If NC State football’s narrow week one victory over Western Carolina was concerning, the 51-10 blowout against now-No. 7 Tennessee was embarrassing — historically embarrassing. Here are the biggest takeaways from one of the worst losses in head coach Dave Doeren’s tenure with the Wolfpack.
NC State is not close to where it should be
The Wolfpack, known for its defense under defensive coordinator Tony Gibson, gave up 50 or more points for the first time since it gave up 55 to Clemson in 2019. On the other side of the ball, NC State could only muster 143 yards of offense, marking the first time it has been under the 200-yard mark since 2016.
If fans were still holding on to any preseason hype before the loss, they’re probably grasping for straws to find a way the Pack can still make the College Football Playoff.
The past two weeks have been inexcusably poor for Doeren and the rest of the team. It’s hard to believe a team of this caliber comes into its opening two games as unprepared as it looks. Yet, here we are.
Costly turnovers
Bringing in lots of talent at the position in the offseason, the whole point of getting graduate quarterback Grayson McCall from the transfer portal was to have stability and experience at the most important position on the field.
In his first two games as a quarterback who was known for taking care of the ball and being an accurate passer, McCall has been anything but. Since donning the red and white, McCall has accounted for two interceptions and two fumbles lost in just two games.
Both interceptions have resulted in touchdowns, and the one in the Tennessee game couldn’t have come at a worse time.
Driving down the field, the NC State offense was in prime position to tie the game with a touchdown and threw the opportunity away. With a defender in his face, McCall lobbed the ball and reading the play was linebacker Will Brooks who took it over 80 yards to the house.
McCall hasn’t hidden his disappointment with his play — the quarterback was clearly beside himself for making atypical mistakes. With opportunities to stop the game from “snowballing,” McCall has only lost focus and made critical mistakes at the game’s most crucial moments.
Run defense who?
If there’s been one element under Doeren and Gibson’s tenure, it’s that NC State’s defense has been stout. When the offense wasn’t clicking, the defense kept the Pack in games.
Over the first two weeks, especially in the run game, the defense has looked like a shell of its former self. Between Western Carolina and Tennessee, the Pack has given up 369 rushing yards for an average of six yards per carry. To make matters worse, half of Tennessee’s touchdowns came on the ground, and its offensive line manhandled NC State’s defensive front.
Volunteers quarterback Nico Iamaleava continued to expose the weakness in the Pack’s defense, scrambling for 65 yards and a touchdown. Without linebacker Payton Wilson, the Pack has struggled to plug the holes and make early, easy tackles.
With only three rushers, NC State consistently failed to put any pressure on Iamaleava throughout the game, recording zero sacks. Without an obvious defensive star on the defensive line, it’s on Gibson to find a defensive scheme that can stop the run.
The pressure cooker is steaming, and if the Wolfpack can’t find a way to beat Louisiana Tech at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday, serious questions are going to be asked about everyone involved.
