NC State football has ‘bunch of work to do’ entering Tennessee game

RALEIGH — KC Concepcion says the N.C. State football coaches had a message for the Wolfpack in the locker room on Thursday night. 

“We have a whole bunch of work to do. Obviously, we were expecting a blowout, but not every single game is going to be a blowout,” Concepcion said after a 38-21 victory against FCS opponent Western Carolina. 

A 33½-point favorite, according to oddsmakers, the Wolfpack trailed to start the fourth quarter, then rallied with a 21-point flurry keyed by Concepcion and running back Jordan Waters. 

NC STATE GRADES VS WESTERN CAROLINA

Concepcion finished with three touchdowns and Waters found the end zone twice in the fourth quarter as N.C. State avoided an opening-night disaster at Carter-Finley Stadium. 

But, as Concepcion said, the Wolfpack (1-0) has some work to do. If N.C. State plays against No. 15 Tennessee like it did against the Catamounts, it could be a long night on Sept. 7 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. 

In the first half, N.C. State missed the chance to snag two interceptions on the first two plays of the game and saw linebacker Caden Fordham get ejected on the same drive. Offensively, the Wolfpack had an interception, nearly lost two fumbles and finished the half with consecutive drives that resulted in a turnover on downs. 

“We just started off slow, just the first-game nerves,” defensive lineman Davin Vann said. “I think there was just first-game nerves. Moving forward, I think we’ve got to attack every quarter with a fourth-quarter mentality.” 

Nerves and frustration were among the buzzwords for the Wolfpack, but head coach Dave Doeren was pleased with the response of his players in the second half, saying the Wolfpack “llearned a lot as the game went on and we grew.” 

“I also think our guys woke up a little bit and just started playing better,” Doeren said. 

Statistically, quarterback Grayson McCall was solid in his debut with 318 yards and three touchdowns. Still, like Concepcion, McCall knows the Wolfpack will have to bring its best against the Vols at the Duke’s Mayo Classic. 

“I don’t think I played my best ball, don’t think we played our best” McCall said. “But happy that we came away with the win. … A lot to get better from … an opportunity to grow and get better next week.” 

Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on X/Twitter.