As the Week 1 college football action begins on Thursday night, the NC State Wolfpack aim to make a strong push in the newly expanded ACC.
Western Carolina, who wrapped up their 2023 season with a 7-4 record in Kerwin Bell's third year as head coach, started last year with a tough road game against an FBS opponent. They suffered a 56-13 defeat at the hands of Arkansas.
On the other hand, NC State just completed its 11th season under head coach Dave Doeren. The Wolfpack finished the regular season with a 9-4 record but fell short of reaching the ACC championship, ending the year in third place in the conference. Their season concluded with a 28-19 loss to Kansas State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch and listen Florida State vs Georgia Tech college football game, plus plenty more.
NC State vs Western Carolina: Date and kick-off time
The NC State will take on the Western Carolina in a highly anticipated CFB game on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 7:00 pm ET/ 4:00 pm PT, at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC.
| Date | Thursday, August 29, 2024 |
| Kick-off Time | 7:00 pm ET/ 4:00 pm PT |
| Venue | Carter-Finley Stadium |
| Location | Raleigh, NC |
How to watch NC State vs Western Carolina on TV & stream live online
TV channel: ACC Network
- Broadcasters: Wes Durham (play-by-play), Tom Luginbill (color analyst)
Streaming service: DirecTV Stream
If you're looking to watch college football games, DIRECTV STREAM is an excellent option for watching 2024 college football across all conferences, offering most of the necessary channels in their "Choice" package for $108.99 per month. This plan includes truTV, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPNU, and SEC Network, alongside major networks like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. You’ll also get coverage of your local NHL and NBA teams through regional sports networks.
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Streaming the game with a VPN
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How to listen to live play-by-play commentary of NC State vs Western Carolina
Audio stream: SiriusXM — Home: 963 (NE), 201 (CAR)
SiriusXM allows you to stream NCAA games throughout the season, including live coverage of college football games with home and away feeds for every team.
Hear exclusive interviews with players and coaches, plus expert analysis from the top names in sports radio. Listeners will need either a Platinum or Streaming Platinum plan.
NC State vs Western Carolina team news
NC State Wolfpack team news
Following a strong conclusion to last season, anticipation is building for NC State as they enter 2024 with a formidable team. They see this game as a crucial warm-up before facing Tennessee next.
The Wolfpack bolstered their lineup by acquiring experienced quarterback Grayson McCall through the transfer portal, who had an outstanding career at Coastal Carolina. Teaming him up with ACC Rookie of the Year wide receiver Kevin Concepcion is expected to create a dynamic and explosive offense.
On the defensive front, although they lost their star linebacker to the NFL, the system has proven effective, and several key players are returning to maintain their defensive strength.
Western Carolina Catamounts team news
For Western Carolina, everything hinges on quarterback Cole Gonzales. He had a standout season last year, completing 65.8% of his passes for 2,803 yards, along with 28 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. Gonzales also added 203 rushing yards. However, he'll be without many of his key receivers from last season. Censere Lee, the team's leading receiver, has moved on to Pittsburgh Panthers, and David White, the second option, is also gone.
AJ Colombo, who had 438 yards and five touchdowns last year, will need to step up, with Calvin Jones serving as the second option after his 348 yards and two scores on 27 catches.
In the backfield, Desmond Reid, last season's leading rusher with 897 yards and 13 touchdowns, has also joined Lee and their offensive coordinator at Pittsburgh Panthers. Branson Adams, who ran for 539 yards and three touchdowns on 89 carries, will look to fill the void.
Defensively, the Catamounts are also facing significant changes. They lost their top defensive lineman, Jayelin Davis, but Curtis Fann returns after recording 2.5 sacks, forcing three fumbles, and recovering one. While Rod Gattison, who led the team with eight passes defended and an interception, is gone, CJ Williams, who had six passes defended and an interception, will be back to anchor the secondary.
NC State vs Western Carolina Head-to-Head
NC State holds a perfect 7-0 record against Western Carolina in their previous meetings. The last time these two teams faced off was in 2019, resulting in a 41-0 shutout win for the Wolfpack.
| Date | Match | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 07/09/19 | NC State 41-0 Western Carolina | NCAA |