NC State football earned its first ACC win of the season, topping Cal 24-23 thanks to a 14-point fourth quarter comeback. It wasn’t pretty, but getting back in the win column after dropping its first three ACC games was a much needed outcome for the Wolfpack.
Bailey’s best performance
In his first ACC win, freshman quarterback CJ Bailey showcased his upside in his best collegiate performance. The freshman threw for 306 yards and two touchdowns, distributing the football with precision all afternoon. The training wheels came off, and Bailey was given the opportunity to make difficult throws downfield. He delivered, creating big plays all game, including six passes for 20 or more yards.
Additionally, Bailey took care of the football, making smart reads throughout the afternoon. For the first time in ACC play, he didn’t throw an interception, demonstrating his in-season growth. After understandably making freshman mistakes, Bailey is looking better each week — a promising sign for both his future and the future of the Wolfpack.
Struggling offensive line
NC State’s offensive line has been questionable all season and once again took its lumps. The unit was unable to protect Bailey and surrendered six sacks. With a young quarterback, it’s critical to provide strong protection, but through eight games in the season, the offensive line hasn’t offered any relief in pass protection.
Additionally, the unit struggled to create holes in the run game. None of the Pack’s running backs averaged even four yards a carry as the offensive line struggled to open up rushing lanes. NC State is gradually drifting away from the ground attack in favor of more passes with its inability to establish the run behind this offensive line.
Playmakers galore
The Wolfpack prioritized finding offensive weapons this past offseason and certainly succeeded. Redshirt freshman running back Hollywood Smothers made the play of the game with a 41-yard touchdown catch out of the backfield, setting up the game-winning extra point. The Oklahoma transfer played a pivotal role in the Pack’s passing attack, leading the red-and-white with six total receptions. Look for Smothers to take on an expanded role in the future after a strong performance against Cal.
Junior tight end Justin Joly showed out against Cal, once again proving his importance to the Wolfpack’s offensive success. While he only received six targets, he turned his opportunities into 95 yards on four receptions. With his combination of size and speed, Joly is an excellent piece in the intermediate and deep passing game that routinely wins jump balls. Moving forward, Joly should be prominently featured in the Pack’s passing game.
It certainly hasn’t been the season many expected from sophomore wide receiver KC Concepcion, but he was crucial against Cal. The sophomore earned 53 yards, offering a reliable option for Bailey to throw to. Concepcion also threw a pass of his own — a 28 yard completion to Smothers. Additionally, Concepcion punched in a touchdown run from two yards out. With just four games left in the regular season, now is the time for Concepcion to play his best.
Inability to cover the tight end
Cal tight end Jack Endries torched the red-and-white all afternoon, exposing a dangerous weakness in the Wolfpack’s defense. Regardless of what route he ran, Endries was seemingly always open. With nine receptions and 101 yards, Endries accounted for over a third of the Golden Bears’ receiving production.
Typically safeties are responsible for covering tight ends and the Pack’s defense is no different. With graduate safety Devan Boykin still out after an injury last season, the red-and-white’s safety room has been up and down. While the group has occasionally made splash plays, it struggled in coverage and nearly cost NC State the win against Cal.
Opportunity ahead
With a 4-4 record, NC State enters a bye week with its preseason expectations shattered. However, it has the opportunity to avoid a disastrous season like it had in 2019. Each of the Pack’s remaining four games will likely be close and could go either way. The Wolfpack proved it can pass downfield, pressure the quarterback and win close games. Now, the red-and-white needs to do so consistently.
