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FOOTBALL

NC State Is Going To The Taxslayer Gator Bowl

The team that is located in North Carolina’s state capital is headed to the Taxslayer Gator Bowl on December 31st.

The Wolfpack finished the season with nine regular season wins for only the sixth time in school history and the second since the turn of the century. The invitation marks the fifth consecutive bowl appearance for the Wolfpack, and the seventh in head coach Dave Doeren's eight-year stint as a head coach. It is the second-longest bowl streak in NC State history. “according to https://gopack.com/news/2018/12/2/football-nc-state-accepts-bid-to-play-in-2018-taxslayer-gator-bowl.aspx

"We are excited for the chance to play in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl," said Doeren, who has led his team to back-to-back nine win seasons for the first time since 1991-92 and only the third time in school history. "Playing in a quality bowl with such a rich tradition is a great reward for our players. Florida is a big focus for us in recruiting and we have a strong alumni base in the state. I know that Wolfpack Nation - the greatest fan base in the country - will come to Jacksonville and support us." “according to https://gopack.com/news/2018/12/2/football-nc-state-accepts-bid-to-play-in-2018-taxslayer-gator-bowl.aspx

Director of Athletics Deborah A. Yow added: "We are grateful for the opportunity to compete in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl against a well-respected opponent from the SEC. Our previous experience in this game brings many fond memories within our fan base. It is a first-class event in a wonderful city and we look forward to returning to Jacksonville." “according to https://gopack.com/news/2018/12/2/football-nc-state-accepts-bid-to-play-in-2018-taxslayer-gator-bowl.aspx

NC State's explosive offense has rewritten the record books this season, entering bowl play as one of just two Power 5 teams to boast a 3,000-yard passer (Ryan Finley), a 1,000-yard rusher (Reggie Gallaspy, Jr.) and two 1,000-yard receivers (Kelvin Harmon and Jakobi Meyers). Playoff-bound Oklahoma is the only other team in the P5 to post those impressive numbers and that feat has been accomplished just one other time in ACC history (FSU in 2012). “according to https://gopack.com/news/2018/12/2/football-nc-state-accepts-bid-to-play-in-2018-taxslayer-gator-bowl.aspx

This is NC State's 32nd bowl appearance (17-13-1) and its fourth in the Gator Bowl. The Wolfpack played its first bowl game at the storied bowl in 1947 and also played there in 1992 and 2002. “according to https://gopack.com/news/2018/12/2/football-nc-state-accepts-bid-to-play-in-2018-taxslayer-gator-bowl.aspx

NC State will take on Texas A&M who is coached by Jimbo Fisher who was the head coach of Florida State before taking the job in College Station.

Kick-off is set for 7:30pm from TIAA Bank Field. The game will be televised on ESPN.