The 2025 college football season kicks off with a heated in-state battle as the East Carolina Pirates head west to face the NC State Wolfpack on August 28 at Carter-Finley Stadium. These two programs reignite a rivalry that has provided memorable clashes in recent years, including a closely contested 26–21 bowl game win by East Carolina last December that ended in a scuffle, fueling anticipation for this rematch. While NC State enters the season as a slight favorite at home, questions loom over the Wolfpack’s ability to clean up the inconsistencies that plagued them throughout 2024, especially defensively and in key late-game situations. Head coach Dave Doeren finds himself under increased scrutiny after a 6–7 campaign and just four covers against the spread in 13 games, as his team surrendered over 30 points per contest despite a talented front seven. On the other side, East Carolina is carrying momentum under interim-turned-permanent head coach Blake Harrell, who led the Pirates to a 5–1 finish after taking over midseason and brought noticeable improvements to both sides of the ball. The Pirates’ offense averaged 32 points per game during that stretch, driven by efficient quarterback play and a run game that kept opposing defenses honest, while their defense tightened up in red zone efficiency and turnover generation.

Though East Carolina lacks the four-star depth of an ACC roster, they more than compensate with cohesion, returning production, and recent experience in close road environments. Their 7–5 ATS record in 2024 highlights a team that frequently exceeded expectations and played disciplined, opportunistic football. This matchup is expected to be physical and emotional, with both fanbases eager to assert bragging rights, but the outcome may ultimately hinge on which team executes better on third downs and avoids costly penalties or turnovers. NC State will lean on its home-field advantage and seek to dominate up front early, but the Wolfpack must improve their offensive consistency and defensive coverage breakdowns if they hope to control the tempo. Meanwhile, ECU will try to weather the early crowd surge, maintain composure, and gradually chip away at NC State’s defense with methodical drives and timely explosive plays. The total is set near 52, implying a game that could start tight and open up late, especially if either defense wears down or special teams swing field position. In the end, while NC State carries the higher recruiting pedigree and home-field edge, East Carolina arrives with better recent form, sharper coaching direction, and the intangible edge of rivalry motivation fresh from last year’s bowl win. If the Pirates can stay efficient offensively and match NC State’s physicality in the trenches, they stand a real chance of not just covering, but winning outright and sending a message that they are ready to dominate the state rivalry heading into the 2025 campaign.