NC State will host its annual Kay Yow Spring Football Game Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium.
Parking lots will open at 8 a.m., and fans will want to get there early to take advantage of all the events that will take place in conjunction with the afternoon game. This year will mark the third annual Wolfpack Football Classic Alumni game and will be the inaugural year for the Carter-Finley Combine.
The Wolfpack Football Classic Alumni will begin at 10:45 a.m. and will feature myriad former Wolfpack players in a flag football game that should be quite a treat for fans. The Carter-Finley Combine will take place during halftime of the spring game and will feature the top-three coed student teams in a contest that is made up of a 40-yard dash, pass and kick competition.
In addition to these events, there will be a number of family-friendly activities that fans can take advantage of, such as the opportunity to meet Tuffy, the Wolfpack’s mascot, face-painting booths and the chance to get autographs from the NC State cheerleading team.
Also, as in previous years, fans should expect to see some familiar faces on the sidelines as former players have made a habit of attending the game in the past. One player in particular has already announced via his Instagram that he will be there. Former Wolfpack quarterback legend and San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers will be in attendance Saturday. It’s likely that a few other players could make a surprise visit as well.
As for the main event, there are a few things that fans should look out for in this first opportunity to see the 2016 football team in action.
For one, this will be the first look at the offense under the direction of new offensive coordinator Eli Drinkwitz. Given that he ran exciting and explosive offense during his time at Boise State, it will be interesting to see how much of that style of play will be incorporated in this year’s offensive playbook.
Additionally, this will be fans’ first time seeing the highly anticipated redshirt freshman running back Johnny Frasier take the field at Carter-Finley Stadium. Frasier had quite an impressive high school career, and fans have been anxious to see him showcase his abilities. Hopefully, this Saturday will provide a taste of what could be a very successful season for Frasier and the team.
Lastly, this game will allow fans to gain some insight into the battle for the starting quarterback position that is currently taking place. In a recent interview, Drinkwitz said that the coaching staff will not name Jacoby Brissett’s replacement until the fall, but this game should give coaches and fans alike a good look at the competition.
The two primary players who will be competing for the starting position are redshirt sophomore Jalan McClendon and redshirt freshman Jakobi Meyers. Both players had great success at their respective high schools and were ranked among the top players in the nation at the QB position.
Unfortunately, only one of them can earn the starting job, but they both should have the opportunity to prove their worth Saturday. Either way, it will be an enjoyable day for Wolfpack fans.
Admission to the event is free, but fans are encouraged to donate at least $1, with all proceeds going to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and the Kay Yow Scholarship endowment. For additional information on the full schedule of activities and an activity map, visit gopack.com.
