NC State football’s 37-20 win over Marshall moved the team to 3-0 on the season as the Pack wrapped up non-conference play undefeated. There was plenty to be happy about after the win, with a number of players making contributions. Here are three keys to victory from the win.
Passing game: Going into the season, NC State looked to have one of the best aerial attacks in the country. Graduate quarterback Ryan Finley and his receivers’ play in the non-conference slate did nothing to disabuse that notion.
Finley completed 23 of 40 passes for 377 yards and a score in the win over the Thundering Herd, with most of the game’s second half played in heavy rain. Junior receiver Kelvin Harmon caught six passes for 150 yards, showing off his impressive route-running ability and skill to go up over defenders for contested catches.
Harmon was the latest to post a big numbers, and though the Pack lost redshirt freshman Thayer Thomas and redshirt sophomore C.J. Riley to injuries at different points in the game, the team is six deep at receiver when healthy. NC State’s passing game will continue to be the team’s best weapon going into ACC play.
Defense: Despite losing eight starters from last year’s team, the Pack’s defense has been sneaky good so far this season. Two weeks after shutting out Georgia State following the game’s opening drive, NC State forced three turnovers including a pick six against the Thundering Herd.
Other than a fumble return touchdown on a kickoff and an 82-yard touchdown pass on a blown coverage, NC State allowed just six points to the Herd. The Pack will have to tighten up those mistakes against tougher competition, but the defense looks like it has the ability to hold its own.
Kicking game: Freshman kicker Chris Dunn made three of four field goal attempts against the Herd, all of which were less than 34 yards. The lone miss came at the end of the game from 32 yards with the Pack already up by 17 (and was in the rain). A team shouldn’t have to be commended for making short field goals, but kicking has been such an issue in years past, this had to be a good sign for Pack fans. Finally having someone who can make kicks to pick up key points will be crucial in closer games during ACC play.
