WCU Preseason Preview: Game #1 - at NC State

Throughout this preseason, we will preview all of  Western Carolina's 2024 football opponents.

For the season's first game, the Catamounts travel to Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC to face the North Carolina State Wolfpack of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)

The Wolfpack finished the 2023 season in third place in the ACC with a 6-2 conference record and a 9-4 overall record.

Game #1 - NC State

 When: Thursday, August 29, 2024

 Time: 7:00 pm
 Where:  Carter-Finley Stadium  (56,919), Raleigh, NC
 Radio: Catamount Sports Network
     -Play-by-Play:  Gary Ayers

 TV/video:  ACC Network

 Conference:  Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)

 Enrollment: 37,873 

 Nickname: Wolfpack

 Colors: Red and White

The Series: The Wolfpack holds a perfect 7-0 record vs. the Catamounts. The two North Carolina teams last played in 2019.   

Head Coach:  Dave Doeren - He enters the 2024 campaign with the second-longest tenure in the ACC and the seventh-longest in the Power 5 conferences. He has guided NC State to at least eight wins in five of the last six seasons, with three nine-win campaigns in that time. 

Last Season's Record - (2023): 9-3 overall, 5-2 home, 4-1 away, 0-1 neutral,  6-2 ACC

In Robert Anae's inaugural year as the Wolfpack's offensive coordinator, the team's offensive strategy took some time to solidify. However, as the season progressed, the unit found its rhythm. At times, the Wolfpack offense dominated their opponents, scoring 144 points to their opponents 77 during a five-game winning streak that sealed their regular season.

Now, with a new quarterback in Grayson McCall from Coastal Carolina and a dynamic group of wide receivers, the Pack seems ready to capitalize on their success from last season. Wideout Kevin “KC” Concepcion is expected to play a key role once more. Additionally, the Pack enhanced their threat by bringing in Ohio State transfer wideout Noah Rogers and Duke transfer running back Jordan Waters. With a strong offensive lineup across all positions, the Wolfpack offense will be formidable, making it challenging for defenses to focus on Concepcion in the slot.

The Wolfpack now face a significant challenge in their defensive strategy following the departure of linebacker Payton Wilson to the NFL. Wilson, who won the Bednarik and Butkus Awards and was a versatile defender for the Wolfpack, has left with a total of 138 tackles, including 17.5 lost.

With Wilson gone, State's defense will see some changes in its lineup. The Wolfpack will feild a fresh set of starting linebackers, and Brandon Cleveland will move into the role of starting nose tackle. The secondary, will also see a change with the return of corner Aydan White. However, White will be joined by several new players in the secondary. Additionally, coordinator Tony Gibson has brought in new defensive backs in the spring to enhance the team's depth and skill. 

NC State has produced outstanding punters over the past few seasons, and Caden Noonkester appears to be on track to extend that reputation. He leads the ACC with 71 punts for 3,022 yards, with 25 inside the 20-yard line and 11 longer than 50 yards last season. Kicker Kanoah Vinesett replaced Brayden Narveson and nailed a 48-yarder in the Wolfpack’s spring game. Long snapper Cade Davis will replace Joe Shimko, who was named the best at the position in the nation last year.