MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — No. 15 Miami is looking to win its final home game of the regular season as the team is set to host NC State on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium.
The Wolfpack (5–4, 2–3 ACC) had a bye week to prepare after posting their biggest win of the season, a 48–36 victory over Georgia Tech.
Miami (7–2, 3–2 ACC) bounced back from its loss to SMU on Nov. 1 with a convincing 38–10 win over Syracuse last Saturday, fueled by a dominant defensive performance and an efficient outing from quarterback Carson Beck.
After a slow start, Beck finished 18 of 24 for 247 yards and a touchdown, and he surpassed 10,000 career passing yards—becoming one of only two active FBS quarterbacks to reach that mark, joining Fresno State’s E.J. Warner.
His biggest play came on a slant to Keelan Marion, who turned it into a 61-yard score as part of his 116-yard day on just three catches.
Beck enters the weekend with 2,194 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
The Hurricanes, however, will be without leading rusher Mark Fletcher Jr., who is expected to miss his second consecutive game with an injury.
The Hurricanes are likely to rotate CharMar “Marty” Brown, Jordan Lyle and Girard Pringle Jr., with Pringle coming off a strong outing, which included a touchdown run last week that helped put the game away against the Orange.
Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson has faced criticism for the ground game’s inconsistency, but there’s optimism surrounding Pringle’s emergence.
Meanwhile, cornerbacks Keionte Scott, OJ Frederique and wide receiver Tony Johnson have all been ruled out.
However, Miami expects the return of wide receiver CJ Daniels, who has been managing an injury. His presence should help an offense that has leaned heavily on standout freshman Malachi Toney, the team’s top target.
Miami may need big plays through the air against an NC State defense strong against the run but susceptible to deep shots.
NC State quarterback MJ Bailey has been the Wolfpack’s most consistent threat, throwing for 2,411 yards, 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Running back Hollywood Smothers, one of the top backs in the country, leads the ACC with 825 yards and six touchdowns while averaging nearly seven yards per carry. Although listed as questionable, he is expected to play.
If he can’t go, Jayden Scott, who rushed for nearly 200 yards against Georgia Tech, will carry the load. Miami’s defense must be ready for a heavy dose of the run game either way.
The Wolfpack defense has struggled, allowing 424 yards per game (120th nationally) and 6.4 yards per play (124th). Opponents are also converting 44.7% of third downs, according to teamrankings.com.
Linebacker Caden Fordham leads the unit with 92 tackles, including seven for loss, while defensive end Sabastian Harsh also has seven tackles for loss.
Miami leads the all-time series 11-6-1, though NC State won 20–6 in Raleigh the last time the two teams faced off in 2023.
The Hurricanes’ offensive line has been a consistent bright spot, allowing just 3.33 tackles for loss per game — sixth best in the nation — and earning a top-10 national run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus.
Miami is averaging 32.9 points per game (ranked 36th in the nation) while allowing only 15. NC State is giving up 132 rushing yards per game, ranking 45th nationally.
Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.
Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.
