Talking season is over. Predictions have been made. Preseason accolades have been handed out. Camp is in the books.
It’s time to dirty the uniforms and play games that count.
The college football season will kick off around the Old North State this week, and we’ll have contests featuring North Carolina teams to follow on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and, yes, even Sunday.
So get your tailgate ready, cue the marching bands, and let’s play football.
Below is a preview of Thursday and Friday night action involving our state’s teams. Check back throughout the weekend for final scores, instant reaction, previews of Saturday and Sunday games, plus other content:
NEED A REFRESHER BEFORE KICKOFF? REVIEW THESE STORIES FROM NC FOOTBALL NEWS:
- Preseason FABULOUS 15 statewide team rankings
- FCS preseason team power rankings
- FCS preseason “All-North Carolina” team
- D2 preseason team power rankings
- D2 preseason “All-North Carolina” team
Preseason Player Spotlights
Thursday, Aug. 29 Games
Wofford (2-9 in 2023) at Gardner-Webb (7-5) | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
The Cris Reisert head coaching era begins in Boiling Springs with a retooled roster and optimism that the Bulldogs can defend their Big South/OVC championship. Quarterback Ren Heffley, Anthony Lowe and Ayden Bell have been designated as team captains for the GWU season ahead.
Delta State (10-2) at Mars Hill (8-2) | 7 p.m.
The Statesman, two-time defending Gulf South Conference champions, will visit The Hill carrying a No. 14 national ranking in the D2Football.com media poll and No. 18 ranking in the coaches poll.
But Mars Hill won’t be a pushover by any stretch. The Lions return players with all-conference credentials at quarterback (JR Martin), running back (Jon Gullette), wide receiver (Malik Laurent), tight end (Beau DeBerry), defensive line (Boris Lewis), linebacker (Dexter Fitzpatrick) and defensive back (Tristan Rankin).
This is the first of three games Delta State will play against North Carolina foes. Wingate and Chowan await later in the season.
Western Carolina at NC State | 7 p.m. | ACC Network
The top-ranked FCS team in North Carolina will visit the top-ranked FBS team in a highly anticipated match-up. Western Carolina has never beaten NC State in seven tries, falling 41-0 in the last meeting in 2019.
All eyes will be on the two quarterbacks — WCU gun-slinger Cole Gonzales (SoCon preseason offensive MVP) and NC State’s dual-threat transfer Grayson McCall (he of Coastal Carolina and mullet fame). Don’t be surprised if the Wolfpack keeps things vanilla, especially if it can seize control early. Tennessee is on deck next week, and coaches don’t like to put more on film for their next opponent than they have to.
North Carolina A&T at Wake Forest | 7 p.m. | ACCN Extra
Two teams coming off of rough 2023 campaigns are looking for a positive start to 2024. The Aggies have gone all-in on recharging their offense. Wake Forest is still looking to find the next Sam Hartman to run its patented slow-mesh offense.
North Carolina at Minnesota | 8 p.m. | Fox Sports
Who will we see at quarterback for the Tar Heels? How many QBs will get playing time? Can the defense take a step forward? Plenty of questions surround Carolina football right now. Whoever lines up under center likely will do plenty of handing off to 1,500-yard back Omarion Hampton.
Friday, Aug. 30
Elon at Duke | 7:30 p.m. | ACC Network
An intriguing opener to start the Manny Diaz coaching era at Duke The Blue Devils aim to continue positive momentum built during Mike Elko’s brief stay in Durham. The Phoenix, who have been giant killers the past few seasons against nationally ranked FCS squads, will look to spoil the party with an experienced roster on both sides of the ball.
The Full Weekend Schedule
