NC State football had an up-and-down defensive outing against Virginia Tech, holding the Hokies to just seven points in the first half, forcing four punts and limiting almost every drive. However, the Wolfpack took a lackadaisical approach to the second half, giving up three touchdowns. The Wolfpack won 35-28 in a game that ended up much closer than it should have been.
Defensive line
The Wolfpack’s defensive line had a rough game against Virginia Tech. It allowed 124 yards on 16 attempts — an average of 7.8 yards per carry. The defensive line failed to find a way to contain Hokie quarterback Kyron Drones, who totaled nine carries for 51 yards.
The defensive line allowed many chunk run plays, including a 47-yard rushing touchdown by Hokie running back Xayvion Turner-Bradshaw. The defensive line needs to find ways to contain any quarterback as UNC-Chapel Hill quarterback Drake Maye has 343 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns on the year.
Though not a huge rushing threat, it is still crucial to keep the quarterback in the pocket and apply as much pressure as possible.
Grade: C-
Linebackers
The Wolfpack linebackers had a middling game. Graduate linebacker Payton Wilson reclaimed his top spot — he led the team with 11 tackles, one sack and 3.5 tackles for loss. Wilson practically lived in the backfield, applying pressure on every run and multiple dropbacks. Though Wilson turned in his usual elite performance, there were no other linebacker standouts.
Senior linebacker Jaylon Scott has had a huge impact on the last few games but was seemingly nowhere to be found against the Hokies — he accumulated just two tackles and no other recorded stats. Scott has proven to be a defensive weapon, but both Wilson and Scott will need to be on their A-game against the Tar Heels for the Wolfpack to slow down the visiting offense.
Grade: B
Secondary
Though the Wolfpack secondary had a great first half, it fell apart in the second half, giving up three touchdown passes. Redshirt sophomore safety Sean Brown led the secondary in tackles with six.
Junior safety Bishop Fitzgerald made the play of the game when he intercepted quarterback Kyron Drones on the first play of a Hokie drive in NC State territory. Drones completed 17 of 30 passes for 225 yards and three touchdowns, along with the interception.
The secondary failed to shut down the big plays, and it allowed three pass catchers with plays of 20 yards or more, including a 42 yard touchdown. The secondary will need to be more diligent against the Tar Heels and play all four quarters with the same efficiency. If the team plays the Tar Heels the way it played in the first half against the Hokies, it should be an easy win for the Wolfpack.
Grade: C+
