OUR FINAL TAKE: NC State vs. UConn
Several members of the Inside Pack Sports staff predict the winner of the NC State-UConn matchup.
James Henderson (IPS Publisher)
State 38, UConn 13
Think big, right?
State should be able to control this game, and that’s what I’m expecting to happen. Big night for Brennan Armstrong, and I’m expecting a defensive or special teams touchdown tonight for NC State.
Steve Williams (IPS Football Recruiting Analyst)
State 28, UConn 21
I feel like the talent gap between State and UConn has narrowed from last year and this game will be much closer. I definitely think State is the more talented team, and if they don't beat themselves should come away 1-0. The key here is don't beat yourself. Don't play down to UConn. I thought that's exactly what happened to open the season last year against ECU, and the Pack was fortunate to come away with the win.
Bryant Carson (IPS Football Analyst)
State 31, UConn 23
I think this one stays fairly close through the majority of the first three quarters. A new offense on the road for game one could well lead to State making some early mistakes and miscues that the home team Huskies can take advantage of. However, in the end, I think State puts their foot in the ground, takes control, and heads back to Raleigh 1-0.
Phillip Danford (IPS Football Analyst)
State 34, UConn 16
We’re finally coming to the end of an offseason filled with as much speculation and theories as one can handle. It’s time to finally view and assess an offense that has built as much anticipation as I can remember amongst Wolfpack nation. Will this offense be that explosive group that compliments the controlled aggressiveness of a highly successful defense?
For their debut performance I’m not expecting a perfect outing. Turnovers will probably occur. Miscommunications may happen. But I expect to see glimpses of talent meeting an evolved offensive scheme in the same manner as those highlights of Robert Anae offenses we’ve watched for the last nine months. Enjoy the ride.
Alex Gee (IPS Analyst)
State 31, UConn 7
I think State’s defense puts together a strong performance showing little fall off from last season and overwhelms UConn with size and athleticism. Offense utilizes speed and playmakers to put points on the board. Win convincingly, and hopefully stay healthy for next week.
Rob McLamb (IPS Writer)
State 38, UConn 24
The Wolfpack likely will not play a totally clean game this early in the season but should do well enough to be in control most of the way through.
It will be interesting to see how Brennan Armstrong fares. Preseason predictions are the hardest. If he plays as he did in 2021, the Wolfpack could have a solid season.
Payton Wilson said that he thought the linebacking corps would be faster in 2023, and it is not hard to imagine that being the case, but will they be as smart or even smarter? Pundits and fans alike can probably count on one hand the number of times guys like Thomas and Moore were misaligned or not where they should be at the linebacker spot. It is the most important position group in an odd front alignment, so they will have a huge say on NCSU's ability to beat good teams.
Finally, while a season opener in football is not at the beginning of the calendar year, it does represent the start of the athletic season for many folks. The summer is winding down, and college sports will soon amp up full throttle. Each season is a blessing and is not guaranteed. I am happy that we all have made it to 2023-24. I wish you good health and magic moments from your respective favorite teams.
Thank you for following.
Cheers,
Rob
Jake Caccavaro (IPS Writer)
State 38, UConn 13
Pretty simple for me: NC State is better than UConn at everything. I’m not worried about the crowd in Hartford — hell, it might be 50% Wolfpack fans. NC State should roll.
And honestly, I don’t care too much about the score. I want to see how the team looks. Can the Wolfpack move the ball consistently on offense and can they stifle UConn on defense? I think we’re in for a resounding yes on both fronts.
Jake McSwain (IPS Writer)
State 38, UConn 14
NC State is the better team. Period.
I expect UCONN to preform better than they did last year. However, I think the final score will look similar. The story of the game will be N.C. State’s defensive line dominating a respectable UCONN O-Line while the Pack’s new-look offense provides consistent excitement.
Jeff Reeves (IPS Photographer)
State 27, UConn 13
N.C. State's overall athleticism is too much for UConn. The Wolfpack d-line and secondary are able to stifle the Huskie offense except for a couple of big plays. State's offense slashes the UConn front seven for 150 yards on the ground while Armstrong tallies 200 through the air.
Runa Cooper (IPS Sponsor)
State 34, UConn 10
What’s up!
Dave Doeren is not losing the opener to UConn in his 11th season.
Can't wait to see what I expect to be a completely new offense. We've been calling for years to see the Wolfpack offense take advantage of speed on the roster, and with Anae I think we finally see it. I expect the offense to come out throwing early and often, the RB's will catch more balls out of the backfield than what we have seen in years past, and Armstrong will give us a new threat with his ability to run the football.
Defensively I feel really good about the DL and the corners. The big question is can the new LB's make the plays in this defense that Drake and Moore did. I think the most likely answer is yes and no, but they may need a few games to get completely up to speed.
The Pack is superior athletically on both sides of the ball, and that will be obvious in this game.
BP Cox (IPS Photographer)
State 30, UConn 13
The matchup of UConn vs NC State is predicted to be closer per prognosticators this year versus last. The Wolfpack were -38.5 favorites in 2022 (winning 41-10), but the Pack are only showing -15 this year.
Jim Mora returns a bulk of his roster, perhaps as much as anyone else in college football. Meanwhile, Dave Doeren has a new QB, OC, OL coach, but the same defensive mastermind in Tony Gibson. And, of course, let’s not forget potential defensive All-Americans in Payton Wilson and Aydan White.
Look for the Wolfpack defense to set the tone early to keep the Husky offense off the field. This will give new QB Brennan Armstrong plenty of snaps to get stretched out and to give Wolfpack National ample opportunities to see their new offense.