N.C. State Wolfpack Opens Season with Victory Over Western Carolina

The N.C. State Wolfpack secured a commanding 38-21 victory against Western Carolina in their season opener held at Carter-Finley Stadium. The game marked the beginning of the 2024 college football season for the Wolfpack, who now hold a record of 1-0.

Key performances came from KC Concepcion and Jordan Waters, who each contributed significantly to the scoreline. Concepcion recorded three touchdowns, while Waters added two touchdowns, including a remarkable 50-yard run to seal the lead late in the fourth quarter.

Despite a challenging start, where the Wolfpack trailed 21-17 entering the final quarter, they overcame the first-half struggles characterized by tied scores and turnovers. N.C. State’s comeback included Concepcion’s third touchdown and two back-to-back scoring plays by Waters in the last seven minutes of the game.

Concepcion’s impressive showing included nine catches for a total of 121 yards, demonstrating his pivotal role in the Wolfpack’s offense. Meanwhile, former Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall also had a notable night, surpassing 300 passing yards with three touchdown throws.

The Wolfpack’s performance reflects their ambitions for the current season under head coach Dave Doeren, who is entering his 12th year with championship expectations. N.C. State began the season ranked No. 22 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll and No. 24 in the AP Top 25.

Looking ahead, N.C. State will face No. 15 Tennessee in the upcoming Duke’s Mayo Classic in Charlotte. This matchup is highly anticipated following the team’s victory over Western Carolina.

The game itself saw a series of fluctuating fortunes for the Wolfpack in the first half, with an interception and two fumbles occurring in the opening quarter. The first touchdown for N.C. State came from a 17-yard pass by McCall to Concepcion, equalizing the score at 14 by 12:03 in the second quarter.

Fans were energized by the presence of DJ Burns, the star from N.C. State’s basketball team, who kicked off the game as the Alpha Wolf Starter. Despite a rain delay prior to kickoff, which pushed the start time to 7:32 p.m., the atmosphere at Carter-Finley Stadium remained electrifying.

The Wolfpack’s next game promises to be another test as they prepare to take on a ranked opponent, showcasing their resilience and commitment to the season ahead.