The North Carolina St. Wolfpack open their 2012 season on Friday night at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta up against the Tennessee Volunteers. Both teams have a lot of intrigue around them this year, with very similar expectations. It seems both fanbases have been rather disappointed with some high expectations of late.
Tennessee enters the third year of the Derek Dooley reign, and he's got an 11-14 record to his credit. His 1-7 mark in the SEC last season was the school's worst conference record since joining in 1933. Tyler Bray is in his third season as the starter, but won't have star receiver Da'Rick Rogers at his side, as Rogers was suspended indefinitely a week ago.
N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien enters his fifth season, coming off an 8-5 year in 2011 with a win in the Belk Bowl over Louisville. There are seven starters returning on both sides of the ball, including quarterback Mike Glennon, who played exceedingly well a year ago with 31 touchdowns to his credit.
Game Time: Friday, Aug. 30, 2012, 7:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: ESPNU
Radio Info: 104.5 FM, The Vol Network, The Wolfpack Sports Network
Point Spread: Tennessee -3.5
For more coverage of the game, stay tuned to the SB Nation Atlanta StoryStream. For more on N.C. State football, head over to Backing the Pack. For more on Tennessee football, check out Rocky Top Talk.