Overview

• Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET at Carter–Finley Stadium in Raleigh, with national coverage on ACC Network.
• BetMGM lists NC State as an 11.5-point favorite entering the rivalry opener.
• NC State starts sophomore CJ Bailey at quarterback, while ECU returns Katin Houser, who threw for 2,006 yards with 18 TDs and 11 INTs in 2024.
• NC State debuts new coordinators on both sides of the ball as coach Dave Doeren seeks a cleaner performance after saying he was embarrassed by last year’s bowl conduct.
• ECU’s defense adjusts to offseason suspensions, including linemen P. Carr and J. Lampley, as the Pirates look to validate their bowl result.