NC State Football Ready to Take on ECU in Rematch

NC State Wolfpack gears for revenge against their familiar foe, the ECU Pirates.

Dec 28, 2024; Annapolis, MD, USA; East Carolina Pirates defensive lineman J.D. Lampley (9) sacks North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey (16) during the first half of the Go Bowling Military Bowl at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

North Carolina State opens its season versus the Eastern Carolina Pirates. It is probably one of their most important games of the season, as it sets the tone for the entire season. The first game of the season can make or break the team.

Importance

Winning the first game of the season will do several things for the team. If NC State wins, its takeaways from the game will have some positives. If Coach Dave Doroen's offense plan is executed correctly, the team can build on its success. The players gain morale for the remainder of the season, and their chemistry improves as a result. NC State would rise in the college rankings and gain more respect throughout the season.

A win wouldn't just affect the team, as it would also impact the fans. It's been since January 20th since fans have seen college football. Securing a win in your first week is a great way to attract new followers, retain existing ones, and establish your brand as a leader. The Wolfpack fans would very much appreciate a win for their season opener.

This game will be played at the home of the Wolfpack, Carter-Finley Stadium. A loss to ECU at home would be devastating for the fans. NC State, which some might say is a dark horse in the ACC needs to win their out-of-conference game, especially if it's at home. The Wolfpack is going to need all the fan help they can get against their ACC rivals, and that requires winning games where NC State is a favorite.

Last Matchup

Dec 28, 2024; Annapolis, MD, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey (16)] scrambles away from East Carolina Pirates linebacker Ryheem Craig (32) during the first half of the Go Bowling Military Bowl at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

NC State fans anticipate this matchup between these exciting teams. This is a revenge-hungry Wolfpack looking ot get back at ECU. Last season, the Pirates defeated the Wolfpack 26-21 in the GO Bowling Military Bowl.

When they played, it was an extremely competitive match. Even though NC State lost, they did have one shiny spot. Their quarterback, CJ Bailey, outplayed ECU's quarterback, Katin Houser. Bailey went for 230 yards, throwing an accurate 19 for 26 on passes. He also completed three touchdown passes.

Even though Bailey had this amazing game, NC State still wasn't able to secure the win. The Pirates' offense just executed their strategy better and they built off their defensive stops to gain the offensive advantage.

ECU stung NC State with this loss, as the Wolfpack barely made it into a bowl game, finishing 6-6 in the regular season. On top of that, NC State was the favorite for that game, making it sting just a little more.