Today I’m introducing a new postgame piece called Nerdy Numbers. Basically, it’s an article where I can dump statistical analysis…aka…glory.

So…without further ado…here are the Offensive Nerdy Numbers from NC State’s 24-14 win over UCONN.

Rushing Direction

NC State didn’t favor a particular direction when it came to rushing the ball (These numbers exclude Brennan Armstrong’s rushing attempts). The Wolfpack ran 16 times to the left and 17 times to the right.

With that being said, one side was way more effective, and that was the left side. NC State averaged 6.3 yards per carry when rushing to the left, and 3.6 yards rushing to the right.

The Opposite of Air Raid

Entering into Week 1, whether or not NC State would emphasize rushing the ball in 2022 was a valid question. While Offensive Coordinator Robert Anae will adapt his play calling to the playmakers he possesses, in 2021 at UVA with Brennan Armstrong at QB, the play calling leaned heavily to the air. In 2021, UVA averaged 46 passing attempts per game, and 28 rushing attempts.

What we saw in Week 1 from NC State was nearly the exact inverse. The Wolfpack rushed the ball 46 times, and passed the ball 26 times.

1. I think this is a result of a couple of things. First, Brennan Armstrong admittedly was quick to run the ball, and likely left receivers open down the field when he decided to tuck and run. Second, I don’t think the Wolfpack wanted to put a ton on tape for Notre Dame to watch. Third, we have to keep in mind that NC State is installing a brand new offense.

Dink-and-Dunk Remains?

One of the biggest complaints about the Wolfpack offense under Tim Beck in recent years was playing it safe, dink-and-dunking the ball either behind the line of scrimmage, or within 10 yards from the line of scrimmage. With the arrival of Anae, the hope was that there would be more aggressive play calling, slinging the ball down the field, resulting in more explosive plays.

Similarly to the previous section, not much changed in Week 1.

27% of Armstrong’s attempts were either at the line of scrimmage or behind it (7 of 7). 39% of Armstrong’s attempts were between 1-10 yards, completing 7 out of 10. What this adds up to, is 2/3 of NC State’s pass attempts were for thrown for 10 yards or less.

Armstrong attempted 3 passes of 20+ yards, with all 3 falling incomplete. Porter Rooks was targeted on two of those, and Jalen Coit was targeted on the other one, which he straight up dropped.

It is interesting to note that all three of the deep balls (20+) were thrown at inside receivers.

The starting X and Y receivers, Julian Gray and Keyon Lesane, didn’t have a ball thrown to them beyond 10 yards. The backup X and Y receivers, Terell Timmons and Bradley Rozner, had three passes thrown to them between 10-19 yards (Rozner 2 & Timmons 1).

Target Breakdown

True Freshman Inside Receiver Kevin Concepcion led NC State with 5 targets. Running Back Michael Allen and Inside Receiver Porter Rooks both tied for 4.