What fans need to know ahead of NC State opener at UConn
It’s just about game time and N.C. State has a lot it wants to prove this season after failing to meet expectations in 2022.
The team gets started on the road Thursday against UConn, an early test for the Pack.
“They’re returning 10 starters, so it’s gonna be an experienced defense,” said senior wide receiver Keyon Lesane. “We’re not taking them lightly. We’re gonna play our hearts out and play to win.”
Senior linebacker Jackson Mitchell is among the Husky returners. He was named to the preseason watch list for the Bednarik Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, The Butkus Award and the Weurffel Trophy. He was a finalist in 2022 for the Butkus Award, which is given to the top linebacker in the nation.
Additionally, Durante Jones is expected to play a larger role on the defense. He was third on the team in tackles last season, logging 97 tackles, behind Mitchell and alumnus Brandon Bouyer-Randle.
UConn head coach Jim Mora called Jones a “maniacal competitor,” the Milford Mirror reported.
Additionally, the Huskies return four starters on the offensive line with several options to replace its center Jake Guidone, according to the Hartford Courant. Guidone is now with the Baltimore Ravens.
N.C. State says it boasts a faster offense and defense, but it’s filling gaps left behind from some longtime players and trying to improve deficiencies it saw last year. UConn, which is healthier now than it was midway through 2022, will test the Pack and reveal what else needs work.
Graduate linebacker Payton Wilson said the Huskies were beat up after leaving Raleigh, where the Pack beat them, 41-10, last Sept. 24. But UConn went on to win five of its last six games and made a bowl game for the first time since 2015.
“The whole offense is just very fast. Their offensive coordinator is very experienced, and he knows how to use that speed,” Wilson said. “We just have to put edges on our defense and make sure that we keep them contained.”
Key matchup: Huskies offense vs. revamped Wolfpack defense
UConn announced on Wednesday Joe Fagnano would be the team’s starting quarterback in week one. Fagnano transferred from Maine, where played three seasons under now-UConn offensive coordinator Nick Charlton.
Fagnano threw for 2,231 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2022, averaging 202.8 yards per game. He completed 208 passes and threw six interceptions. The senior finished with career-high rushing numbers last fall, as well. He ran for 296 yards on 93 attempts and scored three times.
In 2021, Fagnano finished with 794 passing yards and six touchdowns in four games.
“We have to study more Maine film and just kind of see how they’re going to use him,” Pack defensive coordinator Tony Gibson said on Wednesday. “I know he’s familiar with their offense. Their old coach, he’s now the offensive coordinator, but obviously he’s a smart guy who can pick it up.”
Between Fagnano in the backfield and an experienced O-line, the N.C. State defense will put its speed and versatility to the test. It may have lost starters Drake Thomas and Isaiah Moore, but Gibson believes the 2023 squad may be the deepest in his tenure. Fans will see if the hype holds up in the opener.
Vegas betting odds
The Wolfpack is a 15-point favorite, though some services have the team listed at a 14.5 and 15.5 advantage.
NC State’s vs. UConn TV, game info
Teams: N.C. State Wolfpack (0-0) vs. UConn Huskies (0-0)
Where: Pratt and Whitney Stadium, East Hartford, Connecticut
Date: Thursday, Aug. 31
Time: 7:30 p.m.
TV: CBS Sports Network
Stream: DIRECTV, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, Paramount Plus and YouTube TV
