Connect with us

NC State Football

Gameday: State Readies for Showdown with UNC

Published

11 years ago

on

NC State Wolfpack vs. North Carolina Tarheels
Kickoff: 12:30pm Today
Location: Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC

It’s finally that time, folks. After a rather unsurprisingly disappointing start to the season, the Pack will look to make up for it all with a slaughtering of their cross-town rival Tarheels. Right now, neither team has much to brag about. State its at 0-4 in the ACC, while UNC is barely ahead at 2-5. While it might not seem like it, the Heels are actually on a little roll right now. After nearly beating #10 Miami two weeks ago, they came out and took out Boston College 34-10. But NC State is going to be amped up and at home for this one.

So what can you expect for this one? Well, if you’ve watched UNC then you know their going to bring pressure on defense. They’re going to come with stunts, they’re going to blitz from everywhere and anywhere and they’re going to try to mask everything, which they have done pretty well up to this point. This is a strength, but against a good offense this can come back to kill them. State needs to be able to take advantage of this They need to read the defense and burn them when they try to get too aggressive. The problem right now is that NC State really doesn’t have a signal caller who has shown the ability to exploit an over anxious defense. Mitchell will be back, but is he ready? He sure didn’t look like it against FSU, however that may have been due to the long injury layoff he had.

State is also going to have to establish the run game early on. UNC has shown tendencies of getting shredded on the ground this season. Last week it was 172 yards by BC’s Andre Williams and the week before it was Miami’s Dallas Crawford grinding out 137 yds and 2 TDs. If State can get Shadrach Thornton on track early on, State could control the ground game, control the clock and play this game at their pace.

Stay tuned as we’ll have more following today’s game…

Related Topics:
Click to comment
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

NC State Football

PI EXCLUSIVE: Akron Safety Kerry Martin Jr. Breaks Down His Commitment to NC State

Published

2 hours ago

on

May 8, 2024

By

Akron Safety Kerry Martin Jr. committed to NC State earlier today after wrapping up an Official Visit. I caught up with Martin Jr. to get his reasons for deciding to run with the Wolfpack.

Why did you decide to spend your final year of eligibility at NC State?

It was a no brainer. Along with the relationships that are already instilled, I see that I have an opportunity to come in and uphold the standard that has been set. I also have the shot to be able to continue to pursue the next level and where is a better place to be than with those who know your capabilities as an athlete, and will continue to mold me as a man using their experiences in life.

How much did your prior connection to Coach Gibson play into your decision?

The connection between us was the factor. Unfortunately, I was not able to learn from his by initially signing to WVU out of high school. You can say that life has its way of making things come full circle. Much gratitude for the situation I’m coming into, especially with open arms amongst the staff and players.

Did you talk to your cousin Derrek about his time in Raleigh?

I have not discussed it in depth with him yet, but I will soon. I’d imagine it would only exceed my expectations because of his relationships I hear about with his former teammates here.

With one year left, what’s your goals for next season?

My goal is to solely do what it takes to win, add more value to the team and compete to get to the next venture we all dream about.

What type of player is NC State getting in Kerry Martin Jr.?

The type of player NC State is getting out of me is a blue collar worker. Appreciative for everything that has come to me, and that will come. A humble person that you can talk to, so if you see me and recognize me, don’t hesitate to stop for a conversation as I enjoy learning about others.

Continue Reading

NC State Football

Akron Safety Kerry Martin Jr. Commits to NC State!

Published

10 hours ago

on

May 8, 2024

By

NC State just landed a commitment from Akron Safety Kerry Martin Jr. (6’1”/195).

Martin Jr. began an Official Visit at NC State yesterday.

Prior to the visit, Martin Jr. was 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.

Continue Reading

NC State Football

Ohio St. Transfer Safety Ja’Had Carter is Officially Visiting NC State Today

Published

1 day ago

on

May 7, 2024

By

Ohio State Transfer Safety Ja’Had Carter (6’1″/205) is taking an Official Visit to NC State beginning today according to a source.

Carter played in 8 games as a reserve (6 at Safety/2 on strictly Special Teams) for the Buckeyes this past season, recording 5 tackles.

Prior to joining Ohio St., Carter played his first 3 seasons at Syracuse. In 2022, he was All-ACC Honorable Mention, tallying 36 tackles, 3 interceptions and 3 pass breakups. In 2020, as a True Freshman, Carter earned Freshman All-American status. Over three seasons with the Orange, Carter started in 28 of the 31 games he has played in.

PFF

Continue Reading

NC State Football

Colorado DT Transfer Chazz Wallace is Taking an Official Visit to NC State Tomorrow

Published

2 days ago

on

May 6, 2024

By

NC State has offered Colorado Defensive Tackle Transfer Chazz Wallace (6’2″/295), and he confirmed with me that he will be taking an Official Visit to Raleigh tomorrow.

Wallace played in 10 games for Coach Prime this past season, starting in 4. He finished with 11 tackles and 1.5 sacks. His PFF Grade was 56.4.

Prior to Colorado, Wallace spent his first three years at Old Dominion.

Continue Reading