NC State suffered a second half shutout and dropped a crucial ACC matchup in a 13-10 loss to Louisville Friday. The Wolfpack took a 10-0 lead into halftime, but despite the red-and-white’s three defensive takeaways in the game, the Pack failed to capitalize by putting points on the board.
For the second consecutive week, the offensive unit lacked consistency and couldn’t capture any fourth quarter magic.
Quarterback
Graduate quarterback Brennan Armstrong struggled tremendously against Louisville. The offense had six three-and-outs, and Armstrong was responsible for all three of the Wolfpack’s turnovers in the game. He threw two interceptions, one coming in the red zone and one to end the game, as well as a costly fumble in NC State territory.
On top of those numbers, Armstrong carried the worst quarterback rating in the ACC last week at 13.7.
Armstrong has had some shining moments this season, but his most recent outing was not one of them. The red-and-white now rank the second lowest in passing yards and yards per game in the ACC through five games.
Grade: F
Running backs
Without Armstrong’s 61 rushing yards on 17 carries, the NC State rushing attack accounted for 28 yards on 14 carries. The running game failed to get over 100 rushing yards for the second time this season.
The lone bright spot for the backs came when redshirt junior running back Delbert Mimms III ran a touchdown in from four yards out. Mimms’ touchdown also accounted for the Pack’s only touchdown of the game, and it was the fifth time this season the red-and-white scored on the ground.
Grade: D
Pass catchers
The Pack’s offense struggled in almost every category, and the receiving game was no exception. NC State set season lows in receptions and receiving yards in the game versus the Cardinals.
One reason for the passing fallout was due to freshman wide receiver Kevin Concepcion being bottled up for just one reception for seven yards, despite leading the Wolfpack in receptions and receiving yards through the first four games.
Much like the rushing attack, the passing game had a single spotlight — this time it was sophomore wide receiver Terrell Timmons Jr. with 71 yards receiving on three receptions with a long of 45 yards.
Grade: C-
Offensive line
The offensive line was not up to par against the Cardinals and allowed a lot of pressure, which forced Armstrong to be quick in his release and oftentimes forced him to escape the pocket to run.
The line allowed two sacks and a handful of tackles for a loss in blown up running plays and busted screen plays. The lack of protection for Armstrong and the Wolfpack’s backs led to inconsistent gains, and for the second straight week, the Pack punted the ball eight times in 13 total possessions offensively.
Grade: D
