GAMEDAY PRIMER: NC State vs ECU | Keys to the Game and How to Watch

#13 NC State Wolfpack @ ECU
Time: 12:00pm
Location: Greenville, NC
TV: ESPN
Line: NC State -12

#13 NC State heads to Greenville, NC to take on the ECU Pirates in their season-opener.

NC State fan’s are holding their breath, hoping that all the hype the Pack has been getting this offseason is for real. Meanwhile, ECU fans are approaching this one as a nothing-to-lose showdown. Will NC State’s talent, overmatch the Pirates, or will the pressure of being nationally ranked weigh heavy on the Pack?

Getting to know ECU
We broke down ECU, player by player, earlier this morning. But the gist of it is, this is a team coming off a 7-5 season, who believed they are on the rise.

They have a QB (Holton Ahlers) who has been under center for them for over 3 years, and one capable of having a big game. One thing to watch however, is who he’ll be throwing to, as 2 of his favorite targets from a year ago are gone.

And it’s not like ECU doesn’t have a running game. Sophomore Keaton Mitchell was All-AAC last year. This kid is a homerun hitter who can score any time he touches the football.

Defensively this is a team with some turnover, especially in the secondary. This might spell trouble for them since it’s likely Doeren opts to let Devin Leary air it out a bit more this season.

Keys to the game for NC State
Just stay solid on defense. Don’t over-pursue, don’t get caught jumping passes looking for the big play. NC State has a very talented defense, that if it just relies on their talent and playing fundamental football, will be too much for ECU. However, the Pirates have guys who can hurt you, especially Keaton Mitchell.

Offensively, the Pack is going to want to establish a rhythm early. Getting Leary comfortable right off the bat would be ideal. A few short passes to get the offense clicking wouldn’t hurt. It’s also going to be important for NC State to establish the run at some point early on. With a lot of question marks there, it’s likely ECU is going to be sitting back and trying not to let Leary beat them. Meanwhile, a big game from Jordan Houston would go along way in overwhelming the Pirate D.

How to Watch
This game is nationally televised on ESPN. That means, if you have cable or a streaming service that carries ESPN, you’re good. Shouldn’t be very complicated to watch this one. If you don’t have ESPN, then every sports bar in your town will have access to it. Looking for Radio affiliates or anything else related to watching the back, head over to our trusty guide to watching the Pack.