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NC State Football

Previewing NC State’s Opponent: Marshall

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7 years ago

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Last week NC State saw Deebo Samuel return the opening kickoff of the 2017 season for a 97-yard touchdown. NC State’s opponent tonight was equally opportunistic in their 31-26 victory over Miami (OH) in their season opener.

Junior Keion Davis returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown, and then he returned another one 97 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. Then Sophomore Chris Jackson returned an interception 72 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter.

Needless to say, hopefully NC State learned their lessons last week, and won’t give their opponent points off of special teams and turnovers.

If they are able to that, this game shouldn’t be a close one. Marshall is coming off of a 3-9 campaign. This Thundering Herd team has 4 lone Senior starters.

Marshall’s offensive line shouldn’t be able to matchup with NC State’s talented defensive line. The Herd was tied for 85th in the FBS with 2.33 sacks allowed per game, ranked 100th with 6.67 tackles for loss allowed per contest and 122nd at 108.2 rushing yards per game (Source). Given, their O-Line is healthier now than they were at any point in 2016, but they are starting a Redshirt Freshman and a true Sophomore. Last week, Marshall averaged a measley 2.46 yards per carry.

A bright spot in Marshall’s offense last week was the play of their Junior Quarterback Chase Litton, who completed 20 of his 30 passes for 208 yards, accompanied by one touchdown and one interception. Litton has 5,435 career passing yards, with 48 touchdowns compared to 18 interceptions. Litton had an instant connection with Freshman Wide Receiver Willie Johnson that even surprised the Marshall beat writers, connecting with him on 7 receptions for 88 yards.

While Marshall’s special teams play was excellent, and Litton was productive in the passing game, the Herd’s defense was not impressive in the opener. Marshall’s defense surrendered 426 yards to Miami (OH), with 298 coming through the air. The Redhawks were two yards short of having two 100-yard receivers against the Herd. Marshall’s two Defensive End’s average weight is 236, and I don’t see them getting much pressure on NC State Quarterback Ryan Finley. If the Herd doesn’t get to Finley, I expect him to take advantage of a young secondary that boasts 2 Freshmen and 1 Sophomore.

 

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Matthew is Co-Owner of Pack Insider. He writes for all sports, with a focus on football and recruiting, and is in charge of business strategy. He is an NC State alum who majored in business. Matthew is also the lead pastor of The Point Church in Cary, NC.

NC State Football

NC State Legend QB Roman Gabriel Passes Away at the Age of 83

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3 days ago

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April 20, 2024

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NC State legend Quarterback Roman Gabriel has passed away at the age of 83.

Gabriel’s Accolades

  • 2 time ACC Player of the Year (1960 & 1961)
  • 2 time 1st Team All-American (1960 & 1961)
  • 2 time 1st Team All-ACC (1960 & 1961)
  • 1st ACC QB to throw for 1,000 yards in a season
  • Left NC State with 22 school records and 9 ACC records
  • #1 pick in the AFL and #2 pick in the NFL
  • 16-year NFL career with the Rams & Eagles
  • 4 time Pro Bowler
  • NFL MVP in 1969
  • Led the NFL in Passing Yards in 1973
  • Led the NFL in Touchdown Passes in 1969 & 1973
  • Inaugural member of the NC State Hall of Fame
  • Ranks 1st all-time in Rams history in Touchdown Passes & 3rd in Passing Yards
  • First player to have their jersey number retired at NC State, on January 20, 1962.

Praying for the Gabriel family!

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NC State Baseball

NC State has Dominated UNC in Athletics in 2023-24

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4 days ago

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April 20, 2024

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After NC State clinched a series victory over UNC last night in Baseball, I thought it would be a good time to relish in how the Wolfpack has dominated the Tar Heels Athletic Program as a whole in 2023-24.

The Wolfpack Baseball team has won the first two games in the series against the Tar Heels, clinching a series victory over UNC for the first time since 2021. It marks the first time NC State has won a series against the Tar Heels in Raleigh since 2016.

NC State defeated UNC in Volleyball 3-1, winning in Chapel Hill for the first time in 25 years. The Tar Heels had won the last 5 matches against the Wolfpack.

The Wolfpack defeated the Tar Heels 39-20 in Football in Carter-Finley Stadium. It marked the 3rd consecutive win over UNC.

NC State lost both regular season games to UNC in Men’s Basketball, but when it mattered most, the Wolfpack defeated the Tar Heels in the ACC Championship Game 84-76, winning their first title since 1987.

The Wolfpack Women’s Basketball team lost to their rival in Chapel Hill, but defeated UNC 63-59 in Reynolds Coliseum. NC State has won 5 of the last 7 against UNC.

In Gymnastics, NC State defeated UNC 196.725-194.925 in Raleigh. This marked the 3rd straight victory for the Wolfpack over the Tar Heels.

NC State’s Men & Women’s Swimming & Diving teams both beat UNC. The Men won 258-93, and the Women won 196-157.

The Wolfpack Wrestling team defeated UNC 33-6 in Reynolds Coliseum. NC State has won 11 straight Duals against the Tar Heels.

The NC State Men’s Tennis team defeated UNC 4-0, winning against their rival in back-to-back years.

The Wolfpack Women’s Tennis team has defeated the Tar Heels 4-3 on two occasions thus far this season, and will face their rival again today.

The Cross Country teams didn’t have individual meets against UNC, but the Women obviously beat them, because they won the ACC Championship. The Men didn’t, finishing 8th in the Conference, with the Tar Heels finishing 1st.

The only other NC State athletic team that didn’t taste victory against UNC this year was the Women’s Soccer team, losing 0-4 in Raleigh.

Of course, each of these NC State athletic teams has much higher goals than just beating their rival, but there’s no denying how sweet it is to beat the Tar Heels.

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NC State Football

WATCH: Hollywood Smothers Leads NC State in Rushing at the Spring Game

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5 days ago

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April 18, 2024

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Redshirt Freshman Hollywood Smothers seemingly was the 3rd string Running Back in NC State’s 2024 Spring Game a few weeks back, but at the end of the game, he had more rushing yards than any other back.

Smothers rushed the ball 8 times for 75 yards. He possesses explosive speed, as well as excellent vision.

Check out Pack Insider’s Tape of Smothers from the Spring Game.





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NC State Football

NC State Offers FCS Interior Offensive Lineman D’Angalo Titialii

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6 days ago

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April 17, 2024

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NC State offered Interior Offensive Lineman D’Angalo Titialii (6’2″/320) today. After entering the Portal, the Wolfpack were the first to offer him.

Titialii spent his first three seasons at Portland State, which competes in the FCS. This year, he was the starting Center for the Vikings, and the year before he was their starting Left Guard. Over three seasons, Titialii started in 28 of the 32 games he played in.

Titialii is an intriguing prospect, considering he can play numerous positions on the Offensive Line.

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