By Dorrington Myers
Date and Time: Saturday, September 7th, 7:30 PM EST
Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
Overview
Tennessee Volunteers:
Coming off a dominant 69-3 victory over Chattanooga, Tennessee is riding a wave of momentum. Head coach Josh Heupel has crafted a high-powered offense, spearheaded by rising star quarterback Nico Iamaleava. The Volunteers are eager to build on their early success, with an explosive unit that strikes fast and relentlessly.
NC State Wolfpack:
NC State enters the matchup with a 1-0 record, after a 38-21 win against Western Carolina. Despite the victory, the Wolfpack displayed inconsistency early on, something head coach Dave Doeren knows must be addressed if they hope to take down Tennessee. This team is searching for rhythm and precision as they prepare to face an SEC powerhouse.
Quarterback: Nico Iamaleava vs. Grayson McCall
The quarterback matchup is one of the most intriguing aspects of this contest. Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava has already proven himself to be a game-changer, throwing for 314 yards and three touchdowns in the season opener. His mobility and ability to stretch the field will be crucial in maintaining Tennessee’s offensive tempo. When Iamaleava is in sync, Tennessee’s offense becomes nearly unstoppable.
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On the other side, NC State’s Grayson McCall brings a dangerous combination of arm strength and football IQ. With 318 passing yards and three touchdowns under his belt, McCall has the tools to exploit any defensive weakness. However, avoiding Tennessee’s aggressive pass rush and making quick decisions will be key to his success.
Run Game
Both teams have formidable rushing attacks, setting the stage for a physical showdown on the ground. Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson has been explosive, rushing for 124 yards on just 12 carries with three touchdowns. His ability to break through defenses with speed and vision makes him a focal point of the Vols’ offense.
NC State’s Jordan Waters is equally capable of making big plays. With 124 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries, Waters has shown he can be a workhorse. If the Wolfpack can establish the run early, it will open up opportunities for McCall to attack Tennessee’s secondary. However, this battle will be decided in the trenches, where both teams’ offensive lines will be tested.
Key Players to Watch
Tennessee:
Nico Iamaleava, Quarterback: As the driving force behind Tennessee’s offense, Iamaleava’s performance will likely dictate the game’s outcome. If he gets into a rhythm early, it could be a long night for NC State.
Dylan Sampson, Running Back: Sampson’s ability to break off big plays adds another dimension to Tennessee’s offense. His presence will be key in keeping NC State’s defense off-balance.
NC State:
Kevin Concepcion, Wide Receiver: With nine catches for 121 yards and three touchdowns in his last game, Concepcion is NC State’s most dangerous weapon. Tennessee must contain him to avoid giving up big plays.
Jordan Waters, Running Back: A veteran back, Waters is capable of taking over games if given space to operate. His success on the ground could set the tone for NC State’s offense.
Davin Vann, Defensive End: Vann is a disruptive force along the defensive line. Tennessee’s offensive line will need to neutralize him to give Iamaleava time to operate.
Player Availability
Tennessee:
– Emmanuel Okoye (OUT for the season)
– Ricky Gibson III (ACTIVE for Saturday)
NC State:
– Devan Boykin (OUT for the month of September)
– Ja’Had Carter (ACTIVE for Saturday)
Keys to the Game
The trenches will determine the outcome of this game. Tennessee’s offensive line must protect Iamaleava while creating running lanes for Sampson, while their defensive front needs to disrupt McCall and limit Waters’ impact. For NC State, success will come from establishing the run early and preventing Iamaleava from finding a rhythm. If they can strike quickly and avoid early-game mistakes, the Wolfpack have the potential to push Tennessee into a high-scoring battle.
Prediction: Tennessee 43 – NC State 30
I expect an offensive showcase, but Tennessee’s firepower and ability to control the line of scrimmage will ultimately prove too much for NC State to handle
