NC State came into their season opener with a lot of high hopes for 2021, and nothing that happened in their game against South Florida lowered those expectations. The Wolfpack defeated the Bulls 45-0 in Raleigh. NC State ran for 232 yards with both Zonovan Knight and Ricky Person Jr. topping 100 rushing yards. Knight had 163 rushing yards, 16 receiving yards, and a rushing touchdown in the game. Person finished the game with 105 rushing yards with two rushing touchdowns, and 43 receiving yards, and another touchdown. Quarterback Devin Leary was 17-26 for 232 yards and two touchdowns. The Wolfpack defense picked off the USF quarterbacks three times in the game.
