The Highs and Lows of NC State’s 38-21 Season Opening Win Over WCU

The most important thing is #24 NC State is 1-0, defeating Western Carolina 38-21 in their 2024 season opener. The reality is, the Wolfpack’s performance didn’t match the hype that has surrounded the program this preseason.

Yes, NC State had 521 yards of Total Offense, which is more than any single game last season, but the performance still left much to be desired. Besides Jordan Waters running 95 yards on the final drive, the Wolfpack Offensive Line seemed unable to create holes, and he seemed unable to beat a man in a 1-on-1 situation.

Western Carolina was in the Wolfpack’s backfield throughout the night, making 9 tackles for loss. On the other side of the ball, NC State’s D-Line wasn’t able to apply much pressure until the very end of the game. The Wolfpack had 4 tackles for loss and 2 sacks, with both sacks coming in the 4th Quarter.

Grayson McCall’s numbers tonight were better than it looked on tape. He was 26 of 40 for 318 yards with 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception. His completion percentage was 65%, and his Passing Efficiency Rating was 151.5. Those aren’t bad numbers, in fact, they are good, but throughout the game, many of his passes were off target, overthrown, or thrown behind players. Considering this is the first game McCall has played since suffering a serious concussion injury in the 7th game last season with Coastal Carolina, the performance was pretty steady.

The Wolfpack Defense was shaky, giving up 361 yards to Western Carolina. The Catamounts accumulated more yards in the 2nd half, than the first. WCU averaged 6.3 yards per carry. It’s worth noting that 7 of WCU’s points were nearly handed to them off of a McCall interception. Nonetheless, the Wolfpack defense didn’t start the season reminiscent of Tony Gibson Defenses we’ve seen in the past.

Kevin Concepcion had a career night, with 9 receptions for 121 yards and 3 touchdowns. 

As good as KC was, I was disappointed to not see the ball spread around more to the likes of Noah Rogers and Wesley Grimes. Rogers was targeted 4 times, and had 3 receptions for 43 yards. Grimes was targeted 3 times, and had 2 receptions for 37 yards. It was good to see True Freshman Terrell Anderson have 2 receptions for 23 yards.

Jordan Waters had a bizarre career night, rushing the ball 20 times for 123 yards and 2 touchdowns. 

Tight End Justin Joly looked incredible, with 5 receptions for 75 yards. Had Jacarrius Peak not been flagged for being an ineligible receiver down field, Joly would have also added a 43-yard touchdown.

Wolfpack fans got to see Redshirt Freshman Running Back Hollywood Smothers for the first time, and I have to believe everyone wants to see the ball in his hands more. He had 3 carries for 39 yards.

Unfortunately, Redshirt Junior Linebacker Caden Fordham was ejected from the game on a targeting call in the 1st half. Redshirt Junior Jayland Parker stepped in, and tied for the most tackles on the Wolfpack defense, with 7. Senior Cornerback Aydan White and Senior Safety DK Kaufman also had 7 tackles.

Senior Defensive End Davin Vann had 1.5 tackles for loss.

Redshirt Freshman Nickelback Tamarcus Cooley got the start, with starter Senior Ja’Had Carter missing the game with a small injury. Doeren said after the game that he expects Carter to be ready for Tennessee.

A win is a win. NC State is 1-0, but if you beat the Wolfpack Against the Spread, you lost money. The Wolfpack was favored by 33.5 against the FCS opponent.

I’m not trying to be a Debbie Downer. There were things to be encouraged by, but it’s obvious to me that there will be a lot for NC State to learn from the film this week heading into a massive game against Tennessee.