Former Duke Star Delivers Good Omen in NC State Football Debut
In the consistency department, Jordan Waters fell short of NC State football wide receiver and three-touchdown headliner KC Concepcion on Thursday night. The 6-foot, 224-pound graduate running back's subpar performance before the break — 22 yards on 11 carries — certainly contributed to the Wolfpack's early 14-7 deficit against visiting FCS opponent Western Carolina.
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Nevertheless, in ultimately exemplifying the Wolfpack's perseverance and helping to power the season-opening 38-21 win in Carter-Finley Stadium, Waters matched the rushing yards that he produced for Duke in the Blue Devils' 24-3 home win over Dave Doeren's 2023 squad.
Yes, the 23-year-old, a preseason Doak Walker Award candidate who transferred into the NC State football program following five years and 1,690 yards on the ground as a Blue Devil, managed to post the exact same total that folks have mentioned so frequently ever since he arrived in Raleigh.
First win of the season, first game in red for RB Jordan Waters (123 yards & 2 TDs) and QB Grayson McCall (26-40, 318 yards & 3 TDs). I caught up with the guys on the field after the W. @PackFootball pic.twitter.com/YygqqS6Gc9
— Kate Rogerson (@KateRogersonTV) August 30, 2024
And in a couple of columns, he eclipsed his stats that fueled Duke's dominance versus NC State last November. Waters' two touchdowns against the Catamounts, tying his single-game record (scored twice on six occasions as a Blue Devil), marked one more than he notched against the 2023 Wolfpack defense in Durham.
Plus, unlike that career effort in Wallace Wade Stadium, Waters tallied one reception against Western Carolina, totaling 10 yards.
"I was proud of Jordan Waters responding because I don't think he played well in the first half and responded," 12th-year NC State football head coach Doeren explained to the media afterward. "And that was great to see. And that's what you look for in veteran players."
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Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of NC State Wolfpack on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining NC State Wolfpack on SI in 2024, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.