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Last season NC State quarterback Jacoby Brissett had to learn a lesson on how to deal with failure and the fact that he cannot control everything.  Brissett was impressive to start the season; however,  his numbers were inflated due to the lowly non-conference schedule. The Pack kicked the season off with  four wins, only to be followed by four losses. In the midst of that four game losing streak Jacoby was stellar versus FSU (359 yards passing, and 3 TD’s), but struggled mightily versus Clemson, and Boston College.

Not only did Jacoby struggle, but the Pack did not impress either.  In the four game losing streak they were out scored 157 to 73. Throughout this stretch it was apparent that Brissett was trying to do too much. The FSU game was excellent, but it had some adverse effects on him.  He was trying to hit the home run play each down. This resulted in a terrible completion percentage and he was sacked on numerous occasions.  As the season marched forward Jacoby became better at taking what was given to him. He didn’t hold on to the ball too long and was confident in his decision making. He tucked the ball and ran for a 3-yard gain at times instead of taking a sack for a loss of 5 yards. He was also better at dumping it off to his check down in the flat. These little improvements made all the difference for the offense.  They went on to average 37 points a game over the last three games, each resulting in a victory.

Recently Coach Doeren commented on Brissett at media day.

“Last year, I think he would let things he couldn’t control get to him Other players, how they were playing or not playing, injuries, I think sometimes he let things that were out of his control – because he’s so competitive and he wants to do so well – would get in his head.” (PI) 

After such a dismal stretch it was pleasing to see Jacoby and State as a whole rally to finish the season 4-1. In that time, State beat UNC and won a bowl game. This offseason Brissett talked about how he has to be in control,  but recognizes that he cannot control everything.

“As a quarterback, you always want things to be perfect,” Brissett said. “You want it, like, right now. But, what I’ve learned is you just have to take it one step at a time.” (WRAL) 

NC State has emerged as a trendy pick to win the ACC, but caution must be deployed .  The Pack went 0-5 against power 5 conference teams that finished with a record over .500 a season ago.  If Jacoby can improve at taking things one step at a time then he should have greater success against the better teams. The season is less than a month away and if State is going to challenge for the ACC Jacoby has to be in control and utilize his weapons.

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NC State Football

Proposed Bill in the NC House Would Require NC State & UNC To Play One Another, as well as ECU, UNCC and App St.

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5 hours ago

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May 3, 2024

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A bill has been proposed by members of the North Carolina House of Representatives that would force NC State and UNC to play one another, as well as East Carolina, UNC Charlotte and Appalachian State.

According to House Bill 965, which you can read here in full, NC State and UNC would be required to play one another annually in Football, Men’s Basketball and Women’s Basketball. The Wolfpack and the Tar Heels would also be forced to play a game annually in all three sports against either ECU, UNC-Charlotte or App St. Every six years, NC State and UNC would be required to have played a home and away game against each of the three school in all three sports.

Here’s the exact wording from the proposed bill:

Competition Required. – A high-enrollment institution shall do all of the following in each eligible sport: (1) Every academic year, play at least one home or one away game against (i) another high-enrollment institution and (ii) an eligible constituent institution that is not a high-enrollment institution. (2) Every six academic years, play at least one home and one away game against each eligible constituent institution that is not a high-enrollment institution. A high-enrollment institution shall alternate home and away games that are scheduled against the same eligible constituent institution that is not a high-enrollment institution.

For glossary of terms being referenced above:

For the purposes of this bill, “High-enrollment institutions” = NC State and UNC, while “Eligible constituent institutions” = East Carolina, UNC Charlotte and Appalachian State.

It’s worth noting that NC State already has games schedule against each of these teams home-and-away in Football between now and 2031.

2025 – East Carolina (H)

2025 – @ App St.

2026 – App St. (H)

2028 – @ East Carolina

2030 – Charlotte (H)

2031 – @ Charlotte

What are your thoughts?

For more details, check out this article at WRAL.

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NC State Football

Akron Safety Kerry Martin Jr. will Take an Official Visit at NC State Next Week

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1 day ago

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May 2, 2024

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Akron Safety Kerry Martin Jr. (6’1″/195) confirmed with me that he will be taking an Official Visit to NC State next week beginning on May 7th.

After receiving an offer from NC State yesterday, it didn’t take him long to set up the visit.

Martin Jr. is familiar with NC State, because he was recruited by Wolfpack Defensive Coordinator Tony Gibson before he left West Virginia to come to Raleigh. Even though he never coached him, a relationship was established.

Martin Jr.’s connections to NC State are deeper than that. Former NC State Cornerback Derrek Pitts, who is currently a member of the Tampa Bay Bucs, is his cousin.

This past year, Martin Jr. recorded 45 tackles, 2 interceptions and 6 pass breakups for Akron, starting in 9 of the 11 games he played in. His PFF Grade was 68.9.

In 2022, he had 53 tackles, 1 interception and 1 pass breakup, starting in 9 of the 11 games he played in. Martin Jr.’s PFF Grade was 60.9.

In 2019, as a Freshman for West Virginia, Martin Jr. earned PFF Freshman All-American honors, recording a grade of 70.6, with 50 tackles and 3 pass breakups.

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NC State Football

NC State Sits in the Top-20 in 247’s Post-Spring 2024 Preseason Poll

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2 days ago

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May 1, 2024

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247’s Brad Crawford released his Post-Spring 2024 Preseason College Football Top-25 recently, and NC State moved up 1 spot to #20.

ACC Teams in the Top-25

11. FSU

14. Miami

16. Clemson

20. NC State

24. Virginia Tech

25. Louisville

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NC State Football

NC State Ranks 8th in Players Selected in the NFL Draft in the ACC in the Last 10 Years

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4 days ago

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April 29, 2024

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The 2024 NFL Draft has come and gone, and NC State had two players drafted: Linebacker Payton Wilson in the 3rd round, and Center Dylan McMahon in the 6th round.

Over the past 10 years, NC State has produced 25 NFL Draft picks, and 3 1st round picks. The 25 Draft Picks ranks 8th in the ACC, and the 3 1st Round picks is tied for 7th.

NC State produced 18 NFL Draft Picks in the first 5 Draft’s of Dave Doeren’s tenure. Only 8 Wolfpack players have been selected in the past 5 NFL Drafts.

Players selected in the NFL Draft under Dave Doeren:

2024

Payton Wilson, LB – Pittsburgh – 3rd – 98th
Dylan McMahon, C – Philadelphia – 6th – 190th

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