The NC State Wolfpack opened the 2024 season at Carter-Finley Stadium against the Western Carolina Catamounts. In what was supposed to be a get-right game for the Wolfpack turned into a struggle. The team found themselves either tied or behind for most of the game. Furthermore, concerns were being brought up on both sides of the ball. What was a debut for several players turned into a stressful experience that ended up being a worrying 38-21 win. While NC State had their struggles in the opener, fans are hoping that these will be what show out next week in Charlotte against Tennessee.
NC State Transfers Sluggish in 1st Half
All eyes were on running back Jordan Waters and quarterback Grayson McCall. Both transferred to NC State this offseason and were highly touted prospects. However, in the first half of the opener, both struggled for NC State.
Jordan Waters ran into a wall in the first half. He had 33 yards on ten carries including one fumble. Furthermore, he was who the team turned to on two 4th and 1 plays and was unable to convert. Fortunately, for Waters, who transferred from rival Duke, he was able to turn things around in the second half.
The other transfer everyone was watching was Coastal Carolina transfer Grayson McCall. The quarterback spent the previous five seasons with the Chanticleers and only threw 14 interceptions in that span. However, in his debut with the Wolfpack fans would not have known that. On the first play of NC State’s second drive, he threw an interception to Western Carolina’s Ken Moore Jr.
Outside of that, McCall had a mostly unimpressive debut. It was not disappointing by any means but nothing to write home about. He would finish his day completing 26 out of his 40 passes with over 300 yards and 3 touchdowns. Those on the receiving end of his completions were the ones that stole the show.
KC Concepcion Steals the Show
KC Concepcion is the star on the offense, no questions asked. Fortunately, for the sophomore wide-out, the team’s receiving room seems vastly improved compared to last season. Eight different players caught passes from McCall on Thursday, but Concepcion appears to be his favorite target. He had nine receptions with 121 yards and three touchdowns.
Furthermore, when the team was down 21-17 early in the fourth he caught a pass at about Western Carolina’s 24-yard line. From there he juked a defender and had enough blockers to take it in for his final touchdown of the night putting the Wolfpack back on top.
The team also received significant contributions from players like Noah Rogers, Wesley Grimes, and Justin Joly. Joly was second in receiving yards with 75 off of 5 receptions. He also was the one who recovered the Jordan Waters fumble in the first half.
Waters Shows Skills Second Half
After his poor outing in the first half Waters turned it on in the second. He had a powerful run in the second half shaking off over half of the Catamounts’ defense for a seven-yard stamp of a touchdown. He then put the game out of reach with a 50-yard touchdown just before the newly implemented two-minute warning.
Defense Gets to Form in Second Half
One thing NC State is known for is their defense, led by defensive coordinator Tony Gibson. In the first half, they did not play up to their standards leaving the field tied. However, after returning to the locker room they played much stronger only giving up one touchdown and adding two sacks.
Veteran and leader Davin Vann helped lead the way with half a sack and a tackle for loss as the defense made themselves known in the second half.
Isaiah Shirley closed the game for the Wolfpack with a monstrous sack on what would be the final play of the game.
Preparing for Tennessee
The Wolfpack will travel down to Charlotte this weekend for the Duke Mayo Classic against the Tennessee Volunteers. Tennessee had a much easier time handling their first game against Chattanooga, winning 69-3. This will be an important game to see how NC State will trend this season as hopes are high for this team.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images