NC State preview: Vols will be looking for a statement win
The Tennessee Volunteers will look to continue their success from week 1 when they take on the NC State Wolfpack on Saturday night. NC State like Tennessee took on an FCS opponent in week one, but unlike the Volunteers, the Wolfpack did not jump out early. The Wolfpack struggled to separate from Western Carolina, but eventually did, ending the game strong en route to a 17-point win. Even though NC State pulled it out against Western Carolina it wasn’t what they were looking for heading into a game against a top 15 SEC opponent who dazzled in week one behind Freshman Phenom Nico Iamaleava. Optimism for fans of the Wolfpack is there however as it was just week one, and their team on paper looks excellent having a real shot at the ACC and the newly expanded College Football Playoff.
NC State Offensive Breakdown
The NC State offense is much improved after operating at mediocrity in 2023. They return leading wide receiver Kevin “KC” Concepcion who had more receiving touchdowns than anyone on the team combined in 2023, and more than 300 yards rushing. Concepcion looks to be an elite receiver in his sophomore season. Among the returners for this offense is 4 of their starting Offensive linemen including a potential first-round Left tackle in Anthony Belton. However, the story of the offseason for NC State was who they added to the offense. 8 offensive players made their way to Raleigh by way of the transfer portal and will play major roles for the Wolfpack this season. Among those added is 6-year College Football Veteran, and 3-time Sunbelt Player of the Year, Quarterback Grayson McCall who brought a lot of excitement to the program when they snagged him from Coastal Carolina. NC State also added Duke’s leading rusher, Jordan Waters who looks to lead an exciting rushing attack for them this year. Among the additions that excite the fan base the most are two targets for Mccall to sling to in TE Justin Joly from UConn, and WR Noah Rodgers from Ohio State. Joly was one of the few bright spots for UConn last season, as he was their leading pass catcher flashing athleticism and size. The Volunteers saw him last year where he made his presence known catching eight passes for 89 yards. Rogers on the other hand was highly recruited out of high school finding himself in a stacked wide receiver room at Ohio State. He decided to join the Wolfpack where he has a better chance at seeing the field.
NC State Defensive Breakdown
The NC State defense has been its strongest asset in the past few years and is what willed them to a 9-win season in 2023. The defense should take a hit in 2024 after losing ACC Defensive Player of the Year and the Butkus Award winner Payton Wilson who was the best Linebacker in college football last season. The NC State defense does operate out of a 3-3-5 look which has given Tennessee troubles in the past, especially against Georgia and Texas A&M. NC State's strength defensively this season looks to be their secondary led by Senior CB Ayden White. The secondary is an experienced unit as a whole and will look to give the Volunteers fits all night long. The Wolfpack defense will look to confuse Nico with many different looks in the defensive backfield, potentially making it tough off on a kid who is only making his 3rd start this upcoming Saturday. Their front seven on the other hand looked rocky in game one losing their best player LB Caden Fordham early on the first drive of the game with a targeting penalty. He will be back in this one, but even with his addition, NC State doesn't have your big imposing front seven, as their guys are on the smaller end for what Tennessee usually sees in conference play. With that being said NC State's guys are twitchy and athletic to make up for it. They will bring blitzes from everywhere which will be a challenge for Tennessee’s Offensive line
Offensive Keys to the Game
1. Establishing the run/Physicality
Tennessee will need to establish the run early in this one. The Vols have an explosive quarterback at the helm and will need to open up the field. The best way to do that is in the run game. Sampson and Nico will have to make plays with their legs to run the high-powered Tennessee offense. Physicality also needs to be there, show them why the SEC is just better
2. Nico limiting his mistakes
Nico dazzled in his first start in Neyland last week, but this is the real deal. The NC State defense is set up in a way where they will try to confuse Nico with all types of different-looking coverages. If he starts to force the ball it might lead to turnovers. To operate this offense at a high level, you need to take what you are given. Whether that be check-downs or tucking and running the ball yourself. This is what made Hendon Hooker so special when he operated the Heupel offense. He never hesitated, he took what the defense gave him, and it opened up big plays later in the game.
3. Limit Penalties
Most people know the age-old saying “penalties kill drives,” and it is so true. Tennessee must play disciplined football in a game where they are physically superior. Getting penalties will hurt the team on both sides of the ball, but specifically the offense due to our quick pace.
Defensive Keys to the Game
1. Getting to the QB
Getting after McCall and containing him will play a huge factor in this one. McCall can run the football and get out of the pocket. Do not let him extend plays because his receivers will get open. Tennessee’s defensive line created a lot of buzz this offseason as it should be one of the best units in the entirety of College Football, and applying consistent pressure should fluster the Wolfpack quarterback and offense.
2. Stuffing the run
Rodney Garner and Tim Banks have done well stopping the run at Tennessee. They will look to do so in this one and the rest of the season. This will be a major key to success, because as we know from our offense, running the ball effectively opens the passing game up, and the NC State passing game is where they will look to find their identity.
3. Limiting mistakes in secondary
While Tennessee's defensive back room looks to have made improvements, McCall and his great receiving room will challenge them. You must bend but don’t break in the secondary, stopping Concepcion to the best of your ability will be huge, and not letting them have huge gains may make the difference in momentum and eventually the game.
Prediction - Tennessee 45, NC State 24
Tennessee will be taking on a tough opponent with playoff hopes, but I just feel they are better in every aspect of the game. Tennessee is also deeper everywhere. I don’t think NC State will be able to keep up with us offensively, and defensively our front seven should impose their will. Tennessee is also just a bigger football team physically. There is no reason Tennessee should lose this one. A lot will have to go wrong, but I don’t see that happening. Give me the Vols in a statement win.
