NC State opened their season with a hard-fought 24-17 victory over East Carolina at Carter-Finley Stadium. The Wolfpack built a commanding 17-0 lead in the second quarter behind CJ Bailey, who scored on an 11-yard run and connected with Wesley Grimes for a 48-yard touchdown strike. Despite a late push from the Pirates, including Jayvontay Conner's 79-yard touchdown reception and a fourth-quarter rally that cut the deficit to seven, NC State's defense stood tall in the closing minutes to secure the win.