5 bold predictions ahead of NC State vs. ECU

by: Noah Fleischman08/28/25fleischman_noah

Hollywood Smothers — NC State redshirt sophomore running back Daylan Smothers rushed for 414 yards and five touchdowns over his last five games a year ago. (USA Today Sports photos)

NC State and East Carolina are ready to open the 2025 season Thursday night at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, kicking off the 13th season of the Dave Doeren era. While the Wolfpack is set to clash with the Pirates for the 33rd time in program history, here are five bold predictions for the game. We will check on how they did ahead of next weekend’s home date with Virginia, a non-conference matchup.