The N.C. State Wolfpack football team faces a significant challenge this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. as they take on the Tennessee Volunteers in the Duke’s Mayo Classic in Charlotte. This matchup, broadcast on ABC, features the 24th-ranked Wolfpack (1-0) against the 14th-ranked Volunteers (1-0) at Bank of America Stadium, home to the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. The teams are tied 2-2 in their all-time series, with Tennessee winning the most recent meeting in 2012.
N.C. State is coming off a 38-21 win over Western Carolina, led by standout wide receiver KC Concepcion. Tennessee, on the other hand, dominated Chattanooga last week with a stunning 69-3 victory, spearheaded by quarterback Nico Iamaleava.
The Wolfpack is looking for its first win against a top-15 opponent in a neutral location since 2017, having previously suffered mixed results at the NFL venue. Meanwhile, Tennessee suffered a notable loss at the same stadium in 2018 against West Virginia.
Details on live updates will be available as the game commences. Currently, here are some early highlights:
Tennessee increased their lead with a field goal from Max Gilbert, making it 10-3 late in the first half. N.C. State’s kicker, Kanoah Vinesett, responded with a 24-yard field goal to bring the score to 7-3 early in the first half. N.C. State defender Bishop Fitzgerald also made a key interception against Iamaleava early in the second quarter, demonstrating strong defensive efforts.
The first quarter ended with Tennessee leading 7-0, courtesy of a 9-yard touchdown run by Dylan Sampson just seconds before the quarter concluded.
The game is slated to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET, and fans can catch it on ABC or stream it via Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers. The broadcast team includes Rece Davis and Kirk Herbstreit in the booth, with Holly Rowe reporting from the sidelines.
In terms of predictions, analysts expect a close game, with Tennessee projected to win 33-23, highlighting the strength of their offense.
As for betting odds, Tennessee currently holds a 10-point spread over N.C. State, with an over/under set at 60.5 points.
Injury updates and the latest weather conditions will also be provided as the game approaches, with expected temperatures around 74 degrees at kickoff under clear skies.
N.C. State’s schedule continues beyond this week, with upcoming games against Louisiana Tech and Clemson, among others. Meanwhile, Tennessee will face Kent State after their matchup with the Wolfpack.