NC State's Explosive Offense Leads Pack to 2018 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl

'2003 Tangerine Bowl NCSU Team Picture'

Raleigh, NC - The NC State Wolfpack will be heading to Jacksonville, Florida for the 2018 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl after a successful season. The team's explosive offense has been rewriting the record books this year, boasting a 3,000-yard passer in Ryan Finley, a 1,000-yard rusher in Reggie Gallaspy Jr., and two 1,000-yard receivers in Kelvin Harmon and Jakobi Meyers.

'We are grateful for the opportunity to compete in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl against a well-respected opponent from the SEC,' said Director of Athletics Deborah Yow. 'I know that Wolfpack Nation - the greatest fan base in the country - will come to Jacksonville and support us.'

The team's head coach, Dave Doeren, 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. This marks the fifth consecutive bowl appearance for the Wolfpack and the seventh in Doeren's eight-year stint as a head coach.

'We are excited for the chance to play in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl,' said Doeren. 'Playing in a quality bowl with such a rich tradition is a great reward for our players.'

The game will be played at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida on December 31st at 7:30 pm. The invitation marks the second-longest bowl streak in NC State history.

Florida is a big focus for us in recruiting and we have a strong alumni base in the state. 'We are grateful for the opportunity to compete in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl against a well-respected opponent from the SEC,' said Yow. 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.

Overall, this is an exciting moment for the NC State football team as they prepare to take on a strong opponent in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. With their explosive offense leading the way, they are sure to put up a fight against anyone who steps onto the field.

2003 tangerine bowl ncsu team picture