RALEIGH — KC Concepcion says the N.C. State soccer coaches had a message for the Wolfpack within the locker room on Thursday evening.
“We now have a complete bunch of labor to do. Clearly, we have been anticipating a blowout, however not each single sport goes to be a blowout,” Concepcion mentioned after a 38-21 victory in opposition to FCS opponent Western Carolina.
A 33½-point favourite, in line with oddsmakers, the Wolfpack trailed to begin the fourth quarter, then rallied with a 21-point flurry keyed by Concepcion and operating again Jordan Waters.
NC STATE GRADES VS WESTERN CAROLINA
Concepcion completed with three touchdowns and Waters discovered the tip zone twice within the fourth quarter as N.C. State averted an opening-night catastrophe at Carter-Finley Stadium.
However, as Concepcion mentioned, the Wolfpack (1-0) has some work to do. If N.C. State performs in opposition to No. 15 Tennessee prefer it did in opposition to the Catamounts, it may very well be a protracted evening on Sept. 7 at Financial institution of America Stadium in Charlotte.
Within the first half, N.C. State missed the possibility to snag two interceptions on the primary two performs of the sport and noticed linebacker Caden Fordham get ejected on the identical drive. Offensively, the Wolfpack had an interception, practically misplaced two fumbles and completed the half with consecutive drives that resulted in a turnover on downs.
“We simply began off gradual, simply the first-game nerves,” defensive lineman Davin Vann mentioned. “I believe there was simply first-game nerves. Shifting ahead, I believe we’ve received to assault each quarter with a fourth-quarter mentality.”
Nerves and frustration have been among the many buzzwords for the Wolfpack, however head coach Dave Doeren was happy with the response of his gamers within the second half, saying the Wolfpack “llearned lots as the sport went on and we grew.”
“I additionally assume our guys wakened somewhat bit and simply began enjoying higher,” Doeren mentioned.
Statistically, quarterback Grayson McCall was strong in his debut with 318 yards and three touchdowns. Nonetheless, like Concepcion, McCall is aware of the Wolfpack should carry its greatest in opposition to the Vols on the Duke’s Mayo Traditional.
“I don’t assume I performed my greatest ball, do not assume we performed our greatest” McCall mentioned. “However glad that we got here away with the win. … Rather a lot to get higher from … a chance to develop and get higher subsequent week.”
Workers author Rodd Baxley may be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on X/Twitter.