ECU’s Blake Harrell Confident Heading Into NC State Matchup
Looking to notch back-to-back wins over NC State, East Carolina head coach Blake Harrell is preparing his team for what promises to be an intense in-state rivalry game.
NC State head coach Dave Doeren had high praise for Harrell ahead of Thursday’s contest.
“I have a lot of respect for Blake Harrell,” Doeren said. “What he accomplished last year—going 5-1 after stepping in as interim and then taking over as full-time head coach—was impressive. We’ve spoken several times over the years, and I really admire the work he’s done.”
Harrell met with the media in Greenville on Monday to share his thoughts ahead of the clash in Raleigh.
Key Quotes from Blake Harrell
On preparing for the Wolfpack:
“We finished up preseason about 10 days ago and started our game prep for NC State. We’ve been in game-week mode for a while now. We practiced this morning, we’ll go again tomorrow, and then we’ll head to Raleigh Wednesday afternoon to get ready for Thursday night.”
On Dave Doeren and the NC State program:
“Coach Doeren has done a fantastic job. To be in his 13th season at one program in today’s college football environment says a lot. He’s built a strong culture and a solid team, and I really respect that.”
On the rivalry and added intensity:
“It’s an in-state matchup, so naturally there’s extra emotion. A lot of our guys know players on their team from high school or past games, and social media constantly highlights the rivalry. It’s tough to treat it like just another opponent.
That said, while we respect NC State and what they’ve done under Coach Doeren, our focus remains on us—how we prepare, how we practice, and how we execute. That approach helps manage the emotions and keeps our attention where it should be: on playing our best football.”
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