Connect with us

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.

Related Topics:

Matthew is Publisher and Co-Owner of Pack Insider. He is also the Lead Pastor of The Point Church in Cary, NC.

Click to comment
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

NC State Football

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

Published

12 hours ago

on

May 2, 2024

By

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.

Continue Reading

NC State Football

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

Published

23 hours ago

on

May 1, 2024

By

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

Continue Reading

NC State Football

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

Published

4 days ago

on

April 29, 2024

By

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

Continue Reading

NC State Football

NC State CB Shyheim Battle Receives Invitation to Jets Rookie Mini Camp

Published

5 days ago

on

April 28, 2024

By

NC State Cornerback Shyheim Battle has received an invitation from the New York Jets to participate in their Rookie Mini Camp.

Battle had 1 year of eligibility remaining, but declared for the NFL Draft on January 3rd.

He finished this past year as the most experienced player on the Wolfpack’s defense, starting in 41 of the 51 games he has played in dating back to 2019. In a rarity in this day-and-age, Battle was a 4-year starter at the Cornerback position for NC State. He graduated with a degree in Communications.

In his final season in Red and White, Battle had 46 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 4 pass breakups and 1 fumble recovery. His PFF Grade of 70.6 was the 7th best on the Wolfpack defense.

Continue Reading