NC State starts season with win over UConn
NC State kicks off its 2023 season against UConn Thursday, Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. EST. This is the season-opening contest for both squads.
Here are a few key notes from pregame warmups:
– Defensive lineman Savion Jackson is not dressed
– Defensive lineman Travali Price took starting reps in Jackson’s place during warmups.
– Tight end Trent Pennix went though full warmups and appears set to play.
Once the game kicks off, TheWolfpacker.com will chronicle the key moments and highlights on this live update blog.
Live updates during NC State vs. UConn
FOURTH QUARTER
10:40
10:38
10:29
10:17
NC State stops the UConn drive in part thanks to a massive sack from Red Hibbler and Brandon Cleveland. The ensuing punt goes for a touchback. Wolfpack ball at its own 20 with 7:53 left in the game.
10:14
UConn converts a third down and moves into NC State territory.
10:11
10:10
10:06
10:03
NC State leads 24-14 at the end of the third quarter.
The Wolfpack has racked up 307 yards of offense. UConn finished the third with 165 rushing yards.
Brennan Armstrong has 14 carries for 77 yards.
9:58
On third and goal, Armstrong scrambles for his second touchdown of the night.
NC State leads 24-14 with 34 second left in the third quarter.
9:56
Ashford was taken off of the field on a stretcher. It looked like he gave a thumbs up coming off of the field.
9:46
9:44
Following an unsportsmanlike penalty, UConn takes a deep kickoff, which Julian Gray returns 40 yards. Another personal foul results in NC State starting its drive at the Connecticut 27 yard line.
9:40
Touchdown UConn.
Victor Rosa rips off a 71 yard run on the first play from scrimmage.
NC State’s lead is down to 3. 17-14 with 2:04 left in the quarter.
9:35
Touchdown Pack.
A pass interference call keeps the drive alive, and Delbert Mimms III punches it in.
NC State now leads 17-7 with 2:22 left in the third quarter.
9:20
NC State forces a punt after a second down tackle for loss by Payton Wilson followed by an incompletion. The Pack will tacke over from its own 9 yard line with 8:49 left in the third quarter.
9:12
UConn sacks Armstrong to end the Wolfpack’s opening drive of the half.
SECOND QUARTER
8:51
Key stats from the first 2 quarters of the season:
– Armstrong: 11-16, 84 passing yards, 37 rushing (leads the Pack)
– Only 1 tackle for loss for NC State, and it was on the first play from scrimmage.
– Vann and Wilson lead the Pack with 4 tackles.
– Concepcion with 3 catches for 24 yards.
8:47
NC State executes on the two-minute drill and ends the drive with a 41-yard field goal by Brayden Narveson. The Wolfpack takes a 10-7 lead into halftime.
8:41
NC State moves into UConn territory on a 12 yard rush by Jordan Houston. There are 51 seconds left in the half.
8:37
NC State safety Bishop Fitzgerald breaks up a deep pass on third down to force a UConn three-and-out. Pack takes over at its 15, 2:56 left in the half.
8:33
The Wolfpack put together a strong drive punctuated by tough runs from Brennan Armstrong and Michael Allen. Kicker Brayden Narveson missed his first field goal of the year from 49 yards out.
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NC State and UConn are tied with 4:34 left in the first half.
8:19
A false start sets UConn back on third down, and NC State forces a punt. Jaylon Scott shut down a scramble by the Huskies’ quarterback. The Wolfpack takes over on its own 20 after a touchback with 10:37 left in the half.
Davin Vann is having some success disrupting the Huskies now and leads the team with 4 tackles.
8:11
NC State’s drive stalls after a tipped third down passing attempt. UConn takes over at its own 29.
FIRST QUARTER
The key stat from that quarter:
– UConn averaged 6.2 yards per rush
8:08
End of the first quarter: NC State 7, UConn 7
The Wolfpack answered the opening score by the Huskies well. The offense faces second and 9 from its 26 after the break.
8:02
Timeout UConn with NC State facing a third and 5 from its own 17 yard line. Kevin Concepcion caught his first pass for 5 yards on that drive.
7:59
UConn advanced to near midfield, but two incompletions led to a Huskies punt down to the Wolfpack 12 yard line. Connecticut is averaging 5.5 yards per play.
7:51
Brennan Armstrong keeps it on a read option and scores a touchdown from 4 yards out. NC State ties the game 7-7 with 3:48 left in the first.
7:50
Porter Rooks catches a key first down pass in the red zone for a Wolfpack first and goal.
7:41
Touchdown UConn.
Running back Victor Rosa rushes it in for the Huskies’ first score of the game.
7:40
UConn junior quarterback runs the ball down to the NC State 12 yard line. The Huskies are marching after a long scramble by Joe Fagnano.
7:33
The Pack wins the toss and kicks off to UConn for a touchback.
