North Carolina State will try its third starting quarterback of the season, handing the reins to redshirt freshman Devin Leary for Saturday’s game at No. 23 Wake Forest.
Matthew McKay started the first five games before giving way to Bailey Hockman for the past two. They are listed as co-backups this week.
Leary came off the bench in the team’s most recent game — a 45-24 loss at Boston College on Oct. 19, when he completed 15 of 33 passes for 259 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. He is 20 of 41 for the season and took first-team reps during the team’s open week.
The Wolfpack (4-3, 1-2 ACC) have completed just 55.7 percent of their passes this year as they have had to replace the departed Ryan Finley. NC State has scored a total of 53 points in three conference games.
“Devin is ready,” coach Dave Doeren said at a press conference Monday. “I don’t think we forced him into the position before he was ready. … He’s earned this opportunity.”