The first night of college football in North Carolina featured standout performances across the state.
North Carolina, NC State and Wake Forest each won their openers, and each team provides a player for our Three Stars Of The Night.
Three Stars of the Night
Noah Burnette (North Carolina): Burnette was the hero for the Tar Heels, hitting all four of his field-goal attempts, including a crucial 52-yarder, to secure a 19-17 victory over Minnesota. His precision in a tight game was the difference as the Gophers missed two critical kicks, including a potential game-winner.
Kevin “KC” Concepcion (NC State): Concepcion dazzled with nine receptions for 121 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Wolfpack to a 38-21 win over Western Carolina. His playmaking ability was on full display, making him a game-changer for NC State in a closer-than-expected game against the FCS Catamounts.
Taylor Morin (Wake Forest): Morin earned the first special teams touchdown of the season with a 73-yard punt return and also added six catches for 100 yards and another score in Wake Forest’s dominant performance against NC A&T.
NC Football News’ Helmet Stickers
Andrew Brown (NC A&T): 51-yard field goal
Mars Hill Defense: 3 interceptions, 2 by Tristan Rankin for 22 return yards
Demond Claiborne (Wake Forest): 135 rushing yards, 1 TD
Omarion Hampton (UNC): 129 rushing yards
Jordan Waters (NC State): 123 rushing yards, 1 TD
Kenji Christian (NC A&T): 121 rushing yards, 1 TD
Jahvaree Ritzie (UNC): 3 sacks
Grayson McCall (NC State): 318 passing yards, 3 TDs
Ken Moore Jr. (Western Carolina): 51-yard interception return
Pius Njenge (Gardner-Webb): 9 tackles, 2 tackles-for-loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hurry
Thursday, Aug. 29 Scoreboard
| AWAY TEAM | HOME TEAM | TIME | ||
| 13 | North Carolina A&T | 45 | Wake Forest | FINAL |
| 21 | Western Carolina | 38 | NC State | FINAL |
| 47 | Delta State | 16 | Mars Hill | FINAL |
| 21 | Wofford | 20 | Gardner-Webb | FINAL |
| 19 | North Carolina | 17 | Minnesota | FINAL |
