NC State improved to 2-0 this afternoon, defeating Georgia State 41-7. There is a lot to glean from today’s box score.

Some good…some bad.

Let’s take a look.

Team Stats

Offense

NC State had more rushing yards (115/107), passing yards (426/242), total offense (541/349), and 1st Downs (24/18) than Georgia State.

Even as unimpressive as the run game was, NC State had 3 rushing touchdowns, compared to 2 passing touchdowns.

The Wolfpack won the time of possession battle (30:32/29:28).

Both teams had one turnover. NC State’s turnover margin through 2 games is even.

The Wolfpack Offensive Line didn’t allow Finley to be sacked, and have only allowed him to be sacked 1 time in the opening 2 games.

Defense

NC State’s defense limited Georgia State to 7 points, and has given up an average of 10 points through 2 games.

The Panthers only converted on 4 of their 13 third-down opportunities.

NC State had 5 pass breakups, compared to 2 against James Madison.

The Wolfpack also were able to put more pressure in the backfield, collecting 6 QB Hurries (1 against JMU), 5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks.

NC State gave up 349 yards of total offense to the Panthers, which is less than the 365 they gave up to James Madison.

Individual Stats

Offense

Redshirt Graduate Quarterback Ryan Finley was lights out. He completed 31 of 38 (82%) passes for 370 yards and 2 touchdowns (1 interception). He entered the season ranked 2nd in NC State history in career completion percentage, and in the first two games, his percentage has been greater than his career average. In fact, after today’s game, Finley has currently passed Philip Rivers (63.6%), moving into 1st place in career completion percentage (63.8%). His 370 passing yards were the 2nd most during his tenure in Raleigh. Finley has now thrown for 300+ yards in 12 games, tying Russell Wilson for the 2nd most in school history. His passing efficiency rating today was a gaudy 175.47. Finley’s career passing efficiency jumped up to 137.24 today, only trailing Rivers‘ career rating of 144.16.

The Wolfpack running game once again was very concerning. Senior Reggie Gallaspy only had 24 yards rushing, and averaged 2.2 yards per carry. Freshman Trent Pennix had 28 yards rushing, and averaged 3.1 yards per carry. Freshman Ricky Person didn’t even dress. Redshirt Graduate Senior Brady Bodine was the lone bright spot, leading the team with 50 yards rushing, but 39 of them came on a touchdown run. In his other 4 carries, he gained 11 yards.

Junior Wide Receiver Kelvin Harmon was targeted 12 times today, and had 8 catches for 129 yards. He now has 8 career 100-yard performances, tying him with Eddie Goines for the 4th most in school history.

With Redshirt Junior Jakobi Meyers unable to go today due to an injured ankle, Redshirt Freshman Thayer Thomas stepped up in a big way. The fact that he was a walk-on a year ago is baffling. Thomas was targeted 9 times, and made a catch all 9 times, for 114 yards and a touchdown. The 9 catches are the 2nd most by a Freshman in NC State history.

Redshirt Graduate Senior Stephen Louis had a quiet return to the field, and a scary return at that. He was only targeted 2 times, and made 2 catches for 32 yards. On his final catch in the 4th quarter, Louis suffered a head injury, but was able to walk off the field in his own power. He will have to go through concussion protocol.

Sophomore Emeka Emezie and Redshirt Sophomore CJ Riley were active once again this week, both catching 4 passes (Riley – 49 yards/Emezie – 25 yards).

Defense

Redshirt Graduate Senior Linebacker Germaine Pratt led NC State in tackles (7) for the 2nd consecutive week, and I expect that to be a trend all season long. Redshirt Freshman Linebacker Isaiah Moore and Freshman Nickelback Tanner Ingle both had 7 tackles as well.

Moore had 3 quarterback hurries.

Freshman Defensive Tackle Alim McNeil had 1.5 sacks (1st of his career).

Junior Cornerback Nick McCloud had 2 pass breakups.

Special Teams 

Freshman Place Kicker Chris Dunn was 2 for 2 on field goal attempts (25 and 28).

Redshirt Senior Cornerback Maurice Trowell returned 1 kickoff for 36 yards.

Senior Defensive Tackle Eurndraus Bryant blocked a field goal.

Senior Punter AJ Cole was back to normal, punting the lights out of the ball, averaging 47 yards per punt (2 punts). Last week he averaged 36.5 yards per punt. Cole’s career average is 42.2.

Five of Graduate Senior Kicker Kyle Bambard’s 7 kickoffs were touchbacks. Last week he was 2 for 5.