'NC State Football's Brennan Armstrong Shines in Win at UConn'

NC State football quarterback Brennan Armstrong shines in season opener with a 24-14 win against UConn.

In a thrilling season opener, NC State football emerged victorious with a 24-14 road win against UConn at the packed Pratt & Whitney Stadium. The Wolfpack, with a record of 1-0, relied on their strong defense and the impressive debut of their new quarterback, Brennan Armstrong, to overcome the tenacious Huskies, who now stand at 0-1.

Brennan Armstrong wasted no time in leaving his mark on the team, showcasing his skills in the first half with a total of 121 yards. He even managed to secure a 4-yard touchdown run on the opening drive, a feat that the NC State offense achieved only three times in their 13 games last season. Armstrong's exceptional performance included an impressive 96 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

However, the game was not without its moments of concern. In the third quarter, NC State defensive back Rakeim Ashford suffered an injury and had to be stretchered off the field after a kickoff return. Fortunately, after a 20-minute delay, Ashford gave a thumbs up, providing some relief to both the team and the fans. The Wolfpack offense responded to this incident with a touchdown drive, widening the gap to a 10-point lead.

UConn initially showed promise with a strong opening drive and an explosive play in the third quarter. However, once NC State took the lead in the second quarter, they held on to it tightly. The Huskies' offense struggled, with six out of their eight drives ending in punts. After gaining 75 yards on their first drive, UConn was limited to just 198 yards for the remainder of the game. The win was sealed by veteran linebacker Payton Wilson, who intercepted a pass in the fourth quarter.

Following their impressive performance against UConn, NC State will return to Carter-Finley Stadium on September 9th to face the nationally-ranked Notre Dame. This highly anticipated matchup, set to be broadcasted on ABC at noon, promises to be an electrifying event in Raleigh. The Fighting Irish, led by Wake Forest transfer Sam Hartman, showcased their strength with a resounding 42-3 victory over Navy in Ireland on August 26th. The Wolfpack holds a respectable 2-1 record against Notre Dame in their history.

As the team prepares for their upcoming game, the excitement and anticipation among fans are palpable. The atmosphere at Carter-Finley Stadium is sure to be electric as NC State takes on the formidable Notre Dame. It will be a test of skill, determination, and teamwork as the Wolfpack aims to continue their winning streak.

In conclusion, NC State football's season opener against UConn was a thrilling and hard-fought battle. The team's victory can be attributed to their strong defense, led by Payton Wilson's crucial interception, and the impressive debut of quarterback Brennan Armstrong. With their next game against Notre Dame on the horizon, the Wolfpack is ready to face another formidable opponent and continue their quest for success in the 2023 season.