N.C. State surrendered 21 points and threw three interceptions in the final 3:31 of its game against Duke on Saturday, helping the Blue Devils beat the Wolfpack 38-20 in Durham.
“We made a lot of plays tonight against a good football team, but we didn’t finish the game,” head coach Dave Doeren said. “That’s the most disappointing thing.”
Graduate student quarterback Brandon Mitchell threw an 80-yard touchdown pass to senior receiver Quintin Payton, which gave State (3-6, 0-6 ACC) a 20-17 lead with 6:45 remaining. However, the Devils (7-2, 3-2 ACC) scored on its next drive to regain the lead for good.
Mitchell and junior quarterback Pete Thomas combined to throw three interceptions in the closing minutes to doom the Wolfpack. Two of the three interceptions were caught by Duke’s freshman safety DeVon Edwards, both of which he returned for touchdowns. Edwards, who also returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, finished the day with three scores.
“The turnovers for touchdowns were killers,” Doeren said. “There’s 21 points on the board that our defense was not responsible for. Both defenses were back and forth at each other throughout the game and we forced some critical turnovers [on defense].”
State’s offense failed to create momentum throughout the contest. Doeren chose to rotate Mitchell and Thomas at the quarterback position throughout the game. However, Thomas played for the majority of the second half.
Doeren said that neither signal-caller played well enough to earn consistent reps.
“We’re playing the best two guys that we have right now,” Doeren said.
The Wolfpack’s defense turned in one of its best performances of the year against the Devils, limiting Duke’s offense to just 17 points. State created four turnovers and kept the Pack within striking distance throughout, despite its offensive troubles.
Doeren said that State’s offense needs to start capitalizing on opportunities in the red zone.
“It’s frustrating when you create field position in general and don’t get touchdowns in the red zone,” Doeren said. “We’re running the football effectively, it’s just the passing game right now that needs a boost, and we’re going to find ways to get one [a touchdown].”
Sophomore running back Shadrach Thornton was State’s best offensive player, finishing the game with 110 yards on 26 carries and a reception for 10 yards. Thornton said the Pack’s defense did everything it could to support the offense.
“Our defense went out there and played with courage,” Thornton said. “Anytime they created a turnover and we didn’t turn it into points, they never said ‘oh man, the offense isn’t doing anything.’ They patted us on the back and said ‘let’s go.’”
Sophomore safety Hakim Jones, who forced a fumble, a fumble recovery and an interception against the Devils, said the defensive players tried to inspire the offense and give them confidence by supporting them.
“The biggest thing during the game is to keep their [offense’s] heads up so they keep their adrenaline going and move on to the next play,” Jones said. “Bad things always happen in a game, but the biggest thing is to keep pushing.”
The Wolfpack has now lost to Wake Forest, UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke for the first time in the same season since 1984. Doeren said that losing is inexcusable, but he and his staff will work hard to turn results around.
“We are going to continue to work and build this football program the right way,” Doeren said. “There will never be quit. We will not accept losing and will not make excuses.”
“We’re sick of it [losing], and we’re going to keep battling until we don’t taste it anymore.”
