Emptying The Notebook: NC State working to avoid second-half fall off and more

NC State’s opening 25 minutes of the 2025 campaign was nearly perfect. It scored on three of its first four possessions, while the Wolfpack forced four straight East Carolina three-and-outs in the process.  The Pack held a 17-0 lead and appeared primed to deliver a statement with a blowout win over the Pirates, who upset the program in the Military Bowl just eight months before. But instead of cruising to a double-digit victory, NC State’s own gaffes allowed ECU to make it a game in the fourth quarter. And even though the Wolfpack won 24-17, the program wasn’t happy with how it handled itself in the final 35 minutes of the game. Seven penalties for 63 yards, including back-to-back false starts to open the third quarter, hurt, while a substitution error on defense allowed ECU to take advantage for a 79-yard touchdown strike. NC State coach Dave Doeren expanded on those miscues during his weekly radio show Wednesday night.