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NC State defeated Old Dominion 49-22 last night, to improve to 2-1 on the season. Here are some of the things that the Wolfpack did well.

  • QB Ryan Finley continues to play really efficient football. He was 24 of 28 for 281 yards and 3 touchdowns. He seems completely poised and confident in the pocket. One of Finley’s incompletions was a throw away, which pointed towards his intelligence. He isn’t married to one receiver that he is going to throw to on a play, constantly checking down to find the open man. Finley’s passing efficiency was 205.4, and he connected with 11 different receivers. He is also becoming proficient in the art of throwing the shovel pass.
  • QB Jalan McClendon came into the season expecting that he would be the starter, and he wasn’t alone in that thought. Most of the media outlets covering NC State projected that he would be the starter as well. After not seeing a snap in the East Carolina game, Offensive Coordinator Eliah Drinkwitz found creative ways to instill confidence in McClendon. Twice McClendon came out in goal line scenarios, and ran the read option, keeping it for two rushing touchdowns. The next time he was brought in at the goal line, he faked the sweep and threw a touchdown pass to Thaddeus Moss. It was encouraging to see McClendon given the opportunities to use his gifts and build some confidence.
  • WR Stephen Louis proved that last weeks performance against East Carolina wasn’t a fluke. Louis followed up last weeks 3 reception/142 yard performance with a 5 reception/80 yard performance. He was targeted 6 times, which was 2 more than any other receiver.
  • The Wolfpack offense was potent once again, tallying 470 yards of total offense. Their 28 first downs tied a season high.
  • TE Jaylen Samuels had two more touchdown receptions. It’s almost not impressive anymore, because it’s become normal. He’s silly in the red zone.
  • NC State covered the spread. They entered the game as 24 point favorites, and beat the Monarchs by 27.
  • The Wolfpack Defense had one sack in each of the first two games, and more than doubled that number against ODU, racking up 5 sacks. Three of those sacks were credited to DE Darian Roseboro, who live in the backfield all night long.
  • NC State’s Defense did a great job containing ODU’s star running back. Ray Lawry is coming off of a 1,000 yard season, and rushed for over 100 yards in the first two contests, but only managed 14 yards on 9 carries.
  • The Wolfpack Defensive Line came into the season with much hype, and they lived up to it last night. Kentavius Street, Bradley Chubb, Justin Jones and Darian Roseboro all picked up tackles behind the line of scrimmage.

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Matthew is Publisher and Co-Owner of Pack Insider. He is also the Lead Pastor of The Point Church in Cary, NC.

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NC State Football

Akron Safety Kerry Martin Jr. Commits to NC State!

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7 hours ago

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May 8, 2024

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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.

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NC State Football

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

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1 day ago

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May 7, 2024

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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

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NC State Football

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

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2 days ago

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May 6, 2024

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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.

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NC State Football

NC State Offers FCS DT Brandon Lane

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2 days ago

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May 6, 2024

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NC State offered Stephen F. Austin (FCS) Transfer Defensive Tackle Brandon Lane (6’3″/300) yesterday.

Lane started in 6 of the 11 games he played in for Stephen F. Austin this past season. He finished the year with 44 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. His PFF Grade was 74.6, which ranked 4th on the Lumberjacks Defense. His 79.9 Run Defense Grade ranked 3rd on the team. In 2022, Lane played 7 games as a reserve for Stephen F. Austin, recording 11 tackles 2.5 tackles for loss and 1 sack.

Lane spent his first two collegiate seasons at South Dakota State (2000-21). In 2000, he played in 1 game. In 2021, he played in 3 games as a reserve for the Jackrabbits. The 2000 season was the Covid Year, and the 2021 season was his redshirt year. As a result, Lane still has two years of eligibility remaining.

Around a week-and-a-half ago, Lane committed to Michigan St., but then he decommitted from the Spartans on May 2nd.

I don’t think Michigan St. is necessarily off the table, and he has visited Washington and West Virginia.

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