The N.C. State Wolfpack football team faced a tough defeat, losing 51-10 to the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday at the Duke’s Mayo Classic held in Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium.
In this first-ever top-25 meeting between the two teams, the 24th-ranked Wolfpack (1-0) struggled against the 14th-ranked Volunteers (1-0), who showcased their potential as contenders for the College Football Playoff. The Volunteers, led by quarterback Nico Iamaleava, scored three touchdowns and became the first team since Clemson in 2019 to score over 50 points against N.C. State.
The Wolfpack’s only touchdown came from Aydan White, whose interception return shifted some momentum in the second half. In contrast, Tennessee recorded six touchdowns and three field goals, with running back Dylan Smothers making a significant impact, scoring two touchdowns and rushing for over 130 yards.
Tennessee was dominant from the start, leading 20-3 at halftime, which included a pivotal pick-six by Will Brooks in the second quarter. N.C. State’s Grayson McCall struggled throughout the game, throwing an interception that sparked a late first-half surge for the Volunteers.
After a strong opening week where N.C. State defeated Western Carolina 38-21, powered by wide receiver KC Concepcion, this matchup proved to be a challenging test. Tennessee entered the game following a decisive 69-3 win over Chattanooga.
As the game unfolded, Tennessee’s scoring continued, with the Volunteers pushing their lead to 50-10 in the fourth quarter.
Key moments included:
– Dylan Sampson’s 34-yard touchdown run extending Tennessee’s lead to 44-10 early in the fourth quarter.
– N.C. State’s Aydan White returning an interception for a touchdown, bringing the score to 37-10.
– Iamaleava scoring on a 31-yard run, increasing Tennessee’s advantage further.
The halftime score of 20-3 saw Tennessee scoring a field goal just before the break, as they capitalized on N.C. State’s mistakes, including multiple turnovers.
Tennessee’s prior match included a dominant performance, and they showcased similar prowess against N.C. State, taking control early with a touchdown in the first quarter. With a full season still ahead, both teams will look to adjust and improve in their upcoming games.