No. 14 Tennessee and No. 24 NC State opened the season towards SEC opponents however enter Week 2 with a lot completely different vibes. The 2 AP High 25-ranked groups and Faculty Soccer Playoff hopefuls meet Saturday in Charlotte for an important early season showdown between the SEC and ACC.
When you missed it, NC State struggled towards FCS Western Carolina in a 38-21 win that required the Wolfpack to rally from a 21-17 deficit within the fourth quarter. Tennessee trounced FCS Chattanooga 69-3 behind an excellent first half by quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who threw for 314 yards within the blowout.
One crew lived as much as expectations, whereas the opposite didn’t.
NC State was anticipated to be rather more explosive offensively however struggled with veteran Coastal Carolina switch Grayson McCall till a three-touchdown outburst within the fourth quarter. The protection, notably within the trenches, additionally had issues defending Western Carolina’s dashing assault. In the meantime, Tennessee seemed elite on each offense and protection, an neglected storyline for a Volunteers offense that often steals the headlines.
Unsurprisingly, the road shifted additional in favor of Tennessee this week.
Tennessee vs. NC State: Must know
Large checks for brand spanking new, outdated quarterbacks: McCall wasn’t at his finest final week. He accomplished 26 of 40 passes for 318 yards, however he missed a number of wide-open receivers and the offense stalled typically within the first three quarters. We anticipate rather more from the veteran, and we must always get it in an enormous recreation towards Tennessee. If the previous is any measure, McCall steps up in large conditions, as is obvious by successful three straight Solar Belt Participant of the Yr honors and his fourth-quarter rally final week. He is a gamer, and we rapidly neglect he set the single-season report for passing effectivity within the FBS earlier than Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels broke it final season. Nonetheless, outshining Iamaleava may show tough. The primary-year starter lacks big-game expertise however is extra gifted and has confirmed so with the 35-point drubbing of Iowa’s top-five protection in final season’s bowl recreation and the constant efficiency final week towards Chattanooga.
Kevin Concepcion is a monster: Tennessee’s receivers might get all the eye, however NC State is stacked as nicely. Kevin “KC” Concepcion has caught at the very least seven passes within the final 4 video games relationship again to final season. He was electrical final week, catching 9 passes for 3 touchdowns and 121 yards. It is arduous to think about what NC State might have seemed like towards Western Carolina final week with out the previous freshman All-American. If he is scorching early, Tennessee may very well be in hassle.
Which dashing assault is stronger? Simply because each groups like to throw the ball does not imply the working recreation is ignored. The sensation right here is that the most effective dashing assault will alleviate stress off their quarterback and win the sport. Final week, Jordan Waters rushed for 124 yards and a pair of touchdowns to assist NC State break the longest streak within the FBS with out a 100-yard rusher (since 2021). Dylan Sampson picked up 124 yards and three touchdowns, discovering large holes within the wide-split alignment of Tennessee’s offensive line. The sting goes to Tennessee after NC State allowed an unacceptable 6.3 yards per carry final week towards Western Carolina.
The way to watch Tennessee vs. NC State dwell
Date: Saturday, Sept. 7 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Financial institution of America Stadium — Charlotte, North Carolina
TV: ABC | Reside stream: fubo (Strive without spending a dime)
Tennessee vs. NC State prediction, picks
Tennessee by no means appears to have issues scoring, and that should not be a difficulty towards an NC State squad that seems to have expertise a step again. The Vols scored on their first seven drives final week and Iamaleava accomplished 2 of 4 passes of greater than 20 air yards. The Vols have an excessive amount of firepower and a stable protection with a number of NFL prospects. If NC State struggles on offense early, Tennessee might pounce on a double-digit lead rapidly. The Wolfpack want McCall and the receivers to step up for what may develop right into a shootout. Choose: Tennessee -7.5
Which school soccer picks are you able to make with confidence in Week 2? Go to SportsLine to see which groups will win and canopy the unfold — all from a confirmed laptop mannequin that has returned over $2,000 in revenue since its inception — and discover out.