NCSU free safety Tanner Ingle puts his helmet on the football, resulting in a fumble by ECU quarterback Holton Ahlers. The Wolfpack recovered the ball in the end zone, putting an end to a promising opening drive from the Pirates. State subsequently marched 80 yards to go up 7-0 in the first quarter. (W.A. Myatt photo)

ECU punter John Young gets a punt off under strong pressure from the NCSU punt block. The junior in-state talent was a bright spot on what looked like an across the board improved special teams unit for the Pirates. (W.A. Myatt photo)

NCSU running back Zonovan Knight eludes a tackle from ECU linebacker Brice Bivens en route to the Wolfpack’s first touchdown (W.A. Myatt photo)

Tyler Snead fields a kickoff in Saturday afternoon’s season opener against North Carolina State. The Raleigh product was impressive in a punt and kick return role for the Pirates (W.A. Myatt photo)

Wide receiver Blake Proehl signals an ECU first down on their opening drive. The 75 yard drive was capped by a fumble at the goal line, which the Wolfpack recovered. (W.A. Myatt photo)

ECU quarterback Holton Ahlers rushes through the middle of the line after a pass play breaks down against North Carolina State. (W.A. Myatt photo)

ECU head coach Mike Houston looks for answers from freshman Jsi Hatfield after an unnecessary roughness special teams penalty. (W.A. Myatt photo)

ECU defensive linemen Alex Turner lays a big hit on NCSU running back Zonovan Knight in the second half of Saturday’s 34-6 loss to ACC opponent NC State. (W.A. Myatt photo)

Members of the East Carolina defense celebrate a stop on fourth and short in the first half (W.A. Myatt photo)