In a lackluster performance Saturday night in Tallahassee, the NC State offense was only able to muster 13 points against an average Florida State defense. The Wolfpack went on to lose its opening ACC game 31-13 on the road. Lack of consistency and ability to come away with touchdowns in the red zone hurt the Wolfpack.
Quarterback (C-)
Redshirt sophomore Matthew McKay, who had been the Wolfpack’s starter all season, was pulled after only leading the offense to one first down in three possessions. McKay only completed three of his seven passes on the night for 20 yards.
NC State head coach Dave Doeren decided to give redshirt sophomore Bailey Hockman, the opportunity to spark the offense. Back at his old school, Hockman was able to move the ball more than McKay, but really didn’t give the offense what it needed to pull off the win Saturday night. The lefty, who is more of a traditional pocket passer, contrary to the mobile Mckay, completed 21 of his 40 passes for 208 yards, including his first career touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.
In the closing minutes of the game, redshirt freshman Devin Leary saw time at quarterback, when Hockman limped off the field after being hit. Leary took advantage of his opportunity, moving the Wolfpack down the field, completing four of five passes for 54 yards. Leary looked to have had his first touchdown as well, but redshirt sophomore receiver Max Fisher fumbled the ball at the goal line.
Running Back (B-)
For a good portion of the game, Doeren seemed to make it clear that the game plan was to run the ball against the Florida State defense. The trio of freshman Zonovan Knight, freshman Jordan Houston and sophomore Ricky Person Jr. were able to rush for a combined 111 yards for the Wolfpack.
Houston, who made his first career start, was dangerous Saturday night. His quickness that NC State coaches raved about was on full display as he averaged 6.8 yards a carry, on nine attempts for 61 yards.
Knight, who was playing a little banged up after leaving the game against Ball State with a hamstring injury, was able to rack up 24 yards on seven attempts. Knight coughed the ball up at a crucial time in the second quarter, when NC State had the ball at the Florida State 33-yard line.
The biggest blow of the game came in the third quarter, when Person had to be carted off the field after suffering a foot injury. X-rays came back negative on his foot, so hopefully he will not be out for too long, but that remains to be seen. Person had 26 yards on seven attempts, before the injury.
Wide Receivers (C+)
NC State had seven different wide receivers with over 20 yards receiving, which in part may have been to the quarterback change. Despite the solid numbers, dropped passes continued to be an issue for NC State, taking away potential first downs.
Redshirt freshman Devin Carter, had a breakout game for NC State with four catches for a career-high 68 yards, including a 33-yarder that set up the Wolfpack inside the 10-yard line in the first quarter.
Junior Emeka Emezie was not as dominant as he had been in previous weeks with only three catches for 29 yards, but he did haul in the only touchdown of the game for NC State in the fourth quarter.
Redshirt sophomore Thayer Thomas had four catches for 37 yards, graduate transfer Tabari Hines had a season-high six catches for 24 yards, and Fisher had 41 receiving yards on two catches.
Tight End (B)
Redshirt junior Cary Angeline was the only tight end to catch a pass in the game. The transfer out of Southern California was effective though, racking up 56 yards on four catches. Look for him to become a good third down target for the Wolfpack moving forward.
Offensive Line (B-)
For a majority of the game, the NC State offensive line did an outstanding job of protecting its quarterback. The offensive line who struggled on the road in West Virginia, seemed to be more in control this time at Florida State, allowing only two sacks during the game. If NC State moves forward at quarterback with Hockman or Leary it will be essential for the offensive line to do its job to protect the pocket passers.
Next Up
NC State is in the middle of a bye week so its next game is not until Oct. 10, a Thursday night primetime game at Carter Finley, scheduled for an 8 p.m. kickoff. Look for the Wolfpack to use this bye week to determine who the starting quarterback will be moving forward for the rest of ACC play.
