The NC State football team picked up a rivalry week win in Chapel Hill Saturday, beating UNC-Chapel Hill in overtime thanks to a record-setting performance from senior running back Reggie Gallaspy Jr.
Here’s a deeper look at how the Wolfpack performed in the overtime win:
Quarterback — B-
Graduate Ryan Finley wasn’t necessarily bad against the Tar Heels but also wasn’t great. He had 200 yards on 16 completions but had a fairly low completion percentage at just 57 percent. Finley threw a first-half interception and didn’t have a touchdown, marking three games in his NC State career against UNC in which he has failed to throw a touchdown.
However, the Pack did do a good job of getting into the red zone and finishing, and 200 yards is a good output from Finley to help work NC State down the field.
Running Backs — A+
Gallaspy stole the show in Chapel Hill, tying the NC State school record with five rushing touchdowns in the game. Gallaspy accounted for every Wolfpack score, including the game-winning touchdown in overtime. For a red-zone offense that has struggled all year, Gallaspy was the powerful answer in Saturday’s win.
In whole, the NC State rushing game accounted for 222 yards, a great output on the ground. Gallaspy led the way with 129 yards, followed by freshman Ricky Person Jr. with 66 yards.
Wide Receivers — B
A somewhat pedestrian day for the Wolfpack’s strongest group, but a large part of that has to do with the Pack’s efficiency on the ground. Redshirt junior Jakobi Meyers had a strong day, catching seven passes for 111 yards. Junior Kelvin Harmon was somewhat kept in check with only three receptions but did tally 54 yards.
Offensive line — A-
The offensive line was great in its run blocking, paving the way for the huge day for Gallaspy. However, Carolina did get into the backfield with some success, sacking Finley twice while also having four quarterback hurries. The Heels also had seven tackles for loss.
Defensive line — C
The Tar Heels only rushed for 153 yards, which is good for the defensive line. However, pressure in the Carolina backfield was almost non-existent Saturday. The Wolfpack defensive line combined for just three tackles for loss and one sack. The d-line also had no quarterback hurries for the game.
Linebackers — B-
Redshirt freshman Isaiah Moore and redshirt sophomore Brock Miller were second and third on the team in tackles and played a role in limiting that Carolina running attack. Moore and Miller also each had a quarterback hurry in the game.
Secondary — C-
UNC rolled out a freshman in quarterback Cade Fortin, and Fortin passed for 276 yards and his first career touchdown. While he completed less than 50 percent of his passes, Fortin had relative success against the Wolfpack secondary, including a 37-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter.
Four different Carolina receivers had multiple catches, with two going for more than 75 yards.
Special teams — A
Senior A.J. Cole punted the ball eight times, downing it inside the 20-yard line on five of those. Cole also had a booming 53-yard punt for his long on the day. Freshman place-kicker Chris Dunn was a perfect 5 for 5 on extra points and didn’t attempt a field goal.
NC State also had some luck on special teams. UNC had a punt in the first quarter that went a whole 1-yard after a mishandled snap. The Tar Heels also missed a field goal in overtime. The one snafu for the Pack’s special teams was a kick-catch interference penalty early in the game.
