News Summary
The NC State football team kicked off their season with a 24-17 victory against East Carolina, showcasing a solid performance and setting the stage for future challenges. The game featured strong defense and highlighted areas for offensive improvement as they prepare for their next matchup against Virginia. Following this victory, NC State aims to build momentum, despite facing a tough competitor after Virginia’s dominant season opener.
Raleigh, North Carolina — NC State Football Opens Season with Win Over East Carolina
The NC State football team secured a 24-17 victory in their season opener against East Carolina, signaling a positive start to the new college football campaign. The game took place in Raleigh, North Carolina, and set a tone for the Wolfpack’s upcoming challenges.
Key Highlights of the Game
- The Wolfpack’s win marked a significant turnaround after a previous matchup between the teams involved a brawl, which had cast a shadow over their rivalry. This time, the game was notably clean, with no remaining hostility affecting gameplay.
- NC State’s defense played a strong game, especially under pressure, managing to limit ECU’s scoring and provide crucial stops when needed.
- Offensively, NC State experienced inconsistency, leaving points on the field and indicating areas for future improvement.
- The team’s rushing attack totaled 105 yards on 36 carries, averaging 2.9 yards per attempt.
Individual Performances
- Running back Hollywood Smothers led NC State’s rushing effort with 22 carries, averaging 3.5 yards per carry, and showcased impressive elusiveness on the field.
- Quarterback CJ Bailey contributed 21 yards on 7 carries but encountered some difficulties with designed runs, suggesting a need to refine read options and decision-making.
- Star tight end Justin Joly, previously recognized as a contender for the Biletnikoff and John Mackey awards, caught five passes for 27 yards amid ECU’s strategic focus on stopping him.
Looking Ahead: Preparation for Virginia
Following the early victory, NC State will have a full week to prepare for their next game against Virginia, scheduled for September 6. Virginia opened its season with an impressive 48-7 win over Coastal Carolina, demonstrating strong form heading into the matchup.
Virginia’s Season Opener
- The Cavaliers’ quarterback Chandler Morris played well before leaving the game with an injury, throwing for 264 yards and two touchdowns.
- Virginia’s dominant early performance has positioned them as a formidable opponent for NC State in the upcoming game.
Historical Context and Series Record
NC State has historically held an advantage in the series against Virginia, with a record of 37 wins, 22 losses, and 1 tie. The Wolfpack have won three of the last six matchups and hold a strong home record over UVA, standing at 17-9 in Raleigh.
Team Perspectives and Betting Odds
NC State’s coach expressed cautious optimism about the team’s offensive performance, emphasizing the need for better scoring consistency moving forward. The upcoming game sees NC State as a 3-point favorite, with the over/under set at 53 points. Fans can watch the game live on ESPN2 at 12 p.m. on Saturday, September 6.
As the Wolfpack looks to build on their season-opening win, both teams will aim to improve and capitalize on their recent performances in what promises to be an engaging conference matchup.
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Additional Resources
- NC State Football Opens Season with Win Over ECU
- News & Observer: NC State Beats East Carolina
- ECU Pirates: Season Opener Against NC State
- CBS17: Post-Game Incident Between NC State and ECU Students
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
