The NC State football team took several steps in the wrong direction last weekend with a crushing 33-30 loss to the East Carolina Pirates. There were many ugly things that emerged from the road loss, as the kicking game and defense struggled.
Up next for the Wolfpack is a home tilt against Old Dominion, whom the Wolfpack has played for three straight years. The Wolfpack beat the Monarchs 38-14 on the road last season, dominating the home team on all fronts.
The two defenses in this game are much maligned this season, as both struggled in week two after beating up on an FCS opponent. Old Dominion lost 31-7 to Appalachian State in week two, allowing 230 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
Defensive Line
Eight different defensive lineman made tackles in NC State’s loss to ECU, but the team registered only one sack and gave up three rushing touchdowns. The defensive line is still the top unit on NC State’s defense, but creating pressure and stopping Old Dominion running back Ray Lawry will be the keys to winning this week’s ballgame. More will be needed from junior defensive end Bradley Chubb, who only registered two assisted tackles against ECU.
Redshirt sophomore lineman Oshane Ximines is an end oozing with potential for the Monarchs, and he had seven tackles in the loss to Appalachian State. Ximines, combined with sophomore defensive tackle Miles Fox and senior defensive lineman Rashaad Coward make up a decent line for Old Dominion.
The Monarchs are undersized however, and severely struggle in run defense, meaning a big day could be had for the Wolfpack running backs.
Advantage: NC State
Linebackers
Junior linebacker Airius Moore made seven tackles, but appeared to struggle in pass coverage as the Pirates skill players were just a step faster. The tandem of Moore and junior Jerod Fernandez is experienced, but they must step their game up for the defense.
The Monarchs have experience at linebacker with seniors TJ Ricks and Anthony Wilson. Wilson led the team with 11 tackles against Appalachian State and added three sacks. The unit is strong for the Monarchs.
Advantage: NC State — Moore and Fernandez get the slight edge on this category
Secondary
Redshirt junior safety Josh Jones is having a mid-career revival of sorts this season and he led the team in tackles against ECU after grabbing an interception in week one against William and Mary. Senior cornerback Jack Tocho was burned for an early touchdown and then responded with an interception of his own. Junior corner Mike Stevens was called for a borderline pass interference call that affected the outcome of the game.
The Monarchs returned three starters in the secondary and are no slouches in pass defense. The secondary allowed just 185 yards through the air against the Mountaineers, and intercepted one pass.
Advantage: Old Dominion — The Monarchs faced lesser opposition, but the pass defense was hardly the issue in their loss to Appalachian State.
Special Teams
Oh boy, where to start? Senior kicker Connor Haskins missed two field goals: one from 42 yards and a second from 44 yards. Sophomore kicker Kyle Bambard was solid on his only field goal attempt, a 30-yarder. Another troubling trend for the special teams unit is the amount of returns against them. In two games the Wolfpack has kicked off 14 times and had only four touchbacks.
Sophomore Nyheim Hines is still a dangerous return man, and it should only be a matter of time before he makes something good happen.
Old Dominion sophomore kicker Chris Kirtley made his only field goal of the season, a 25-yarder in the Monarchs’ 54-21 win over Hampton on opening weekend.
Overall this unit is bad for Old Dominion.
Advantage: NC State — Sophomore punter A.J. Cole and Hines tip the scales.
