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It’s Game day!  We continue our preview of the Hokies by taking a look at the players who will attempt to shut down the NC State offense.  In case you missed it, check out our preview of Virginia Tech’s Skill Positions. 

Defensive Line

Rs-Junior DE Ken Ekanem-6’3″/248 lbs (9 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 FF)

RS-Senior DT Corey Marshall-6’2″/266 lbs (6 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 Sack, 1 FF)

Rs-Senior DT Luther Maddy- 6’2″/283 lbs (23 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 Sack)

Junior DT Woody Barron- 6’1″/275 lbs (10 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 2 Sacks)

Rs-Senior DE Dadi Nicolas- 6’3″/223 lbs (12 Tackles, 3 Hurries)

Overview

This may be one of the most underachieving groups in the ACC so far this year.  Dadi Nicolas, and Ken Ekanem have zero sacks on the year combined after both having over 9 last year.  They are both light and quick.  They want to get to the QB fast.  Virginia Tech mostly rotates three tackles and they are all pretty good, if not light.  This is a smallish group in general, but very experienced.

Key to Containment

Establish the pass with the run.  States O-Line is going to have a pretty decent size advantage across the board.  If they can establish the run in the first few possessions, they will be in good shape in general.  The speed on the edge is going to be a challenge for the offensive tackles.  LT Joe Thuney is going to need to move well laterally.

Linebackers

Rs-Senior OLB Ronny VanDyke- 6’5″/215 lbs (12 Tackles, 1 TFL)

Rs-Sophomore MLB Andrew Motuapuaka- 6’0″/238 lbs (15 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 Sack, 1 INT, 2 FF)

Senior OLB Deon Clarke- 6’1″/227 lbs (28 Tackles, 5 TFL, 2 Sacks)

Overview

There will be some rotation in the group, although the backups have not put up any noteworthy stats.  Motuapuaka is a load.  He has only played in three games this season, and lacks ideal size, but has a good nose for the ball.  Vandyke on the other hand has great tools.  He has good size and speed, and is a versatile linebacker.  Deon Clarke is the best blitzer of the bunch, and will get sent a lot in this game.

Keys to Containment 

Nothing special here.  Getting Motuapuaka off track would be nice.  Wouldn’t be surprising to see some misdirection and sweeps to challenge them on the perimeter.  If the RB’s can pick up a linebacker when they blitz, big plays can be had.

Secondary

Rs-Freshman CB Terrell Edmunds-6’1″/201 lbs (10 Tackles)

Rs-Sophomore CB Brandon Facyson- 6’2″ 196 (7 tackles, 4 PBU)

Freshman S Adonis Alexander- 6’3″/193 lbs (27 tackles, 2 INT)

Junior S Chuck Clark- 6’1″/204 lbs (41 Tackles, 2 TFL, 1 Sack)

Sophomore Nickleback Greg Stroman- 6’1″/ 168 lbs (12 tackles, 1 INT)

Overview

Losing All-ACC performer Kendall Fuller was a big blow.  They are asked to do a lot.  Cornerbacks are going to play almost exclusively man-to-man press coverage.  They dare you to beat them over the top.  Adonis Alexander is just a true freshman, but has good size and ball skills.  Facyson doesnt have many stats, but does a good job in coverage.  Young unit who can get beat deep.

Key to Beating Them

If State can get some points on the board early, this unit is going to feel the need to make a big play.  They will be more aggressive.  They get left on an island, so if a receiver can get behind them it is a potential TD.  NC States wide-outs will have to run crisp routes and be sure handed.  If Jacoby Brissett throws a long pass, the reciever will have to make a play on the ball.

Does Virginia Tech’s defense concern you?  Let us know why in the comments, or head to The Forum and join the discussion!

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NC State Football

Former NC State Running Back Jordan Houston Signs with Marshall

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Former NC State Running Back Jordan Houston has officially transferred to Marshall for his final year of eligibility. NC State played Marshall this past season, but Houston didn’t play against the Thundering Herd, because he had already opted to redshirt the remainder of the season.

After playing in three games this past season, Houston opted to redshirt the remainder of the season (despite the fact that he was the starter at the time), giving him the ability to transfer with one year of eligibility remaining.

Houston played in 51 games for NC State over 5 years on the field, rushing for 1,392 yards (4.3 yards per carry) and 6 touchdowns. He also caught 60 passes for 398 yards and 1 touchdown.

Houston was a 3-Star prospect in NC State’s 2019 recruiting class out of Flint High School in Oakton, Virginia.

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NC State Football

Philip Rivers will Finally be Enshrined in the NC State Hall of Fame in April

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Wolfpack legend Philip Rivers will finally be inducted into the NC State Hall of Fame on April 20th!

Rivers was elected into the Hall of Fame back in 2013 (2nd year of the NC State Hall of Fame), but he has deferred his enshrinement over the years due to time constraints.

 

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Rivers pretty much owns every NC State record for Quarterbacks, and still has the most Career Passing Yards and Passes Completed in ACC history, and he ranks 3rd in Touchdown Passes. Rivers was the ACC Rookie of the Year in 2000, and the ACC Player of the Year in 2003.

You can buy your tickets here.

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NC State Football

DJ Burns Had a Word for Wolfpack Fans After Winning the ACC Championship

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When NC State’s DJ Burns was giving his acceptance speech after receiving the 2024 ACC Tournament MVP Award, Burns had the following quote to say when asked what he wanted to say to the fans.

“I’m going to keep it real simple. Thank you to the ones who’ve been consistent throughout the ride, and welcome back everybody else.”

Burns’ words struck a chord.

Throughout much of this season, it was embarrassing to see all the empty seats in PNC Arena.

As the Wolfpack lost 7 of their final 9 regular season games, it was clear that this team wasn’t just losing games, but they were also losing much of the fanbase.

It’s clear from Burns’ words that the empty seats were noticed, and so were the words of fans online.

NC State finished the regular season 10th, and much of the fanbase was frustrated, and rightfully so.

But, frustrated doesn’t have to mean giving up.

‘Never giving up’ is kind of supposed to be NC State’s thing.

The words of Jimmy V reverberate throughout the history of NC State basketball.

This team didn’t always put W’s in the Win column this season, and it wasn’t always an easy watch, but never for a moment were these players not playing as hard as they could for their school, one another, and their coach.

They never gave up.

Fans have a right to be frustrated, but you can still show up for a team, even when they struggle, because that’s what loyal fans do. When players wear a jersey with NC State across the chest, and they don’t give up, their fans shouldn’t either.

NC State fans aren’t known to be fair weather fans. Let’s not get in the business of leading our players to think we are.

But, like Burns said, whether you’ve been along for the ride all season or not, it’s time to hop on.

 

 

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NC State Football

WATCH: PackInsider’s 2023 Sean Brown Highlight Reel

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This past season was a breakout season for Junior Safety, now turned Linebacker, Sean Brown.

This past season, Brown started in 11 of the 13 games that he played in, and ranked 3rd on the team in tackles (66) and pass breakups (5). He also had 5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions and 1 forced fumble. Brown’s PFF Grade of 63.7 ranked 13th on the team. His Tackling Grade of 86.6 ranked 2nd on the team behind Payton Wilson.

As you will notice in our Highlight Reel ABOVE, Brown lived in the box, and is a very ferocious tackler. He will fit right in at Linebacker next year for the Wolfpack.

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