What Is 2015 NC State Wolfpack football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2015 NC State Wolfpack football team represented North Carolina State University in the 2015 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 7–6 record under head coach Dave Doeren. They played their home games at Carter–Finley Stadium in Raleigh and competed in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Atlantic Division.

Key Facts

The 2015 NC State Wolfpack finished with a 7–6 overall record and 3–5 in ACC play.
Head coach Dave Doeren was in his third season leading the program.
NC State played home games at Carter–Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The team defeated Mississippi State 51–28 in the 2015 Belk Bowl.
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett started 11 games and threw for 2,568 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Overview

The 2015 NC State Wolfpack football season marked the program's 127th season of intercollegiate football and the 33rd as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Competing in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the Wolfpack were led by head coach Dave Doeren in his third year at the helm.

Playing their home games at Carter–Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina, the team finished the regular season with a 6–6 record, qualifying for a bowl game. The Wolfpack competed in the ACC's Atlantic Division and ultimately secured a winning season by winning their postseason matchup.

Record: The team finished with a 7–6 overall record, including a 3–5 mark in ACC conference play during the regular season.
Head Coach: Dave Doeren entered his third season as head coach, guiding the Wolfpack through a transitional year with key offensive changes.
Stadium: All home games were played at Carter–Finley Stadium, a 57,583-seat venue located in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Bowl Game: NC State defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs 51–28 in the 2015 Belk Bowl, played on December 30 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Quarterback: Jacoby Brissett started 11 games, throwing for 2,568 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions on the season.

How It Works

The 2015 season followed standard NCAA FBS structure, with an 12-game regular season followed by postseason eligibility for teams with at least six wins. NC State’s schedule included a mix of non-conference and ACC conference matchups.

Regular Season: The team played 12 regular-season games, beginning with a loss to South Carolina and ending with a win over rival North Carolina.
ACC Play: As members of the Atlantic Division, the Wolfpack faced Clemson, Florida State, Louisville, and other divisional opponents in conference games.
Offensive Scheme: NC State utilized a pro-style offense emphasizing balance between the run and pass, led by quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
Defensive Strategy: The defense operated a 4–2–5 alignment under coordinator Tom O'Brien, focusing on pass coverage and linebacker mobility.
Bowl Eligibility: With six regular-season wins, the Wolfpack qualified for the Belk Bowl, one of 80 teams selected for postseason play.
Recruiting Class: The 2015 recruiting class included 23 signees, ranked 57th nationally by 247Sports Composite rankings.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2015 NC State Wolfpack compared to key conference rivals in overall and conference record, scoring, and key statistics:

Team	Overall Record	ACC Record	Points For	Bowl Result
NC State	7–6	3–5	373	W 51–28 vs Mississippi State (Belk Bowl)
Clemson	14–1	7–1	675	L 35–45 vs Alabama (Cotton Bowl)
Florida State	10–3	6–2	504	W 33–6 vs Houston (Orange Bowl)
Wake Forest	7–6	4–4	388	L 52–55 vs Texas (Mackey Bowl)
NC Central (FCS)	8–4	N/A	318	Lost in FCS playoffs

The table illustrates that while NC State had a modest conference record, their strong bowl performance distinguished them from peers like Wake Forest, who also finished 7–6. Clemson dominated the division, reaching the College Football Playoff, while NC State improved offensively in the postseason under Brissett’s leadership.

Why It Matters

The 2015 season was pivotal for NC State in demonstrating program stability under Dave Doeren and setting the foundation for future competitiveness in the ACC. The decisive Belk Bowl victory boosted morale and recruiting momentum heading into the next season.

Program Growth: The 7–6 record marked the second winning season in three years under Doeren, signaling long-term improvement.
Quarterback Development: Jacoby Brissett’s performance elevated his NFL draft stock, eventually leading to a professional career.
Bowl Victory Impact: Winning the Belk Bowl provided positive exposure and financial benefits for the athletic department.
Recruiting Boost: Success on the field helped attract higher-rated recruits in the 2016 class, particularly in-state talent.
ACC Standing: Despite a losing conference record, the team remained competitive in a strong division featuring Clemson and Florida State.
Stadium Attendance: Average home attendance increased to over 50,000 per game, reflecting renewed fan engagement.

Overall, the 2015 season served as a transitional yet successful year for NC State football, balancing development and competitiveness while laying the groundwork for future success in the ACC.