NC State vs ECU: Must-Win Season Opener for the Wolfpack?

Inside Pack Sports takes a deep dive into NC State’s season opener against East Carolina.  After last year’s bowl loss to the Pirates, can Dave Doeren’s Wolfpack set the tone for 2025 with a statement win in Raleigh?

This feature examines:

• Why beating ECU matters beyond the box score
• The impact of last year’s loss and bowl game opt-outs
• NC State’s need for a fast start with a front-loaded schedule
• How this game could shape fan perception, recruiting, and momentum 
• The Wolfpack enter as double-digit favorites — but can they avoid a repeat slip-up against their in-state rival

Chapters:

• 0:00 – Why the ECU Rematch Matters
• 1:30 – Last Year’s Bowl Game: Real Impact or Overblown?
• 3:00 – Motivation, Opt-Outs, and Program Optics
• 5:00 – How Important Is This Game for NC State?
• 7:30 – Fan Perception, Recruiting, and Momentum
• 9:30 – NC State’s Schedule and the Need for a Fast Start
• 11:30 – What a Win (or Loss) Really Means

NOTE: Click the video above to watch the feature!