NC State Football Accepts Military Bowl Bid to Play... the ECU Pirates?! | NC State Podcast

When you finish 6-6, beggars can't be choosers. Especially when this team was fortunate to even receive a Bowl bid. The Wolfpack will travel north to Annapolis, Maryland to take on ECU Pirates in the Military Bowl. Only question is - why this matchup?
For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast!
From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Omaha Steaks
From legendary steaks to mouthwatering desserts and more, save 50% off sitewide at OmahaSteaks.com. Plus, our listeners get an extra $30 off with promo code COLLEGE AND a $30 reward card when you shop early. Minimum purchase may apply.
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.
FanDuel
You can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 link.chtbl.com...
Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More
🎧 linktr.ee/Lock...
#Wolfpack #NCState #NCStateFootball #NCAA

[@elizabethtemple1174]

It is an honor to be in the Military Bowl! Supporting Patriot Point, and the soldiers, so great!

[@Brianwithay77]

Playing ECU in a bowl this year is like going to visit Grandma for the holidays, but she orders take out from Applebees.

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

😂😂 truer words never spoken

[@Toomuchtalent]

Grayson & Kenton aren’t kidding. Back in the early 90’s when I was at school, there were fights in the stands, they would tear down our goal posts, we had to stop playing them for a stretch just due to the nastiness between the 2 teams. Everybody needs to head to Annapolis and support our boys. The rivalry is real and We need to stomp them now and next season. Go Pack!

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Time yet again to teach the Pirates what the deal is. Go Pack!

[@mikestewart3670]

I was also there. Hate those eastern NC yahoos.

[@elizabethtemple1174]

God bless the USA!

[@michaelholbrook9645]

I am absolutely ecstatic for the team receiving a bowl bid to the Military Bowl in Annapolis, Maryland. I remember going to Silver Springs, Maryland for a big-time weekend of concert band/marching band/and parade band competitions in high school. One of the staff had connections with the USNA so we got a tour of the facilities on our off day from competition. It's a magical experience and I hope the team gets the opportunity to tour the USNA while there. Also hyped to see us playing ECU. What an amazing reward for all the hard work levied by this young Wolfpack squad; the blood, sweat, and tears left on the field of competition, and all the angst and gut-wrenching decisions that led to this moment. So proud! Go Wolfpack!

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

The USNA is awesome. I'd imagine a tour will be in order for the team & staff

[@michaelholbrook9645]

Grayson, you guys nailed the critical points once again. The way you got amped-up talking about the importance of beating ECU underscores the immediate tension that one feels when looking forward to this game. It is indeed UNC Tarheels in purple & gold in terms of how we must approach this game. This is as critical as beating Carolina was to enable us to get this opportunity. Coach Doeren has to emphasize how important this game is to the culture of Wolfpack football. This is a leave everything on the field, YOUR BEST offensive playing of the year, YOUR BEST tackling, sacks, interceptions, and defensive plays of the year are in demand in a national spotlight game on ESPN. This is that time when your team camaraderie and togetherness shines at maximum brightness. And we need to make sure the team gets sent off with a big belltower celebration and pep rally like we did for the basketball teams when they went to The Final Four! It's that important.

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

This is a culture game. Every step of the way

[@jpack85]

While you can argue that NC State may be a bit of a downgrade, Raleigh is an upgrade to Columbia.

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

That part is certainly true. Columbia is a dump

[@toast803]

DD can offer more than homecoming and "he's about to retire" package. NC State has been known as a defensive team (thanks TG) and DD has methodically built a culture. These should lure a quality candidate to the DC role.

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

I wouldn’t mind kicking the tires on NIU’s DC. He’s young, and had NIU Top 5 Nationally in Total Defense. Nick Benedetto

[@theweatherguy9839]

As a fan of y’all show since last year Vs Clemson I’m also an nc state student but both of my parents went to ECU and my grandpa played at state I gotta say when ECU isn’t playing state im a pirate fan but man y’all ain’t gotta show me so much disrespect for rooting for the pirates that’s wild.

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

That’s not what we said. We said ECU fans don’t pull for State. They pull for Carolina. You’re a State fan that pulls for ECU. There’s a difference

[@JacksonDad1]

I still remember getting embarrassed by ECU in the Peach Bowl back in the day, so every time we play them I get uneasy. We could totally overlook them and end up on the wrong side of the scoreboard. Please demolish them Pack!

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

I don’t think Dave will overlook them. He knows the significance of this matchup

[@wlyounce375]

Great experience here. NCSU-alumnus Jerrick Hall is still on the Naval Academy Defense coaching staff. The pack should try to look him up if they aren't out of town for their bowl game...Love it that our football team will get to experience it. Don't forget that NCSU is legitimately the 2nd highest source of commissioned officers in the US Navy and Marine Corps in our country, second only to USNA. The NC State branch of the Piedmont Region Consortium (ROTC) is the greatest of the three NCSU, DUKE and UNC. GO PACK !!! and GO NAVY !!!

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Annapolis is a beautiful town. Naval Academy is a very cool place to visit. Great time of year for Pack fans to make this trip 🐺

[@wlyounce375]

@@LockedOnWolfpack Indeed. My son just wrapped up 4 years at USNA. Class of '23. My wife and I loved our time spent there. It is a beautiful place rich in history and character.

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Few of my high school classmates attended USNA. Couple friends & I would always drive down to the the Blue Angels airshow for Graduation every May

[@Brianwithay77]

I think one thing State can offer a DC (and/or hopefully a new OC) is the strong possibility that DD will retire in a few years. Like Kenton said, DD can groom leadership and that seems like a great way for a high character coach like DD to go out. Leaving us in good hands.

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

We bout to find out!

[@KentPearce]

Can't wait to see who the new defensive coordinator will be

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Lot of Defensive pieces returning is a great sign

[@toast803]

DD has sneakily built a pretty solid coaching tree.

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Officially now 3 former Assistants turned Head Coaches

[@DLTJR1959]

I can see Tony returning to Raleigh as head coach after Dave retires if he is successful at Marshall. I predict that he will be successful there. We should go after Clayton White. He's from the area and can recruit the athletes we need to compete.

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Who knows! We could very well see Tony Gibson again down the road. Wouldn’t hate that at all. I’d bet he excels at Marshall

[@willbuckner9467]

Spitting facts about hoop....you cant be bad at all three...or even marginal at them....hope its a work in progress...glad styles stepped it up...the opportunity is there. On the grid, we need a killer DC , we need a ton of work there, CW would be great for us....and beat the pie-rats!! Probably as good a bowl as could expect. Will cause some buzz.

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Can be a really great month for Pack Football if they play their cards right

[@KentPearce]

Need to finish the season strong with a bowl win against ECU

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Spring board into next year

[@theweatherguy9839]

Please do not disrespect me and say I’m a UNC fan yet I’m quite loyal to nc state but go pirates and go pack…

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

We’re not disrespecting you 😂

[@theweatherguy9839]

@ my fault for misinterpreting that. Y’all continue the amazing work.

[@carsoncorrell7882]

ECU is 7-5, but their biggest win is against 6-6 UTSA. ECU would go 3-9 with our schedule

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Probably the worst 7-5 team in the country. NC State needs to show up and stand on business

[@purplebeard1526]

Worst eh? Once the coaching change happened, we've looked a lot better. It didn't help the Navy game had Navy on a bye and Blake having to deal with his official hiring for the position on a short week.

[@purplebeard1526]

Forgot to add that we had a QB change too when Blake took over as interim. He got the 4 wins on his own.

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

That's not an excuse lol. Navy didn't even have their Starting QB

[@purplebeard1526]

@@LockedOnWolfpack I get your point, but their backup got a lot of PT prior to that game. Trust me, I'm not giving excuses for losing to Navy like we did considering our run from Blake taking over as interim up to that game. That said, Navy has had our number for whatever reason. As a die hard ECU fan, even I can't explain it. This game could honestly hinge on transfer portal entries and coaching changes from what either of us saw towards the end of our seasons. *IF* I were to troll, I'd argue State used everything it had to take down UNC LOL. I was kind of hoping we'd get UNC in a bowl so we could send Mack packing, but you did that for us. It also makes for an interesting scenario for whomever wins going into that season opener in 2025. But my main point is, we aren't a terrible 7-5 team. Once we fired Mike (whose conservative nature probably did him in) and changed QBs we got on a very hot roll and beat bad teams badly. @ Tulsa for us has been a tough one as we have to face the refs too. @ UNT was another tough one because of being down in the first half on the road too. They have an offense, not a defense. Navy, of the 5 games Blake got to coach as the interim, was the best team over that stretch we had faced for sure. And at the half, we were leading. Sitting there shooting the second half, I couldn't believe what transpired. Major adjustments by Navy. State, as you guys sit, would probably our toughest test aside from Navy over the course of the year.

[@michaelholbrook9645]

BENERGY, sharpshooting from our three-point specialists, big guards that can score in so many ways around the rim, and winning the defensive battle in so many areas, this is a game that we would have lost last year. We get great leadership from our seniors and exceptional play from everybody. We have a chance to be the best team in the conference again this year when all is said and done.

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Actually agree with that - before March, we probably would have lost a game like that last year. Good sign of the resilience in this team

[@hiramfrankgrainger1933]

C white number 15 would be great

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

The two of us would love it. Just unsure how likely it is

[@carl1round]

NC State Class of 94' Retired Chicago Bear. NC STATE played ECU Peach Bowl 92 Atlanta GA. My daughter moved in a ECU freshman dorm. Roommate dad suggested Cubbie's. Decked out in Red from Head to toe. Only seat available was Shrine decidated to Peach Bowl 92. Hey Pups this game is IMPORTANT. Many NC recruits will make their decision based on this game. ECU fans are not the Wine and Cheese crowd in Chapel Hill. It will probably be alot fun. ECU Fans love to talk trash. Please Repeat 2018 Win. Go Pack!!!!

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

It's very important. Any game with an in-state opponent always raises the stakes. Go Pack!

[@robertcooper5558]

We need to go after a SEC defensive coach.

[@jonathonjustice7574]

We don’t have that kind of money.

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Easier said than done

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

@@jonathonjustice7574 unfortunately

[@AndyAlcon]

Gibson was making more money than SC's DC..

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

@@AndyAlcon but it’s the SEC! It just means more Andy!

[@KatyAlmondb5l]

There is no measure to my hate for the transfer portal. I bet NFL players wish they could be free agents every year. 😤

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Making transfers unlimited was the real issue. Should’ve had a cap on it

[@youcancallmemal]

Like pretty much everyone else, I’m really sad about Coach Gibson leaving, but also really happy for him because he deserves it and he’s earned it. I’m nervous about who we’re gonna get and what effect that will have on the drop off we were already going to experience with the defense next year, but nonetheless, I know he’ll do great at Marshall. I’d love to see him come back and take over for Doeren in the future.

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Certainly wouldn't rule out a return. In some senses, him moving to Marshall could end up being a trial run before coming back. We shall see

[@michaelholbrook9645]

Given that we had made Tony Gibson one of the highest paid defensive coordinators in the country, I had hoped that the price to pay to entice him away would be too steep, especially after he turned down UNCC. But congratulations to him on being named Marshall's new head coach. He's going to be phenomenal! Meanwhile we will be looking forward to hopefully bringing in someone with a fresh new perspective on the stalwart defensive schemes of Coach Gibson. Going to take a yeoman's effort to search out and find someone that can improve upon his exceptionalism.

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Interesting to see what the new era of Wolfpack Defense will look like

[@KatyAlmondb5l]

Hey guys! 👋

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Hey Katy!

[@timfromnc645]

We need to kick their butts! Back in my State days ECU was always first game. Lots of confrontations in the stands. Good rivalry back then. Wish we were playing another team however. Play them next year. Go Pack!

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Bring em on. We'll play them any time, any place. Go Pack!

[@bobfunck6749]

Bowls dont have any responsibility to consider a team's upcoming schedule. They are only responsible to create a great bowl matchup that makes them the most $ in ticket sales and TV revenue. What do they care about our first game next year?

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

I think they’d care if it was a bigger matchup 😂 I believe if it were P4 v P4, they wouldn’t repeat matchups in this way. But It’s really not a huge deal. Just typically look forward to playing teams we don’t normally get to see

[@brianhemric2487]

I would love to see Philip Rivers come as the OC, and his son as our QB eventually.

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

I don't think the Philip Rivers thing should happen. We certainly want his son, but what if Philip comes back and can't coach? It would sour everyone's outlook of him

[@wolfpackmba]

Good for TG. Hate to see him go, but he deserves it. Maybe he will take Anae as OC! 😂

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Very happy for Gibson. Well deserved shot.

[@robmaxey2269]

Let’s be excited about Cedric Cisse cause he’s better than his brother

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Really good signing for State. Family ties!

[@Droop75]

Military Bowl or whoever is in charge of the matchups put us up against ECU because they know it’ll sell the most tickets for them. They couldn’t care less that we play them again in 8 months to start the season.

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

So they select an in-state Rivalry game. I respect the hustle

[@MrBigbadwolf81]

Football and playing ECU? Who cares? Maybe the Tony Gibson exit will be a catalyst for bigger changes. The litmus test for DD against UT told us everything we need to know. A super talented roster absolutely wasted sent some of us into a sabbatical from college football. Basketball has hope. They are learning how to win and we have enough depth to take care of business at the end of the game.

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Tony Gibson will be the biggest change you see this Offseason. The rest will be Roster Turnover. & agree on Basketball. Winning those types of games (OT) prove valuable down the road. Just find a way to Win

[@youcancallmemal]

Believe it or not, I do know a rare ECU alum who roots for State over the Dirty Foot Club. *Cue Santa in the M&M commercials “THEY DO EXIST!”* I was kind of meh about it before, but now that you guys put it like this, I feel more hyped about this bowl game. I just hope we don’t leave it as close as last time we played them. 😬 I’ll take another 58-3 butt whooping, please and thank you!

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Okay that updates our Counter to 3. We have now learned of 3 ECU fans that do not pull for the Dirty Foot Club this morning. I feel a Twitter poll coming on....

[@youcancallmemal]

I don’t know how to feel about the fact that my current favorite Pack basketball player used to wear baby blue. 😂 Dontrez is getting better every game. He and Marcus are gonna be the DJs (in star/talent level, not play style) of this season.

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

I'm all for it. I named Dontrez as my X-Factor for this year's team in the Preseason. That take is beginning to blossom. We need a few guys to step up and lead. Dontrez & Marcus appear to be interested

[@vaaggie96]

I hear you as far as the ECU rivalry from a fan standpoint BUT do the players feel the same way especially in this NIL era? Do you think players actually LOVE playing for their school compared to pre-NIL? I think it's easy for a fan to sit back and hate a rival considering a fan knows the detailed history between the two. But do these 18-23-year-old players hate rivals like the fans do? Are college sports becoming more of a business these days? Has to really make you wonder when you see players like a Josha Harris or a Jakeen Harris flip to UNC of all places.....I guess it's like a quote from an old movie "its business, its never personal"

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

I genuinely believe the current players enjoy being at State. If not, they would've gone portaling by now. We've even got key Defenders coming back, knowing the Tony Gibson is leaving. They want to be here. As for ECU.... I'd imagine none of our players feel any type of way about ECU. So that will be up to the Coaching Staff to give them in-state fuel in preparation

[@kenanshore]

Lol Ecu’s leading receiver was a 4 year State guy

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Anthony Smith. Happy for him!

[@noneofyourbz4007]

college playoffs via Military Bowl. awful matchup, absolutely no upside especially when it comes to recruiting.

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Just another chance to beat ECU. That's all

[@CHN-fh2sn]

@@LockedOnWolfpack Or lose to them!

[@KatyAlmondb5l]

12 team plyoff format has destroyed bowl season.

[@cambo5678]

We would still be in a meaningless bowl even if it was the BCS days

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Jury still out for me. I think these matchups might be incredible. Plus I think the 12 Teams were correctly selected

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

@@cambo5678 military bowl here we come

[@KatyAlmondb5l]

@@LockedOnWolfpack I was sweating SMU getting left out.

[@KatyAlmondb5l]

@@LockedOnWolfpack I guess I just don't like change. 😂

[@conanc1487]

Why would I root for NC State? If I'm gonna pick another team over ECU, at least I'd pick a winner like UNC or Duke...

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

NC State has more wins in the last 10 years than all 3

[@JamesThomas-dz4vj]

We just beat the dirty foot club on their field and only lost to Duke by giving the game away. Not sure what you're yapping about.

[@curveball135]

ECU fan here. I hate UNC and State equally. Sorry, but your claim that we are all UNC fans is unequivocally false.

[@jeljosh03]

@@curveball135 these two Yankees don’t know shit

[@JamesThomas-dz4vj]

your*

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Respect for being an actual ECU fan. Not many of you exist

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

@@jeljosh03 you’re the exception. Not the rule

[@curveball135]

@@JamesThomas-dz4vj whoops haha

[@mcleananderson4948]

Kenton Gibbs was 0-2 vs the Pirates talking pecking order 😅

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

And then what happened

[@mcleananderson4948]

@LockedOnWolfpack doesn't matter, the fact is when he played, he lost. The series should be way more lopsided than it is given all the advantages. Welcome to an unfair playing field. I suspect it will be even moreso when UNC, FSU, and Clemson get the hell outta dodge. I hate unc btw, always have.

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Unfair playing field? What?

[@mcleananderson4948]

@LockedOnWolfpack the original carnation of the BCS was unfair as is the modern P2. College football wasn't a meritocracy, but all about who you're aligned with and often times your market size. You'll get an annual lesson on this shortly as the big 10 and SEC further separate from the herd.

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

And where does that leave ECU

[@rc239fl]

Man what a disappointment to have to play State College in a bowl game - was hoping for a better opponent

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Like who? Charlotte? I bet they’d give y’all a good game….

[@JamesThomas-dz4vj]

Trust us, the disappointment is mutual. ECU looks at State as their Super Bowl for some odd reason. And after a year like we've had, I'm not sure why anyone would give a flying crap about this slap-dick bowl game. Literally no one cares about any postseason games outside of the playoff, especially now that it's expanded to 12 teams. We simply view ECU as the annoying gnat that won't go away - a true downgrade in every respect.

[@WoodyWetherington]

You guys are so arrogant. This is not our superbowl. We have beat several nationally ranked teams.

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

Think you may be confused on what a Super Bowl is, in this context

[@jeljosh03]

You guys suck I’m an ecu fan and cheer for state as my second team. I hate unc !

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

😂 you sir are a rare breed. You’re the only one we’ve ever heard of

[@thomasevans-xw4xt]

You must not get out much. ECU despises UNC! More ECU fans support NC State than would ever support those buttheads in Chapel Hell. This is going to be a good Bowl BECAUSE there will be lots of fans for both and the location will be packed. Most bowls suck due to lack of general attendance. I hope it ends up being 64-65 with an ECU WIN! Both teams NEED the media attention at this point. Take care. See ya in Annapolis.

[@LockedOnWolfpack]

⁠@@thomasevans-xw4xt that’s just not true lol. I’ve met SO MANY that support Chapel Hill. An overwhelming majority than those who support NC State