Things get real for Tennessee football this weekend as they head to Charlotte to face No. 24 North Carolina State in the Duke’s Mayo Classic.
Each week, Rocky Top Insider will take you behind the scenes with a question and answer with a media member who covers Tennessee’s opponent.
This week, the Fayetteville Observer‘s NC State beat writer Rodd Baxley talks about what went wrong for the Wolfpack in their opener against Western Carolina, how NC State matches up against Tennessee and much more.
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What were the internal expectations for NC State this season?
Does the season opener against Western Carolina change your expectations? What was the most worrisome thing?
“I think it’s easy to have overreactions in Week 1. The Wolfpack has a crowd of new faces in key positions, including 22 players who played in their first game for N.C. State, so I’m sure some nerves were involved. I expect it’ll take this team some time to become the best version of itself. That being said, FCS Western Carolina made N.C. State’s offensive line look bad for three quarters and the Wolfpack defense gave up several explosive plays, missing out on opportunities to get off the field with takeaways. If N.C. State doesn’t bring better effort and execution at the line of scrimmage in Charlotte, Tennessee will dominate in the trenches.”
How did Grayson McCall perform in the season opener? What are your expectations for him this season?
“McCall missed on several throws that could’ve gone for big plays, throwing it behind or in front of intended receivers. A bit rusty after his return from an injury at Coastal Carolina, McCall still finished with more than 300 passing yards and three TDs (all to superstar wide receiver KC Concepcion). McCall has the talent to elevate N.C. State’s offense, but his injury history is cause for concern. If he stays healthy, he’ll be one of the most consistent QBs in the ACC.”
What are the strengths and weaknesses of NC State’s defense?
“Across the last three seasons, no other Power 4 team has picked off more passes than the Wolfpack (51). N.C. State’s secondary is stacked, led by All-ACC cornerback Aydan White, and some new faces in Auburn transfer Donovan Kaufman and Ohio State transfer Ja’Had Carter. As for weaknesses, linebacker is the easy choice simply because that group had to replace Payton Wilson, the reigning ACC Defensive Player of the Year and arguably college football’s best defender last season. The Wolfpack has some prove-it guys among its front seven.”
What is one or a few keys for NC State to defeat Tennessee?
Score Prediction?
The Vols have too much offense and the Wolfpack is 6-22 against ranked opponents under Doeren.
Tennessee 31, N.C. State 24
