The NC State Wolfpack and Tennessee Volunteers handled their FCS opponents in Week 1, setting the stage for a clash of undefeated teams in Week 2 at the Duke’s Mayo Classic, held at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium. NC State is coming off a 38-21 win over Western Carolina, while Tennessee dominated Southern Conference favorite Chattanooga, 69-3.
This neutral-site matchup is especially significant with the expanded College Football Playoff, which gives top 25 teams like NC State and Tennessee a better shot at making a postseason run and a run at a national title. Both programs will look to make an early-season statement as they build momentum in 2024.
Tennessee vs. NC State Announcers, Broadcast Details, and More
- Start time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: ABC
- Radio Stations: WRAL-FM
- Announcers: Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit
- Betting lines: Tennessee -10
- Over/Under: 61.5
- Moneyline: Tennessee -370 / NC State +290
- Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Tennessee vs. NC State Game Preview
In a pivotal non-conference showdown, NC State football faces off against Tennessee inside Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium on Saturday night. While coaches and players may insist it’s just another game, the stakes are certainly higher.
A victory for the No. 24 Wolfpack would position them as a legitimate ACC contender, as preseason favorite Florida State has dropped out of the top 25 following an 0-2 start.
Meanwhile, No. 14 Tennessee has aspirations of an SEC title and a CFP birth. Despite flying under the radar due to the SEC’s depth, Tennessee could benefit from the lack of attention. The Volunteers are breaking in a new quarterback, redshirt freshman Nico Iamaleava, who impressed in their Week 1 rout of Chattanooga.
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While this isn’t technically a road game, it will be Iamaleava’s first experience in what is expected to be a hostile environment. Wolfpack fans will make the short trip down I-85 to pack Bank of America Stadium in one of NC State’s most significant football games in recent years.
NC State’s transfer quarterback, Grayson McCall, had a shaky start in the opener, but the Wolfpack’s receivers shined, which could be a key advantage if McCall returns to form. If NC State can exploit its aerial weapons, it could have a solid chance to knock off Tennessee and assert itself nationally.
Whichever team can seize the opportunity and come out on top will have a ton of momentum heading into conference play.
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