What Is 2015 NC State Wolfpack football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2015 NC State Wolfpack football team represented North Carolina State University during the 2015 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 7-6 record under head coach Dave Doeren and winning the Independence Bowl against LSU with a 41-17 victory on December 26, 2015.

Key Facts

Finished the 2015 season with a 7-6 overall record
Defeated LSU 41-17 in the 2015 Independence Bowl
Head coach Dave Doeren in his third season
Played in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Atlantic Division
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett threw for 2,741 yards and 17 touchdowns

Overview

The 2015 NC State Wolfpack football team represented North Carolina State University in the 2015 NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) season. Competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Atlantic Division, the team was led by head coach Dave Doeren in his third year at the helm.

NC State finished the regular season with a 6-6 record, becoming bowl-eligible and earning a spot in the Independence Bowl. The team's performance showcased a balanced offense and a developing defense, culminating in a dominant postseason victory.

Record: The Wolfpack finished the season with a 7-6 overall record, including a 3-5 mark in ACC conference play.
Independence Bowl: On December 26, 2015, NC State defeated the LSU Tigers 41-17 in Shreveport, Louisiana, marking their first bowl win since 2011.
Head Coach: Dave Doeren led the team in his third season, improving his career record at NC State to 18-19 by the end of the year.
Quarterback: Jacoby Brissett started all 13 games, throwing for 2,741 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions on the season.
Defensive Standout: Junior linebacker Kentrell Barkley recorded 102 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss, leading the team in defensive stops.

Season Performance

The 2015 campaign featured a mix of close losses and strong finishes, with NC State showing resilience despite a challenging ACC schedule. The team’s offense relied heavily on Brissett’s dual-threat ability and a powerful running game led by running back Matt Dayes.

Offensive Output: The Wolfpack averaged 28.5 points per game, ranking 58th nationally in scoring offense.
Rushing Game: Matt Dayes rushed for 1,156 yards and 10 touchdowns, becoming the first NC State running back to surpass 1,000 yards since 2002.
Passing Attack: Brissett connected with wide receiver Bozeman, who led the team with 54 receptions for 654 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Defensive Struggles: The team allowed 29.2 points per game, ranking 87th in the nation in scoring defense.
Key Win: A 35-30 victory over rival North Carolina on November 28 secured bowl eligibility and sparked a late-season surge.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2015 season compared favorably to recent years, especially in terms of bowl success and offensive production. Below is a comparison with the previous two seasons:

Season	Overall Record	ACC Record	Bowl Game	Head Coach
2015	7-6	3-5	Independence Bowl (W 41-17 vs LSU)	Dave Doeren
2014	8-5	4-4	Liberty Bowl (L 13-16 vs CIN)	Dave Doeren
2013	7-6	3-5	Independence Bowl (L 28-34 vs CIN)	Dave Doeren
2012	7-6	3-5	Russell Athletic Bowl (L 13-18 vs GTE)	Tom O'Brien
2011	8-5	5-3	Belk Bowl (W 31-28 vs GTE)	Tom O'Brien

While the 2015 team didn’t match the 8-win seasons of 2011 and 2014, the decisive bowl win over a Power Five opponent like LSU was a significant achievement, boosting morale and recruiting momentum.

Why It Matters

The 2015 season was pivotal for NC State football as it demonstrated program stability under Dave Doeren and laid the foundation for future success. The bowl victory over a ranked LSU team provided national credibility and energized the fanbase.

Recruiting Boost: The win helped secure a top-25 recruiting class in 2016, including several four-star prospects.
Player Development: Jacoby Brissett’s performance elevated his NFL draft stock, eventually being selected in the second round in 2016.
Program Momentum: The season marked the third consecutive bowl appearance, a first since 2011–2013.
Conference Standing: Despite a losing ACC record, the team remained competitive in a strong division featuring Clemson and Florida State.
Financial Impact: The Independence Bowl payout of approximately $2.2 million benefited the athletic department’s budget.
Legacy Building: The win over LSU remains one of the most lopsided bowl victories in program history.

Overall, the 2015 NC State Wolfpack football team served as a turning point, combining on-field success with long-term program growth and national recognition.