NC State’s Dave Doeren Talks After Clemson Loss

Here is a rundown of what NC State head coach had to say to the media after NC State fell to Clemson 31-38 yesterday (GoPack)

NC State head coach Dave Doeren
On the consistency of officiating:
“I wish it was a lot better, Joe. I’d like to know why there was a laptop on Clemson’s sideline that people were looking at, too. I’d like that to be investigated. Maybe they weren’t doing anything, but I was told it’s illegal to have technology on the sideline. So I’d like to know that as well. No idea [who it was], I just saw a picture of it walking up here.”

On the illegal shift call late in the game
“They said it was an illegal motion. We audibled, the receivers were realigning, and the ball got snapped.”

On the key to the offense’s efficiency in the first half
“We were getting first downs and getting them tired. Their defense was fatigued. We were able to get them misaligned and out of their stances. Ryan [Finley] had a good rhythm, and they were playing soft coverage. That’s kind of what we’ve done all year, just had a good rhythm going.

“They made some adjustments in the second half, and we missed a great opportunity to Kelvin [Harmon]. That would’ve been a huge play. I think that was the second drive, we had a double move that would’ve been a big play in the game. We ended up going three-and-out that drive, so that was a critical play there. We had a fourth-and-one that [we punted on]. We had been playing in bad field position the whole quarter on defense, and I just felt like if we don’t get it, we’re putting them out there for their third-straight series on bad field position. So I thought we’d pin them back and stop them, then we gave up the big run. That was unfortunate. Obviously, if I had that back, I’d probably go for it. But after three-straight drives starting on our side of the 50, I thought flipping the field there was going to help us.”

On how the team was able to have the opportunity to tie the game:
“They’ve got grit. They’re tough kids that want to win, and didn’t want to be denied that game tonight. I’m proud of them for how they fought, and I’ve got a great group of guys to coach. I really do. I’m really proud of the way they continue to battle, and I know they will – even though they’re very down right now – continue to battle as the season goes on.”

On what it meant for Kyle Bambard to come in and make a field goal:
“I was happy for Kyle. Obviously disappointed we ended up there, but that’s where we’re at. I’m very happy for him.”

On Jakobi Meyers’ and Kelvin Harmon’s performances:
“They’re playing so hard, and I’m very proud of both of them. I think Jakobi Meyers showed a lot of toughness tonight. He was sore going into the game, and played through it and made some tough, physical contact catches. He did a great job, and he’s grown up so much. Proud of him.

“Kelvin continues to do what he’s been doing. He’s just a great player.”

On what he said to the team now that the Atlantic Division is not in their control:
“I told them downstairs the same thing I said to you. I don’t have any magic speech for that. It’s going to hurt. That’s what happens when you lose a big game, it hurts. But we’re not going to quit either. We’re going to try to win 10 games. We’ve got three regular season [games] and a bowl game left. That’s been done once in program history, so that’s what we’re going to play for now. Their season isn’t over, either. They could lose still. It’s just out of our control now, but we’re continuing to play hard and finishing the season. That’s what’s in our control, and that’s what we’re going to do.”

On how the players reacted postgame:
“They’re just pissed. They wanted it. They’re down, and they’re emotional. They’re what you would want them to be. When you put everything in it and don’t get it, that’s what you expect.”

On not having Nyheim Hines and Jaylen Samuels at 100%:
“It doesn’t help, when some of your best players aren’t 100%. Justin Jones tried to play, too, and he couldn’t make the full game. Proud of those kids for trying. They really wanted to be out there. It hurts, you know? That’s why you recruit. You find a great player, and you need them in a big game like that.

“Offensively, we had 491 yards, and Nyheim wasn’t healthy out there. I think we did a hell of a job putting together a package that still gave us a chance to win. We scored 31 points.”