Matt Dayes Was On Pace For History

NC State received the dreadful news last night that starting Junior Running Back Matt Dayes will miss the remainder of the season due to a foot injury. Dayes was on pace to have one of the best seasons by a running back in NC State history.

He was on pace to finish the season with 1,405 rushing yards, which would have broken Ted Brown’s single season record of 1,350 yards.  Those numbers don’t even include the possibility of a bowl game.  He was also on pace to finish with 1,660 all-purpose yards from scrimmage, which would have ranked 2nd all-time behind Torry Holt.  That also doesn’t include the possibility of a bowl game.  Dayes was also on pace to finish the season with 18 rushing touchdowns.  That would have tied T.A. McClendon for the most rushing (or total) touchdowns in a single season.  Once again, this doesn’t include the possiblity of an additional bowl game.  You don’t have to be a stat guru to see that Matt Dayes was on pace to have one of the best seasons ever by an NC State player.  If you carry his projections through a possible bowl game, Dayes would have finished with the single season NC State record in rushing yards, all-purpose yards from scrimmage, rushing touchdowns, and total touchdowns.  You could make the argument that he was on pace for the best season in NC State history.

Even with his shortened 8-game season, Dayes’ 865 rushing yards ranks 15th in NC State history and his 12 touchdowns rank 7th.

Dayes will enter his Senior season with 1,690 career rushing yards (15th), 24 rushing touchdowns (5th), 30 total touchdowns (6th), and 5.6 yards per carry (1st).

Our prayers are with Dayes as he has surgery today.  Get well soon Matt!