The Wolfpacker Show: NC State's season ends in disappointment vs. ECU
NC State lost its final contest of the 2024 season, dropping its record to 6-7 following a 26-21 Military Bowl setback against East Carolina Dec. 28. Thanks to an offense playing at an electric pace, the Pirates racked up 473 offensive yards. That total included 326 yards on the ground.
The Wolfpack brawled with the Pirates as the final seconds ticked off the clock, leading to eight total ejections across the two teams. NC State had battled back to take the lead at one point of this contest but gave up an 86-yard rushing touchdown to Rahjai Harris, who set a Military Bowl record with 220 rushing yards with 1:33 to go in the game.
Offensively, the Pack failed to finish drives into East Carolina territory with points despite moving the ball efficiently. Freshman quarterback CJ Bailey threw for 3 touchdowns, and redshirt freshman running back Hollywood Smothers racked up 181 total yards rushing against the Pirates.
After the game, The Wolfpacker Show hosts Ethan McDowell and Noah Fleischman sat down to record another episode, breaking down the loss to the Pirates.
In this episode of The Wolfpacker Show …
*** Ethan and Noah shared their thoughts on the Military Bowl loss— a defeat they considered fitting for a disappointing season that finished well below NC State’s expectations for 2024. East Carolina came into this game motivated and ready to play.
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*** NC State was adamant that this game was not a rivalry in the days leading up to the contest. ECU felt differently. Noah and Ethan discussed how discounting the Pirates probably just motivated the Pack’s opponents and added unnecessary bulletin board material to the game.
*** Then, the hosts broke down both sides of the ball. NC State played without its best cornerback, Brandon Cisse, and top defensive lineman, Davin Vann, but the defense still struggled more than expected, giving up a record-breaking rushing performance. The Wolfpack offense looked great at times behind their stars. When NC State drove deep into ECU territory, it could not finish the drives.
*** To wrap up the show, Noah and Ethan discussed the future of the program and pondered what changes could be made with a critical defensive coordinator hire pending.
