Three takeaways from N.C. State football’s season-opening win at UConn
You have to win the first game to win them all, and N.C. State’s quest for an undefeated season continues.
The Wolfpack (1-0) began its season with a 24-14 win over UConn (0-1) on the road Thursday night, extending its series lead to 4-0. State is now 2-0 at Pratt & Whitney Stadium, as well.
It was a dramatic game that featured an early UConn lead, some back-and-forth action and an injury to safety Rakeim Ashford. There were moments where the Wolfpack looked out of sync, but it managed to keep it together for the victory.
Quarterback Brennan Armstrong showed off his abilities in the backfield, notably in the run game, and as a leader. The Virginia transfer finished with 155 yards passing (17-of-26) and 96 yards rushing (19 CAR, 2 TD).
State had early struggles on offense and defense – and it’s not a performance the team likely wants to repeat – but it remained composed and showed promise in the first outing of the fall.
Here are three takeaways from the game:
Running runs Anae’s offense
The run game appears to be a major factor in the Pack’s new offense under coordinator Robert Anae.
N.C. State ran for 108 yards on 20 carries, in the first half alone. Armstrong looked dynamic on his feet, scrambling out of pressure situations and accounting for 37 first-half rush yards.
That ability to move continued into the second half, with the team adding two TDs — another from Armstrong — on the ground.
Questions remain about the pass game and the strength of the receiver corps. Armstrong started 4-4 through the air, before throwing three straight incompletions in the first half.
Ten receivers saw the field in the game, with freshman Kevin “K.C.” Concepcion logging 36 yards on four receptions.
The run game can make up for the deficiencies, though, which will be significant if N.C. State can’t correct some of its other offensive blemishes.
Wolfpack defense
After being one of the top defensive teams in 2022, the Pack struggled with consistency in its opener this year. It made some great tackles, but the performance also featured several breakdowns in coverage.
This was best exemplified on the opening drive. N.C. State forced a loss of yards on the first play of the game, then it allowed the Huskies to score — even after forcing third and fourth down.
Later into the second quarter, junior safety Bishop Fitzgerald broke up a long pass deep into State territory.
On the Huskies’ first drive of the second half, UConn’s Devonte Houston picked up a gain of 9 yards. He dodged multiple N.C. State defenders en route to the first down.
Linebacker Payton Wilson recorded an interception with less than a minute remaining.
At this point in the season, it’s tough to tell where there are legitimate deficiencies and where the team merely needs to settle in.
Will injuries impact the Pack?
After a 2022 season that was defined by injuries, N.C. State hoped to remain make it through the fall relatively healthy.
However, defensive end Savion Jackson did not suit up for the contest. Then, Ashford left the game on a stretcher and was taken to the hospital. Both are upperclassmen and have the ability to positively impact the game.
Jackson’s absence and Ashford’s departure can make any fan panic, and for good reason. Plus, the team features guys like cornerback Cecil Powell who are trying to return from injuries.
It’s fair to wonder if the Pack will be snakebitten once again due to its history, especially considering the situation one game in. That will be something to watch as the year progresses.
This story was originally published August 31, 2023 at 7:46 PM with the headline "Three takeaways from N.C. State football’s season-opening win at UConn."
