THE GAME
Thursday marks the 34th meeting between East Carolina and NC State, a rivalry that began in 1970. The Wolfpack leads the all-time series 19-14, but the Pirates claimed the most recent matchup with a 26-21 victory in last year’s Military Bowl. NC State has, however, taken the last two meetings played in Raleigh.
EAST CAROLINA
Record: 0-0, 0-0 American
Head Coach: Blake Harrell (Western Carolina ’02) — 5-1, first full season
Notes:
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The Pirates opened the 2024 campaign at 3-4 before rallying to win five of their final six contests under interim head coach Blake Harrell.
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Harrell’s first year at the helm ended with an 8-5 record — a six-win improvement from 2023 — capped by the Military Bowl win over NC State.
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ECU finished 5-3 in American Athletic Conference play, climbing to fifth place in the standings after winning four of its last five league games.
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QB Katin Houser (Michigan State transfer) returns after throwing for 2,006 yards and 18 touchdowns last season.
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WR Anthony Smith, a transfer from NC State, hauled in 41 passes for 799 yards and six touchdowns in his first season with the Pirates.
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Defensively, ECU brings back just one starter from 2024 — DE Ryheem Craig (Louisville transfer), who recorded 53 tackles and 4.0 TFL last year.
NC STATE
Record: 0-0, 0-0 ACC
Head Coach: Dave Doeren (Drake ’93) — 87-65, 13th season at NC State; 110-69 overall
Notes:
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The Wolfpack finished 2024 with a 6-7 mark, ending a streak of four straight winning seasons.
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NC State went 3-5 in the ACC, part of a four-way tie for 10th place.
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Despite last year’s struggles, the Wolfpack have been strong at home, posting a 27-7 record at Carter-Finley Stadium over the last five years.
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NC State returns 13 starters, led by QB C.J. Bailey, who threw for 2,413 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while adding five scores on the ground.
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The offense also brings back its top rusher, RB Hollywood Smothers, and leading receiver, TE Justin Joly.
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On defense, LB Sean Brown returns after starting all 13 games and tallying a team-high 96 tackles.
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Notably, former East Carolina head coach Ruffin McNeill enters his sixth season on Dave Doeren’s staff as special assistant to the head coach.
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