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.
The following were live updates from the game as it happened:
Adding another on the ground: NC State 24, UConn 14
N.C. State added a third rushing touchdown with 34 seconds left in the third quarter. Quarterback Brennan Armstrong ran the ball for 8 yards and completing a 27-yard drive.
Rakeim Ashford injury
Wolfpack safety Rakeim Ashford was taken off the field on a stretcher and affixed to a back board with 1:54 remaining in the third quarter. He was hit on the kickoff return, for which the Huskies were given an unnecessary roughness penalty. Ashford was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation, but he had feeling and movement on the sideline, N.C. State spokesperson Annabelle Myers said.
UConn impresses on the ground: NC State 17, UConn 14
The Wolfpack didn’t get to enjoy its extended lead for very long. In fact, it lasted a whole 11 seconds. The Huskies’ Victor Rosas ran the ball in for a 71-yard touchdown, as the Wolfpack defenders trailed behind.
Mimms’ 1-yard rush: NC State 17, UConn 7
Redshirt junior running back Delbert Mimms, III, scored a 1-yard touchdown with 2:22 left in the third quarter to extend N.C. State’s scoring advantage. His TD ended a gritty 91-yard drive that featured five plays in the red zone.
Halftime: NC State 10, UConn 7
With just two seconds left in the first half, kicker Brayden Narveson gave the Pack its first lead of the game on a 44-yard field goal. N.C. State leads the Huskies in just about every offensive statistical category, including total yards (192-125), passing yards (84-43) and rushing yards (108-82). The Wolfpack also went 5-of-8 on third down attempts.
The Huskies’ defense stepped up on recent drives, however, out-tackling N.C. State, 37-26.
New Wolfpack offense responds: NC State 7, UConn 7
Two graduate transfers came up big in the team’s first offensive drive. Quarterback Brennan Armstrong scored N.C. State’s first touchdown of the season on a 4-yard rush, and his first with the team. Kicker Brayden Narveson ended the 66-yard drive with the PAT, also a first for the team’s new addition.
Huskies take early lead: UConn 7, NC State 0
The Wolfpack defense forced a loss of yardage on the first play of the game, but that strength didn’t last the entire drive. The Huskies scored on Victor Rosa’s 18-yard touchdown run, which capped a 75-yard drive.
Personnel update
Senior defensive lineman Savion Jackson did not suit up for the game. He was originally listed as a starter at left end on the initial depth chart.
