That was an Offensive Nightmare…This Offense is a Nightmare

NC State’s offensive performance against Louisville tonight was a nightmare.

The Wolfpack had 13 drives, and 6 of them were 3-and-outs. They averaged 15 yards per drive.

Brennan Armstrong completed 13 of his 25 passes for 112 yards. He had 0 touchdowns, 2 interceptions and a lost fumble. His passing efficiency rating was 73.6, which is his lowest rating in his collegiate career as a starting quarterback.

The Offensive Line was a mess. There was nowhere for running backs to run, and Armstrong was continually under fire. Wide Receivers weren’t creating enough separation. Brennan Armstrong looked like he didn’t belong on a college football field. The offensive play calling was predictable and painful to watch.

What makes tonight’s performance concerning is the fact that they weren’t facing a lockdown Louisville defense. The Cardinal’s defense is average at best. They gave up 28 points and 427 yards of offense to Boston College. They gave up 34 points and 488 yards of offense to Georgia Tech.

Let’s be honest, tonights performance simply brought to light just how bad the Wolfpack offense has been through 4 games.

Offensive Coordinator Robert Anae was supposed to be an offensive genie. As it currently stands, he’s not making any wishes come true.

Here’s the truth. This is the worst NC State’s offense has looked under Dave Doeren.

The Wolfpack is averaging 345.2 yards of total offense through 5 games. That’s the lowest mark through the first 5 games since Doeren took the job in 2013. Yes, that includes the 2013 season and the 2019 season.

Armstrong’s passing efficiency rating through 5 games is 112.54. I know it’s not fair, because there are more games to play, and he can improve that number, but here’s how bad that number is. Pete Thomas and Brandon Mitchell both posted better passing efficiency rating numbers in 2013 in Doeren’s first year when NC State went 3-9.

Unless personnel changes are made on offense, and unless Anae goes back to the drawing board, this isn’t going to be an NC State team that even makes a bowl game.