Dave Doeren Fired Up for ECU Rematch: “I Want to Dominate That Team”
NC State head coach Dave Doeren has made it clear that the Week 1 matchup against East Carolina means more than just a typical season opener — it’s personal.
Last season, the Wolfpack fell 26–21 to ECU in the 2024 Military Bowl, a game that ended in chaos. A sideline brawl erupted in the final minute, leaving a referee injured and leading to multiple player ejections. Reflecting on that incident, Doeren didn’t hold back.
“I don’t just want to win that game. I want to dominate them,” he said. “Not because of who they are, but because of how we carried ourselves. That was the most embarrassed I’ve ever felt as a coach — not because of the loss, but because of our conduct in those final moments.”
The December melee started when ECU receiver Yannick Smith grabbed the towel of NC State defensive back Tamarcus Cooley. Cooley retaliated, and things quickly escalated as both benches emptied. During the scuffle, an ECU player shoved an NC State player from behind, causing him to stumble into an official and inadvertently headbutt him. Eight players were ejected — five from NC State.
Doeren was clearly still frustrated by the lack of discipline. “I won’t be part of football like that,” he said. “If things don’t change, I’ll walk away. That behavior disrespects the game, our staff, and our fans. Our players understand that now. This game is about winning — and if I have my way, we’ll win big. But ECU is a strong team with a lot of returning talent. It’s going to be a battle.”
Oddsmakers currently favor NC State by 11.5 points, though that may not satisfy Doeren’s thirst for redemption. The game is expected to be high-scoring, with the over/under set at 57.5 points.
The Wolfpack will host the Pirates at Carter-Finley Stadium on Thursday, August 28 at 7 p.m. ET, with the game airing on ACC Network.
