• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Mike Farrell Sports

Mike Farrell Sports

College Football Recruiting, Opinion, and Analysis

  • Player Promotion
  • Recruiting
  • Portal
  • Fact or Fiction
  • Mind of Mike
  • Draft
  • Sponsors
  • About

Game preview: Tennessee vs. NC State

No. 14 Vols look to carry momentum into neutral-site matchup against 24th-ranked Wolfpack

September 7, 2024
FacebookTweetPin
Nov 25
Nov 25

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.

Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) during Tennessee's Orange & White spring football game at Neyland Stadium on Saturday, April 13, 2024.

More Sports News

Farmageddon Heads to Ireland for 2025 Season Opener

Sep 6

TRENDING: Interesting New Job for Former ACC Head Coach

2026 QB Liam Nelson

Spotlight on Maryland Prep QBs: 2026 QB Liam Nelson

LaNorris Sellers

Face of the SEC: LaNorris Sellers

Nov 16

Sumrall, Candle, and More: Top 10 G5 Head Coach Rankings

Vols Are Cooking on the Recruiting Trail

2026 QB Gavin Beard

Talented Texas Prep QBs: 2026 QB Gavin Beard

Football and culture: How sport has shaped American society

Jan 9

Bigger Playoff, Smaller Stakes: The Decline of College Football’s Regular Season

New Era, Same Grit: Inside the 2025 Big 12 Football Race

SEC

TRENDING: SEC Head Coach Proposes 30-Team College Playoff Field

The Best Way to End the Scheduling Debate

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.

Aug 29, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Grayson McCall (2) throws the football during the second half of the game against Western Carolina Catamounts at Carter-Finley Stadium.

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.

Dylan Sampson

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.

Aug 29, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Western Carolina Catamounts cornerback CJ Williams (4) tackles North Carolina State Wolfpack running back Jordan Waters (7) during the first half of the game against North Carolina State Wolfpack at Carter-Finley Stadium.

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

Category: College FootballTag: ACC Conference, Dave Doeren, Grayson McCall, josh heupel, NC State Wolfpack, Nico Iamaleava, SEC, Tennessee Volunteers
FacebookTweetPin

You’ll Also Like


Ryan Silverfield

Exploring Conference Realignment: Potential Hits and Misses

Most Dangerous Players in CFB the Last 20 Years

B1G Media Days

9-Game Conference Schedules: It Just Means More

2026 Quinn Purnell

A Legacy of Football Talent: 2026 OL Quinn Purnell

Biggest Surprise and Biggest Disappointment in the Big Ten Will Be…..

Three players, who were recently arrested, have been indefinitely suspended

TRENDING: Three Players Suspended Indefinitely After Arrest


  • Facebook
  • X
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

© 2025 · All Rights Reserved

Powered by the BizBudding Publisher Network

Privacy Manager