Nyheim Hines is Crucial to NC State’s Success

NC State learned the hard way just how vital running back Nyheim Hines was to their team this past Saturday against Notre Dame.

Hines went down with a sprained ankle early in the game, and was unable to return. He finished the game with 2 carries for 6 yards.

H-Back Jaylen Samuels went from being all over the field, to being locked in the backfield like a traditional running back, and he only rushed for 18 yards on 18 carries. I know Samuels can do everything, but he does some things better than others, like any other human being. Samuels is at his best when he is moving all over the field, especially in the slot.

The exit of Hines threw the whole entire Wolfpack out of whack. The play calling changed, and not for the better. The fear of an explosive play from the NC State backfield was gone, and Notre Dame’s defense adjusted accordingly. The Irish were able to focus primarily on making Wolfpack Quarterback Ryan Finley’s day miserable, and they were successful.

The presence of Hines in the game gives the Wolfpack balance to their offense which makes it hard to stop. His absence makes their attack much more one-dimensional against a stout defense.

Hines is averaging 111.5 yards per game in conference play, and is averaging 5.8 yards per carry. He has the ability to take it to the house on any given play, which makes the opposing defense play with a tad more caution.

I don’t know if the Nyghtmare could have come back in the game or not against Notre Dame, but I’m glad he didn’t. What mattered most is him being at full strength against Clemson, because they are an Atlantic division foe. Beating Clemson can lead to an ACC Championship, but beating Notre Dame does not.

The Clemson defense is no joke. They rank 18th in the nation in rush defense, and 7th in total defense. If NC State has a chance of beating the Tigers, Hines will be essential.