There is still hope in Raleigh that the Pack can turn this season around.
It’s no secret that this season has been an ordeal for Wolfpack fans. Four straight losses, including a blowout against Florida State and a loss to UNC-Chapel Hill in back-to-back games, can turn even the most optimistic State fan into an emotional wreck.
State has a young, inexperienced team this season. Graduate student quarterback Brandon Mitchell, a transfer from Arkansas, had never started a collegiate game at quarterback before this season.
After Mitchell went down with a foot injury in the season opener, junior quarterback Pete Thomas stepped in. Thomas hadn’t seen action in almost two years since transferring from Colorado State, where he was a two-year starter.
True freshmen receivers Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Jumichael Ramos, along with freshman running back Matt Dayes, have all seen significant time on the offensive side of the ball this season.
On defense, freshman cornerback Jack Tocho and sophomore defensive backs Hakim Jones and Justin Burris have played in all eight games for the Wolfpack.
Although young players tend to have their growing pains as they adjust to collegiate football, things can only get better in Raleigh.
State has the right man at the helm. First year head coach Dave Doeren, along with his staff, has instilled the Wolfpack with his blue-collar mentality. Although recent results have not been kind to State, the players ‘effort levels have not dropped off.
The Wolfpack’s resilience in the midst of a losing streak gives hope. State could do a 180-degree turn.
Mitchell’s injury in the season-opener kept him out for almost two months.
His return from injury against No. 3 Florida State didn’t go well, throwing two interceptions. Mitchell threw two more against Carolina on Saturday, leading to his benching by Doeren in the fourth quarter.
Despite his recent hiccups, Mitchell’s dual-threat abilities give the Wolfpack another offensive dimension, and he should be State’s best option at quarterback through its final four regular season games. As he gets more in-game experience at the position, his play will improve.
Mitchell has the ability to lead State’s offense, and the team, to bowl eligibility.
