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NC State vs. Presbyterian Cheat Sheet

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NC State Wolfpack  vs. Presbyterian Blue Hose
Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh NC
Sept. 20  |  6pm  |  ESPN3

What the heck is a “Blue Hose?”
The nickname “Blue Hose” began in the early 1900’s, when sportswriters referred to the Presbyterian College athletic teams as the “Blue Stockings” because of the blue socks they wore. Writers used the terms “stockings” and “hose” interchangeably over the years. (via gobluehose.com)

Where They Stand: NC State
After the first 2 games, despite winning both, State fans were still wondering if Doeren was right for this job. Oh what a different a week makes. Last Saturday, after drubbing USF 49-17 and showing nearly no flaws, the Pack fans are back Doeren’s corner and expecting another blowout tonight in Raleigh.

Where They Stand: Presbyterian
The Blue Hose are riding a 2 game winning streak coming into Raleigh. They are fresh off a 10-7 win over Furman and will be amped up as this is one of two high profile games on their schedule this year.
What to watch for: 
Jacoby Brissett: As advertised Brissett has come in and quickly instilled confidence in this young team. He’s got a quick release, a strong arm and is hitting on over 70% of his passes. He’s quickly piled up over 800 yards and 7 tds on the young season.

NC State’s Ground Game: It’s been quite a while since NC State could really say that they had a legitimate ground attack, but this year it seems as if they do. A question mark coming in, Thronton and Dayes have taken a step forward thus far and have really been huge pieces to this puzzle. With Brissett coming in, State fans knew that the pass game would likely be much improved, but being able to extend drives and work the clock is very important and was something they struggled to do in recent years. Thornton has led the way in both production and volume thus far. He has 36 carries for 229 yds and 4 TDs, but Matt Dayes is not far behind. The sophomore has 181 yds and 2 TDs on the ground, but is a real weapon in the passing game as well (he is the second leading receiver, totaling 141 yds and 2 TDs). Both Thornton and Dayes are averaging over 6 yards per carry. They should have huge days against Presbyterian, but the real test will be next week against FSU.

The Wolfpack Defense: This is definitely something to watch because it’s something that  hasn’t been very consistent. Over the first 2 games, this group looked slow, soft and unorganized, however last week it was a totally different story. Against a UCF team that was coming in with a very good offense, the Wolfpack D stepped up and shut them down. State only allowed 159 yds to UCF and took it away 3 times. It will be interesting to see which group shows up today.

The emergence of Bo Hines: It’s been a while since we saw a freshman receiver come in and really just take over the #1 spot for State, but it’s happening now. Hines is leading the team with 16 receptions for 209 yds, however he has yet to find the endzone.

 

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NC State Football

Akron Safety Kerry Martin Jr. will Take an Official Visit at NC State Next Week

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Akron Safety Kerry Martin Jr. (6’1″/195) confirmed with me that he will be taking an Official Visit to NC State next week beginning on May 7th.

After receiving an offer from NC State yesterday, it didn’t take him long to set up the visit.

Martin Jr. is familiar with NC State, because he was recruited by Wolfpack Defensive Coordinator Tony Gibson before he left West Virginia to come to Raleigh. Even though he never coached him, a relationship was established.

Martin Jr.’s connections to NC State are deeper than that. Former NC State Cornerback Derrek Pitts, who is currently a member of the Tampa Bay Bucs, is his cousin.

This past year, Martin Jr. recorded 45 tackles, 2 interceptions and 6 pass breakups for Akron, starting in 9 of the 11 games he played in. His PFF Grade was 68.9.

In 2022, he had 53 tackles, 1 interception and 1 pass breakup, starting in 9 of the 11 games he played in. Martin Jr.’s PFF Grade was 60.9.

In 2019, as a Freshman for West Virginia, Martin Jr. earned PFF Freshman All-American honors, recording a grade of 70.6, with 50 tackles and 3 pass breakups.

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NC State Sits in the Top-20 in 247’s Post-Spring 2024 Preseason Poll

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247’s Brad Crawford released his Post-Spring 2024 Preseason College Football Top-25 recently, and NC State moved up 1 spot to #20.

ACC Teams in the Top-25

11. FSU

14. Miami

16. Clemson

20. NC State

24. Virginia Tech

25. Louisville

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NC State Football

NC State Ranks 8th in Players Selected in the NFL Draft in the ACC in the Last 10 Years

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The 2024 NFL Draft has come and gone, and NC State had two players drafted: Linebacker Payton Wilson in the 3rd round, and Center Dylan McMahon in the 6th round.

Over the past 10 years, NC State has produced 25 NFL Draft picks, and 3 1st round picks. The 25 Draft Picks ranks 8th in the ACC, and the 3 1st Round picks is tied for 7th.

NC State produced 18 NFL Draft Picks in the first 5 Draft’s of Dave Doeren’s tenure. Only 8 Wolfpack players have been selected in the past 5 NFL Drafts.

Players selected in the NFL Draft under Dave Doeren:

2024

Payton Wilson, LB – Pittsburgh – 3rd – 98th
Dylan McMahon, C – Philadelphia – 6th – 190th

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NC State CB Shyheim Battle Receives Invitation to Jets Rookie Mini Camp

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NC State Cornerback Shyheim Battle has received an invitation from the New York Jets to participate in their Rookie Mini Camp.

Battle had 1 year of eligibility remaining, but declared for the NFL Draft on January 3rd.

He finished this past year as the most experienced player on the Wolfpack’s defense, starting in 41 of the 51 games he has played in dating back to 2019. In a rarity in this day-and-age, Battle was a 4-year starter at the Cornerback position for NC State. He graduated with a degree in Communications.

In his final season in Red and White, Battle had 46 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 4 pass breakups and 1 fumble recovery. His PFF Grade of 70.6 was the 7th best on the Wolfpack defense.

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