NC State’s non-conference schedule has been the topic of much conversation. The Wolfpack’s slate of Troy, Eastern Kentucky, Old Dominion and South Alabama has been ranked as the softest non-conference schedule. People questioned whether NC State was adequately prepared to face a team of Louisville’s talent after sizzling their previous 4 not too impressive opponents. After the Wolfpack fell to the Cardinals 20-13 this past Saturday, the non-conference schedule was the elephant in the room. Was it to blame for NC State’s loss to Louisville?
In short, no. NC State lost by 7 points to a team that was picked to finish ahead of them in the Atlantic Division in the Preseason Poll. Louisville deserves credit. They made big plays, they took care of the football, and their defense was stingy. That’s a recipe for a victory if the opposing team fails to find success in those areas. With that being said, only 7 points separated the two teams on the final scoreboard. Credit is due to Louisville, but in my opinion, more credit needs to be given to NC State for the defeat of NC State.
Quarterback Brissett failed to complete quite a few throws that he normally completes. A handful of these came with him standing in the pocket with plenty of time to throw, but he either threw them short or long. They weren’t broken up and he wasn’t being drug to the ground on most of these. They were just misfires. That has nothing to do with the strength of Louisville in comparison to the Wolfpack’s non-conference opponents. Those are just bad passes that Brissett will learn from.
Jumichael Ramos and Matt Dayes also fumbled the football against Louisville. Ramos’ fumbled on the Louisville 5-yard line and Dayes fumbled around midfield when the Wolfpack had momentum. The non-conference schedule isn’t to blame for the ball popping loose on both occasions.
Did the non-conference negatively impact the Louisville game? Sure. The size and athleticism of the Cardinal’s Defensive Line was exponentially more imposing than any they had faced in the first four games. As a result, NC State was unable to run the ball the way they had against smaller opponents. The Offensive Line of Louisville was more impressive, handling the Wolfpack Defensive Line, continually letting their rushers get to the second line of defense.
Yes, the Wolfpack could have possibly been more prepared to face Louisville if their strength of schedule was stronger, but they did not lose to Louisville because of their strength of schedule.
