Tennessee vs NC State: A tale of two teams headed in opposite directions

The Tennessee Volunteers and the NC State Wolfpack entered the 2024 season with high hopes. Tennessee was ranked 14th in the preseason AP Poll, while NC State was ranked 24th. However, the two teams have taken very different paths through the first two weeks of the season.
Tennessee has started the season 2-0, with impressive wins over Ball State and Bowling Green. The Volunteers' offense has been particularly impressive, averaging over 500 yards per game. Quarterback Hendon Hooker has thrown for over 600 yards and six touchdowns, while running back Tiyon Evans has rushed for over 200 yards and three touchdowns.
NC State, on the other hand, has started the season 1-1. The Wolfpack lost their season opener to East Carolina, and they barely escaped with a win over Charleston Southern in Week 2. NC State's offense has struggled to find its rhythm, and the defense has been giving up big plays.
The Volunteers and the Wolfpack will face off in a key ACC matchup on Saturday, September 7th. Tennessee will be looking to continue their hot start to the season, while NC State will be looking to right the ship. The game is sure to be a close one, and it could have a significant impact on the ACC standings.
Here is a closer look at the two teams:
Tennessee Volunteers
* Head coach: Josh Heupel
* 2023 record: 11-2
* Key players: QB Hendon Hooker, RB Tiyon Evans, WR Cedric Tillman
NC State Wolfpack
* Head coach: Dave Doeren
* 2023 record: 9-4
* Key players: QB MJ Morris, RB Demie Sumo-Karngbaye, WR Thayer Thomas
The Volunteers are a talented team with a lot of experience. Hooker is one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC, and Evans is one of the most dynamic running backs in the country. The Volunteers also have a strong defense, led by linebacker Jeremy Banks.
The Wolfpack are a young team with a lot of potential. Morris is a talented quarterback, and Sumo-Karngbaye is a rising star at running back. The Wolfpack also have a good defense, led by linebacker Drake Thomas.
The game between Tennessee and NC State is sure to be a close one. The Volunteers are the more experienced team, but the Wolfpack have a lot of talent and they are playing at home. The game could go either way, and it could have a significant impact on the ACC standings.