What Is 1968 NC State Wolfpack football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1968 NC State Wolfpack football team represented North Carolina State University during the 1968 NCAA University Division football season, finishing with a 5–5 record under head coach Lou Holtz in his first year. The team played as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and was based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Key Facts

The 1968 NC State Wolfpack football team had a final record of 5–5 overall.
Head coach Lou Holtz began his tenure with the team in 1968.
The team competed in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
They played their home games at Carter Stadium in Raleigh, NC.
The Wolfpack scored 188 points total during the season.

Overview

The 1968 NC State Wolfpack football team represented North Carolina State University during the 1968 NCAA University Division football season. Competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), the team marked the beginning of a new era under first-year head coach Lou Holtz.

Despite a balanced schedule of conference and non-conference opponents, the Wolfpack finished the season with a .500 record. The team showed promise under Holtz’s leadership, laying groundwork for future improvements in program performance.

Record: The team finished the season with a 5–5 overall record, including a 3–4 mark in ACC play, reflecting moderate competitiveness within the conference.
Head Coach:Lou Holtz took over as head coach in 1968, initiating a rebuilding phase that would eventually lead to stronger seasons in the early 1970s.
Home Stadium: The Wolfpack played home games at Carter Stadium, a 35,000-seat venue in Raleigh that served as the team’s home field until expansions in later decades.
Scoring: The team totaled 188 points across 10 games, averaging 18.8 points per game, while allowing 191 points to opponents.
Notable Game: A 20–17 victory over archrival North Carolina stood out as a highlight, preserving rivalry pride despite missing a bowl game.

Season Structure and Coaching Transition

The 1968 season was pivotal due to a change in leadership and a shift in team dynamics. Lou Holtz brought a new coaching philosophy focused on discipline and fundamentals, which began reshaping the program’s trajectory.

First Season for Holtz: This was Lou Holtz’s debut year as head coach, following the departure of Earle Edwards after 16 seasons, marking a significant transition.
Recruiting Strategy: Holtz emphasized local talent from North Carolina, aiming to strengthen team identity and fan engagement through regional player development.
Defensive Adjustments: The team allowed 191 total points, indicating defensive struggles, but showed improvement in tackling and field position over the season.
Offensive Scheme: Running a pro-style offense, the Wolfpack relied on balanced rushing and passing, with quarterback leadership key to mid-season consistency.
Player Development: Several underclassmen gained starting experience, including future standout Tom Wright, who would become a key quarterback in subsequent years.
Training Focus: The coaching staff implemented structured conditioning programs, emphasizing fitness and injury prevention—a hallmark of Holtz’s long-term approach.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1968 season to adjacent years highlights its transitional nature and sets context for future success.

Season	Overall Record	ACC Record	Head Coach	Key Outcome
1966	7–4	5–2	Earle Edwards	Lost in Liberty Bowl
1967	3–7	2–5	Earle Edwards	Missed bowl games
1968	5–5	3–4	Lou Holtz	Rebuilding year
1969	6–4	4–3	Lou Holtz	Near bowl eligibility
1970	8–3	5–1	Lou Holtz	ACC Champions

The table illustrates how the 1968 season served as a bridge between declining performance in the late 1960s and a resurgence by 1970. Though not immediately successful, the team laid foundational changes in coaching, culture, and player development that led to the ACC title just two seasons later.

Why It Matters

The 1968 NC State Wolfpack football team is significant not for its record, but for its role in a broader program transformation. It marked the start of Lou Holtz’s influential tenure, which would eventually bring national recognition.

Program Rebuilding: The season initiated a systematic overhaul of team culture, training, and recruiting under Holtz’s leadership.
Coaching Legacy: Holtz’s arrival in 1968 began a legacy that led to an ACC Championship in 1970 and national prominence.
Player Development: Emphasis on underclassman experience helped build depth, contributing to future team resilience and depth.
Rivalry Impact: The win over North Carolina maintained fan engagement and rivalry competitiveness during a transitional year.
Recruiting Shift: Holtz’s focus on in-state talent improved community ties and boosted local fan support over time.
Historical Context: The 1968 season is a case study in how coaching changes can pivot program trajectories even without immediate success.

While the 1968 Wolfpack did not achieve postseason play, its importance lies in setting the stage for one of the most successful periods in NC State football history. The team’s moderate record belies its long-term impact on the program’s development and identity.