only one Southern Conference victory.
Head Coach:George T. Barclay took over as head coach in 1933, replacing former coach John “Clipper” Smith.
Home Stadium: All home games were played at Riddick Stadium, a 24,000-seat venue in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Conference Affiliation: NC State competed in the Southern Conference, a precursor to the modern-day ACC.
Notable Game: A 20–0 shutout of Guilford College stood out as one of the team’s most dominant performances.

Season Performance and Key Games

The 1933 campaign was defined by narrow losses and missed opportunities, especially in conference play. The Wolfpack opened the season with a mix of regional opponents and Southern Conference foes, struggling to gain momentum.

September 30: The season opener against Guilford ended in a 20–0 victory, showcasing defensive strength.
October 7: A 13–6 loss to Duke revealed gaps in offensive execution against stronger conference competition.
October 14: The team tied Richmond 6–6, a rare result that reflected the era’s conservative playing style.
October 21: A 7–0 loss to South Carolina underscored difficulties in scoring against tough defenses.
November 11: A 13–6 loss to rival North Carolina extended a losing streak in the longstanding rivalry.
November 25: The season concluded with a 20–13 loss to Davidson, finishing on a disappointing note.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1933 Wolfpack to adjacent seasons highlights the team’s fluctuating performance during the early 1930s.

Season	Record (Overall)	Conference Record	Head Coach	Key Result
1931	2–7–1	1–4–1	John “Clipper” Smith	Lost to NC 13–0
1932	3–5–1	2–3–1	John “Clipper” Smith	Tied Clemson 6–6
1933	3–6–1	1–3–1	George T. Barclay	20–0 win over Guilford
1934	4–6	3–3	George T. Barclay	Beat Wake Forest 13–0
1935	4–6	3–5	Williams Newton	Lost to Duke 20–7

The table illustrates that while the 1933 season was slightly worse than 1932 in terms of wins, it was consistent with the program’s struggles before modest improvement in 1934. The coaching change did not immediately yield better results, but laid groundwork for future seasons.

Why It Matters

The 1933 season is a small but telling chapter in NC State football history, reflecting the challenges of coaching transitions and conference competition during the Depression era. It provides context for the evolution of one of the ACC’s founding programs.

Historical Context: The 1933 team played during the Great Depression, a time when college sports faced financial and logistical hurdles.
Coaching Legacy: George T. Barclay’s tenure, though brief, set the stage for future hires and program development.
Conference Evolution: The Southern Conference eventually spun off the ACC in 1953, making this era foundational.
Rivalry Continuity: The annual game against North Carolina continued uninterrupted, reinforcing regional traditions.
Stadium Significance: Riddick Stadium hosted games for decades, becoming a symbol of Wolfpack identity.
Program Growth: Despite losing records, these early teams helped build fan support and athletic infrastructure.

While not a standout season in terms of wins, the 1933 Wolfpack contributed to the long-term resilience and identity of NC State athletics, paving the way for future success.