No. 24 NC State football fends off FCS foe Western Carolina, avoids opening-day shocker

For a while after lightning delayed N.C. State’s first home kickoff of the season, it appeared the airborne electrical show might be the highlight of the night, at least from the Wolfpack’s perspective.

But No. 24 N.C. State narrowly escaped FCS foe Western Carolina, thanks to a commanding fourth quarter.

The Wolfpack defeated the Catamounts, 38-21, in its season opener Thursday at Carter-Finley Stadium, but for most of the game, N.C. State looked far from the hotshot offense that had been touted all offseason.

In the seventh meeting between the two teams, the Wolfpack gave up the most points in series history and trailed for the majority of the game. It did not take a lead until the third quarter after Kanoah Vinesett’s 46-yard kick made it through the uprights for a 17-14 advantage.

N.C. State entered the game favored by every U.S. sportsbook — most listed the team as a 31.5- to 33.5-point favorite — and ESPN analytics gave the team a 99% chance of winning.

Wide receiver KC Concepcion scored the first trio of touchdowns for the Wolfpack, recording 57 yards on the three scores. His biggest play came in the fourth quarter, when Concepcion evaded four tackles and found the end zone on a 35-yard reception. Concepcion kept N.C. State in the game until midway through the fourth, when running back Jordan Waters contributed two touchdowns on the ground.

Concepcion finished with 121 yards on nine catches.

Here are three takeaways from the Pack’s stressful victory:

Explosive plays make big difference

N.C. State’s coaching staff has long preached the importance of explosive plays, citing the momentum they can create. That was an issue for much of last season, but the Pack showed glimpses of what the offense could be.

The Wolfpack recorded 19 explosive plays in the win, totaling 367 yards. Six of those plays — and 127 yards — came in the fourth quarter.

N.C. State found more success in the passing game, with Noah Rogers, Concepcion and Justin Joly all recording at least two plays of at least 15 yards. Wesley Grimes added one of his own.

Unofficially, the team notched 410 yards — without a 43-yard touchdown reception from Joly that was waived off because of a penalty.

N.C. State, however, added nine rushing plays of at least 10 yards, including a 50-yard scoring run from Waters.

Offensive coordinator Robert Anae relied heavily on Concepcion, and it mostly worked.

Concepcion was targeted 10 times in the first half for 80 yards, while Rogers, Joly and Grimes were only targeted twice each. He was targeted just four times in the second.

Anae said during fall camp the team knew Concepcion would make big plays and he’d continue to play a big role, but it planned on spreading the ball.

“There seems to be more pieces to make plays out there,” Anae said. “Yes, the emphasis is to spread the ball and do that kind of thing with distribution. Still (too) early to tell how good we’re going to be from that regard,but we have a chance to put really good teamwork together.”

There were incomplete passes to multiple receivers down the stretch, but the offense seemed to work more efficiently when it returned to its original plan.

Grayson McCall finds his way

The Coastal Carolina transfer’s commitment to N.C. State in the offseason was met with much excitement. McCall left the Chanticleers’ program as its most decorated player, racking up three Sun Belt Player of the Year awards and 10,005 passing yards.

“Grayson’s played football a long time. He’s seen a lot as a starter, and so I think he appreciates being tested,” N.C. State head coach Dave Doeren said last week. “There’s not a coverage that he’s going to see all season that he didn’t see in training camp. He’s definitely ready for what’s in front of him.”

At times, McCall looked comfortable and confident in the backfield — look at the number of big passing plays to his receivers. The graduate student appeared to have control and poise, even under pressure.

Other times, McCall looked uncomfortable and unsure. He went 7 of 15 in the third quarter and completed 2 of his last 6 passes in the frame.

The transfer QB has an impressive history, and he showed that in spurts, but McCall still has plenty of room for improvement.

McCall finished 26 of 40 for 318 yards and a trio of touchdowns. He threw one interception, which the Catamounts turned into a touchdown in the first quarter.

Waters settled in late

N.C. State turned the ball over on downs twice to end the first half after it was unable to convert on fourth and 1. Waters received the handoff both times, and the Catamounts tackled him for a loss of yardage. The second turnover took place on the Western Carolina 18-yard line, robbing the Wolfpack of an opportunity to take a lead into the locker room.

Waters finally converted in the third quarter, picking up a gain of 10. Then the graduate student scored a 7-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter to put his team up 10 points. He contributed a 50-yard touchdown rush with 1:50 left in the game.

Waters struggled with consistency in his debut. He finished with 123 yards on 20 carries, averaging 6.2 yards per attempt. Ninety yards of offense and both touchdowns came in the fourth quarter.

Like McCall, Waters is more than capable of being a breakout star for the Wolfpack if he can put together more performances like the one down the stretch Thursday.