Game Notes: NC State vs South Florida

NC State vs. South Florida
3:30pm – CBSSN
Raymond James Stadium

Heading Home
A dozen members of the 2014 Wolfpack squad will be heading home this weekend when NC State travels to Tampa to take on the University of South Florida. Although most of the 12 players from the Sunshine State hail from the southern end of the state, sophomore wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling calls St. Petersburg his hometown. His
high school, Lakewood, is just 26 miles from Raymond James Stadium.

Here’s a look at the Wolfpack’s players from Florida:

Trace Batten, Palm Beach Gardens Stephen Louis, W. Palm Beach
Shawn Boone, Palm Beach Gardens Monty Nelson, Plantation
Jacoby Brissett, West Palm Beach Sean Paul, Vero Beach
Jarvis Byrd, Pahokee Tylar Reagan, Jacksonville
Matt Dayes, Weston Marquez Valdes-Scantling, St. Petersburg
Jerod Fernandez, Lake Mary Dravious Wright, Vero Beach

When He’s Hot …
After two games, junior quarterback Jacoby Brissett ranks among the national leaders in passing efficiency (158.26), touchdown passes (5) and completion percentage (.710). On those five touchdown drives, the transfer has been on fire, completing 23-27 throws for an .852 mark and gaining 322 yards.That doesn’t even count his 6-6 performance on the opening drive on Saturday against Old Dominion which resulted in a field goal. On the Pack’s last two drives against Georgia Southern and its first drive against Old Dominion, its starting quarterback completed 20-of-22 pass attempts – a .909 mark.

Striking a Balance
In its first two games, the Wolfpack has found a nice balance between the run and the pass. With 415 yards on the ground and 544 through the air, NC State has a 43/57 balance. That makes the Wolfpack’s offense the third most balanced in the ACC in this young season.

Discipline Pays Dividends
A focus on discipline has paid off in two key areas for the Wolfpack in 2014. Two games into the season, the Wolfpack is the second-least penalized team in the
FBS, losing just 25 yards on penalties in two games. In terms of flags thrown, NC State is tied for fourth with just five yellow flags – receiving just one last time out. All five of the penalties have been of the presnap variety (4 false starts, 1 offsides).