Doeren Gears Up for Opener Against Pirates

RALEIGH, NC — On Monday afternoon, North Carolina State football head coach Dave Doeren looked optimistic about his team’s chances this season, when they face their in-state rivals, East Carolina for their home opener.

Doeren mentions, “We are excited for those guys. We are a young football team.”

He adds, “There’s nine guys who are going to be starting in this game for the first time. We have 17 freshman and sophomores.” Then he says, “It’s different, but its also a team that is hungry and prove itself.”

Not only Doeren is optimistic about the upcoming season, but also he feels that the young players will experience growth.

Matt McKay — a Raleigh native — will be the starting quarterback for the Wolfpack on Saturday. As a result, Doeren stated that “His accuracy, leadership and his ability to help protect the team with decision-making and his consistent team is what will prevail.” Therefore, he is excited about his progress.

Doeren is impressed with the improvements of the other Quarterbacks Ty Evans and Bailey Hockman. He expresses enthusiasm of working with the young quarterbacks and he adds that “they have really good arm talent.”

Furthermore, he adds that there is speed and depth in the runningback position, where he believes “they can run”.

The ninth-year Wolfpack coach advises that “We can’t let game day distract us as Doeren remains upbeat about the home opener.

NC State and ECU have met 30 times. The series dates back to 1970, where NC State leads the all-time series, 17-13.

The game will be at Carter-Finley Stadium at Noon and will be aired on ACC Network.