NC State 49 ODU 22: What Went Well?

NC State defeated Old Dominion 49-22 last night, to improve to 2-1 on the season. Here are some of the things that the Wolfpack did well.

• QB Ryan Finley continues to play really efficient football. He was 24 of 28 for 281 yards and 3 touchdowns. He seems completely poised and confident in the pocket. One of Finley’s incompletions was a throw away, which pointed towards his intelligence. He isn’t married to one receiver that he is going to throw to on a play, constantly checking down to find the open man. Finley’s passing efficiency was 205.4, and he connected with 11 different receivers. He is also becoming proficient in the art of throwing the shovel pass.
• QB Jalan McClendon came into the season expecting that he would be the starter, and he wasn’t alone in that thought. Most of the media outlets covering NC State projected that he would be the starter as well. After not seeing a snap in the East Carolina game, Offensive Coordinator Eliah Drinkwitz found creative ways to instill confidence in McClendon. Twice McClendon came out in goal line scenarios, and ran the read option, keeping it for two rushing touchdowns. The next time he was brought in at the goal line, he faked the sweep and threw a touchdown pass to Thaddeus Moss. It was encouraging to see McClendon given the opportunities to use his gifts and build some confidence.
• WR Stephen Louis proved that last weeks performance against East Carolina wasn’t a fluke. Louis followed up last weeks 3 reception/142 yard performance with a 5 reception/80 yard performance. He was targeted 6 times, which was 2 more than any other receiver.
• The Wolfpack offense was potent once again, tallying 470 yards of total offense. Their 28 first downs tied a season high.
• TE Jaylen Samuels had two more touchdown receptions. It’s almost not impressive anymore, because it’s become normal. He’s silly in the red zone.
• NC State covered the spread. They entered the game as 24 point favorites, and beat the Monarchs by 27.
• The Wolfpack Defense had one sack in each of the first two games, and more than doubled that number against ODU, racking up 5 sacks. Three of those sacks were credited to DE Darian Roseboro, who live in the backfield all night long.
• NC State’s Defense did a great job containing ODU’s star running back. Ray Lawry is coming off of a 1,000 yard season, and rushed for over 100 yards in the first two contests, but only managed 14 yards on 9 carries.
• The Wolfpack Defensive Line came into the season with much hype, and they lived up to it last night. Kentavius Street, Bradley Chubb, Justin Jones and Darian Roseboro all picked up tackles behind the line of scrimmage.