A little rivalry ‘One Word’ for all those folks in Raleighwood. Friday night brings a BIG game to Carter-Finley and Vonwolf and Wolferetti are ready to talk about it.
Trophy for State vs UNC?
Vonwolf: Unneeded
They hate us and we hate them. About to drop a fight video in here to solidify the matter. If this was 1905 and we had something badass like Wisconsin/Minnesota’s Paul Bunyan Axe, it’d be a different story. At this point, I just want to crush the Heels and literally win pride in doing so. All that to say, there should be a trophy for Duke-State-UNC like the Commander-in-Chiefs trophy for the military academies. The fact we seemingly play Duke every 15 years is a bummer.
Wolferetti: Mounted Animal
This rivalry already has an award, it’s a dumb “State Champ Ring”, right?
This take is going to piss off NC Wildlife folks and Peta, but let’s get some taxidermy going in the Triangle. Imagine this heated rivalry, where State wins and they carry a damn Ram head off the field? You enter the locker room for the next year with your rival’s mascot literally mounted on the wall? This game would somehow turn into even more of a must win. So there…that’s your answer.
Friday Night Lights?
Vonwolf: Sanctuary
First and foremost, I hate that this game is on a Friday night. Students aren’t at school, recruits can’t visit, this just wasn’t planned out whatsoever. That being said, I’m going to be at my in-laws through Saturday morning. I need this game so I can walk away and have the ability to yell if anybody walks in the room. This is a double-edged sword, however, because if State losses…well…I can’t even begin to think about that hellhole.
Wolferetti: Greed
Simple as that…ACC and NCAA wanted that Friday night money to roll in, so they moved a big rivalry game to a weird time slot. This should have been a Saturday night game last week. I’m not a fan. I hope the crowd is still rowdy. GTHC and ACC.
How Important for State to Win?
Vonwolf: Ginormous
With a win, State is still in the hunt for conference hardware. Just as important though, State is heading in the right direction. All these recruits heading to UNC and their record and attendance are both at 50%. Build a culture where 9 wins is the norm in Raleigh, so that in short time, 9 wins is the floor.
Wolferetti: N/A
There are no words to describe what beating your rival means. State is edging towards a primetime bowl, as UNC edged Wofford just to become bowl eligible. I hate losing and hearing about it from Carolina Blue profile pictures. I need State to win…I need it…
Changes for Another Brawl?
Vonwolf: 80%
You think I’d mention it above and then not think it was seriously in play? Just imagine for a second, State defense shows up and balls out. You’re telling me that Daniel Joseph wouldn’t tell a Tar Hole what’s up if it got to that point? State has swagger in full force, just need a spark.
Wolferetti: -3000%
Two factors. One, with ACCC still in play, can’t risk being ineligible. Two, I hope we murder them so bad that it’s not even worth it. Get some good scoreboard points and let’s start rooting for the Eagles.
Redshirt Freshman Hollywood Smothers seemingly was the 3rd string Running Back in NC State’s 2024 Spring Game a few weeks back, but at the end of the game, he had more rushing yards than any other back.
Smothers rushed the ball 8 times for 75 yards. He possesses explosive speed, as well as excellent vision.
Check out Pack Insider’s Tape of Smothers from the Spring Game.
Titialii spent his first three seasons at Portland State, which competes in the FCS. This year, he was the starting Center for the Vikings, and the year before he was their starting Left Guard. Over three seasons, Titialii started in 28 of the 32 games he played in.
He also has picked up offers from Baylor and Temple.
Noel III played last year at Texas Southern, which is in the FCS. As a Junior, he had 52 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in 10 games.
Prior to Texas Southern, Noel III spent his first two seasons at Nicholls State, where he recorded a total of 53 tackles.
247Sports ranked him as a 3-Star prospect in the 2021 recruiting class out of New Orleans (LA).
Noel III has 1 year of eligibility remaining.
With Nick Campbell entering the Transfer Portal, NC State is in the hunt for some depth at Nose Tackle. Even if the staff were to feel confident with what they have in JR Brandon Cleveland and RS-SODJ Jackson, the Wolfpack is in need of depth at the position.
It was evident NC State Tight End Justin Joly (6’3″/235) is going to be a problem for opposing defenses after his performance in the 2024 Spring Game a few weeks back. He is an extremely athletic Tight End, but he’s also bigger and more physical than I expected.
According to my calculations, Joly had 3 receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown. He started things off with a 3-yard touchdown in the corner of the end zone. He followed that up with a 16 yard catch across the middle through contact. Finally, Joly was the recipient of a double-reverse flea flicker, from RB Demarcus Jones II to WR Kevin Concepcion to QB Grayson McCall to him, for a 37-yard gain.
Joly transferred to NC State this offseason from UCONN, and he was the #2 Tight End in the Transfer Portal according to ON3. He had an incredible Sophomore campaign this past year, catching 56 passes for 578 yards and 2 touchdowns. Joly had 4 receptions for 38 yards in the season opener against the Wolfpack.
