NC State’s football team opened their season in Greenville against the pirates in what would prove to be a tough road test.
NC State begins the season at #13 on the AP Poll Rankings, so they were headed into a hostile environment to take on ECU. The ECU fans sold out Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium with a reported attendance of 51,711 which made the game the largest crowd in the history of ECU Football.
The Wolfpack started the game off strong with an interception from Tyler Baker-Williams, but ultimately couldn’t turn the takeaway into points. ECU then opened up the scoring with a long touchdown pass from Holten Ahlers to gain an early 7-0 lead.
NC State would respond with 3 first half touchdowns that included a 12-yard grab from Thayer Thomas, a blocked punt scoop and score, and a 24-yard run from Demie Sumo-Karngbaye to make the score 21-7 heading into the break.
ECU then roared back in the second half to bring ECU within one point with just 2:58 to go in the game. After NC State failed to convert a first down on their ensuing possession, all ECU would need was a field goal to take the lead.
After a long reception from Keaton Mitchell, the Pirates sent out their sophomore kicker, Owen Daffer, to attempt a potential game winning 41-yard field goal after missing an extra point attempt just moments before.
Daffer ultimately pushed the kick wide right and State was able to escape Greenville with an ugly 1-0 record.
NC State heads home on September 10 to face Charleston Southern and continue their quest for that long awaited ACC Championship.
I play wide receiver here at Leesville. I love writing and talking about sports!
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