After a thrilling comeback victory over Georgia Southern last weekend, the NC State football team looks to keep the momentum rolling against the Old Dominion Monarchs on Saturday.
The Monarchs (1-0) hail from the Conference USA and finished a respectable 8-4 last season. After an easy victory over the Hampton Pirates in the opening game, they look to play the role of spoiler this weekend at Carter-Finley Stadium.
While this will be the first meeting between the two schools, the Monarchs are no strangers to the ACC and played both UNC and Maryland last season, although Old Dominion lost both games by a combined score of 127-30.
The Wolfpack (1-0) is eager to prove last week’s roller coaster of a game was just a case of opening-day jitters.
After a shaky first half, redshirt junior quarterback Jacoby Brissett put together a solid performance and threw for 291 yards and three touchdowns — including the game-winner in the fourth quarter. Freshman Wideout Bo Hines made a stellar debut for the Wolfpack and caught nine passes for 85 yards.
“It’s natural to play to not make a mistake early, so it’s natural to not play full speed,” NC State Head Coach Dave Doeren said in regards to the Pack’s slow start. “I think that’s a lot of it, and the guys settled down as the game went on.”
Doeren also said he felt Brissett’s composure never changed during the game, despite several overthrown passes and an interception in the first half — perhaps a sign of almost two years of rust accumulated since his last appearance on Nov. 17, 2012 against Jacksonville State.
“I just think he got hot,” Doeren said. “He started doing what he was supposed to do. He was aggressive, and it looked like he was having some fun.”
This week, the Wolfpack must figure out how to contain a potent Old Dominion offense led by senior quarterback and 2012 Walter Payton Award winner Taylor Heinicke.
Heinicke, a 2012 FCS All-American, performed strongly last week, going 29/40 for 281 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Sophomores Gerard Johnson and Zach Pascal also pose a threat, as Johnson had 22 carries for 137 yards and a score and Pascal caught eight passes for 99 yards and two touchdowns.
Look for State offensive coordinator Matt Canada to get Brissett in a groove early, much like he did in the second half against Georgia Southern. Running backs Shadrach Thornton and Matt Dayes should also get touches as the Wolfpack looks to find its offensive footing.
Like Georgia Southern, the Monarchs left the Colonial Athletic Association of the FCS for the Conference USA of the FBS. So even though they are in a transitional period, it would be unwise for the Wolfpack to overlook this team.
“Old Dominion is a successful team like Georgia Southern,” Doeren said. “I have a lot of respect for their coaching staff; I know a couple of those guys.”
A battle to watch is the one between veteran quarterbacks Brissett and Heinicke. Both have loads of experience under their belts, and in the case of Heinicke, he’s hungry to prove the Monarchs belong up with the big boys.
As for Brissett, he’s eager to help State fans forget about last season’s underwhelming performance and usher in a new era of Wolfpack football.
Defensive coordinator Dave Huxtable will direct a Wolfpack defense eager to this week, especially after surrendering only six second-half points after an aggressive Georgia Southern offense put up 17 in the first half alone. Putting Heinicke in pressure situations early is key for the defense to prevent him from getting into an offensive rhythm.
The debut of NC State’s “Pack in Black” uniforms this Saturday also helps provide energy to both players and fans as Carter-Finley Stadium looks to be electric and energetic come kickoff on Saturday evening.
“I’m excited for our fans to have a night game and get a chance to see the ‘Pack in Black’ uniform and helmet,” said Doeren. “We’re excited to break those out.”
The Wolfpack hopes to be primed and ready for its first ACC game on Sept. 27 against defending national champions and current number one ranked Florida State, but first, the team must get through Old Dominion and other non-conference opponents gunning for the upset.
