The NC State football team played its first game of the season against the James Madison Dukes, an out-of-conference opponent that played well last season under a strong defense. Despite an uphill climb at the beginning of the game, the Pack pulled away for a 24-13 win to start the season at 1-0.  Here is a position-by-position look at how the Pack fared in the season opener:

Quarterback: A

Instant Analysis: Ryan Finley looked as expected, firing on all cylinders as he completed 29 of 43 passes (68 percent) for 309 yards and two touchdowns with zero interceptions.  There were moments where Finley looked like a pro with great situational awareness, such as avoiding a safety when he was forced to pass from the Pack’s end zone.

Wide Receivers: A+

Instant Analysis: This was a great showing by a great receiving corps, despite facing a great defensive back group from James Madison.  Redshirt junior Jakobi Meyers was the MVP, providing 161 yards on 14 receptions. Redshirt freshman Thayer Thomas gave the Pack its first touchdown of the season and a 40-yard punt return, while sophomores Emeka Emezie and C.J. Riley looked smooth, too. Junior Kelvin Harmon had a few solid plays as well, and even though he was not playing to the fullest, there is no reason for concern with a group this deep (even without graduate Stephen Louis, who missed the game with the leg injury).  

Running Backs: C+

Instant Analysis: The rushing game was 50-50 against James Madison. Senior Reggie Gallaspy looked as strong as ever, provided great blocking, and ended up with 68 yards and the game-sealing touchdown. Aside from Gallaspy however, the rest of the rushing game was shut down rather easily by James Madison’s defensive crew.  Freshmen Ricky Person Jr. and Trent Pennix combined for 6 yards on eight carries, though both are working their way back from injuries. Freshman Tyler Baker-Williams accounted for the only turnover of the game as well, which keeps this group from a higher marking.

Tight Ends: C

Instant Analysis: No tight end caught a pass this game, but that was expected.  The tight ends, particularly redshirt sophomore Damien Darden, were used to help the offensive line.  Darden and the other tight ends helped block well, but nothing stood out.

Offensive Line: B-

Instant Analysis: The offensive line kept Finley safe by only allowing one sack the entire game.  What keeps them from a higher mark is the argument that they could have provided some better spacing for the running backs, but they played well for the most part.

Offense Overall Grade: B

Defensive Line: C-

Instant Analysis: The defensive line as a whole struggled some against a good rushing quarterback. This might be a testament to how good Ben DiNucci is rather than the defensive line crumbling, but the D-line gets a C- because of how many rushing yards they allowed.  Redshirt freshman Ibrahim Kante looked really good with two sacks in the game. Look for this crew to bounce back in a major way in following games, and when senior Eurndraus Bryant gets fully healthy.

Linebackers: B

Instant Analysis: Senior Germaine Pratt and redshirt freshman Isaiah Moore looked good, combining for 22 tackles.  These guys were the ones who were able to stop James Madison in either the rushing game or passing game before they got too hot.  Nothing flashy, but an overall good job by the linebackers in this game.

Defensive Backs: C

Instant Analysis: Redshirt junior Jarius Morehead and junior Nick McCloud had solid outings, but overall for this group it felt too often that James Madison got a clutch pass off to a receiver.  This was not a bad showing, but like the D-line, it seems the secondary is destined for a bounceback in future games.

Defense Overall Grade: C+

Special Teams: C-

Instant Analysis : Senior A.J. Cole III had one disappointing punt and freshman Christopher Dunn missed a 45 yard field goal attempt, but Thomas had a nice punt return and redshirt senior Maurice Trowell gained 53 yards on three kick returns, so an average showing for special teams all around.

Overall Team Grade: B-

Players of the Game and Their Statlines :

Jakobi Meyers – 14 receptions, 161 yards

Emeka Emezie – five receptions, 60 yards

Thayer Thomas – one reception, 16 yards, one touchdown, 40-yard punt return

C.J. Riley – four receptions, 45 yards, one touchdown

Reggie Gallaspy Jr. – 17 carries, 68 yards, one touchdown

Ibrahim Kante – two sacks

The team as a whole had a shaky start to the season. While this was a tough matchup that was overlooked by many, the Pack needed this game so it could shake off any rust. The Pack will look at this game as inspiration to perform even better next game, but is happy with the end result of the game. Up next for the Pack is Georgia State next Saturday at home, and head coach Dave Doeren will certainly use the game against James Madison to help prepare for the road ahead.