The North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Eagles triumphed over the Alabama State University (ASU) Hornets 31-24 at the 2024 Denny’s Orange Blossom Classic, overcoming a rain delay and demonstrating resilience in a hard-fought game. Meanwhile, N.C. State narrowly escaped an upset against Western Carolina, pulling off a 38-21 victory after trailing into the fourth quarter. Key performances by KC Concepcion and Jordan Waters helped secure the win, though the game exposed defensive weaknesses and inconsistent play. Despite the victory, N.C. State's performance raised concerns as they struggled against their FCS opponent, prompting coach Dave Doeren to acknowledge the need for improvement. Both matchups highlighted the unpredictable nature of early-season college football, with teams working to refine their strategies and execution under pressure.