OUR TAKE on NC State’s DEFENSE in the Wolfpack’s 35-21 Victory Over UVA

NC State’s DEFENSE showed up and showed out in the Wolfpack’s 35-21 victory over Virginia in their ACC opener, holding the Cavaliers to 351 yards of Total Offense, and only 21 points.

The Dominating Performance of Larrell Murchison 

Redshirt Junior Defensive Tackle Larrell Murchison went bonkers this afternoon. He had 6 tackles, and 4 of those were for a loss. Three of those tackles were sacks. Murchison also had a pass breakup. Needless to say, he was not fooled by the shifty Bryce Perkins. There really was no answer for Murchison. When he wasn’t making tackles for loss, he nearly was. Murchison redshirted last season, after playing two years of Junior College ball down the road at Louisburg. Many were shocked when Murchison earned the starting job. The coaches weren’t.

Positive Turnover Margin for 2nd Straight Week

NC State now boasts a +4 turnover margin through 4 games. Nick McCloud and Dexter Wright both picked off Bryce Perkins today, and the Wolfpack offense didn’t turn over the ball. This was NC State’s 2nd consecutive week with a +2 turnover margin. The Wolfpack has now won 11 consecutive contests when the turnover margin was even, or positive in their direction.

Don’t Run on This Defense

Everyone was concerned about this Wolfpack defense after losing their front-seven. All 4 defensive lineman were drafted in the first 4 rounds. What would this depleted defense be able to do? Maybe be better. Junior UVA Quarterback Bryce Perkins entered today averaging 79.2 yards per game. He was held to 24 yards. Senior Running Back Jordan Ellis was averaging 112 yards rushing per game. He was held to 30 yards.

Consistent Pratt

Redshirt Graduate Senior Linebacker Germaine Pratt tied for the team lead in tackles with 6. He has now outright, or tied for the lead in tackles, in all 4 games in 2018.

Keeping Points Off The Board

The NC State defense entered today’s game giving up only 13.3 points per game, which ranked 9th in the FBS. Virginia was averaging 32.5 point per game on offense, but were held to 21. Through 4 games, NC State’s defense is only allowing 15.25 points per game.

3rd Down Dominance

The Wolfpack is dominating on 3rd down on both sides of the ball. Virginia only converted on 4 of their 13 third down attempts. NC State’s opponents are only converting 38% of their third down opportunities.

Field Goals Aren’t SCARY Anymore

Freshman Chris Dunn connected on both of his field goal attempts today. The first one was from 34-yards, and the second one is what Wolfpack fans will remember. With time expiring in the 1st half, Dunn kicked a 44-yarder that had room to spare. Dunn has made 8 of his 10 field goal attempts through 4 games.

The defense that was thought to be a weakness filled with question marks, might actually be a strength for the Wolfpack in 2018.