NC State football continued its ACC stretch this past weekend when it traveled to Winston-Salem, North Carolina to take on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. The game was a blowout and resulted in a final score of 26-6. The Wolfpack dominated in every facet of the game, especially defensively, putting on what was arguably its best performance of the season.
Defensive line
The Pack’s defensive line demolished the Wake Forest offense. The unit gave up just seven total yards on 18 carries and allowed a mere 0.4 yards per carry, its lowest average of the season.
The defensive line was led by senior defensive end Savion Jackson, who obtained a career-high two sacks against the Deacons in addition to two tackles for loss.
The line kept pressure on the quarterback the entire game, not allowing him a single moment of clarity. The defensive line continued to dominate against the run game, yet again allowing zero big plays. In fact, it didn’t allow a single run over seven yards.
As long as the defensive line continues to play lights out, fans can expect a staunch Wolfpack defense for the remaining two games.
Grade: A+
Linebackers
NC State’s linebackers had yet another stellar game, continuing their hot streak. For just the second time all season, graduate linebacker Payton Wilson did not lead the team in tackles — though he had seven tackles, two tackles for loss and a pass defended. Instead, it was senior linebacker Jaylon Scott who led the Pack, accumulating eight tackles throughout the game.
Scott also made one of the biggest plays of the game — after a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, the Demon Deacons went for two. The ensuing pass was intercepted by Scott, who ran the ball back 100 yards for two points. Though plays made for two-point conversions don’t count on the stat sheet, Scott’s impact was huge.
Finally, junior linebacker Devon Betty tallied another sack to his season total. All in all, the Wolfpack linebackers turned in an all-around amazing performance against the Demon Deacons.
Grade: A+
Secondary
The Pack’s secondary put on a show against Wake Forest. The unit allowed Wake Forest quarterback Michael Kern to complete 14 of 26 throws for just 137 yards, one touchdown and one interception, resulting in a quarterback rating of just 40.3. By the time the defense gave up a score, the game was well over.
Junior cornerback Aydan White led the red-and-white with three passes defended. The secondary also forced two turnovers, with the first coming midway through the third quarter on a forced fumble by graduate nickel back Robert Kennedy. Redshirt junior cornerback Shyheim Battle quickly dove on the ball, giving the Wolfpack great field positioning.
The second turnover came early in the fourth quarter, when redshirt sophomore safety Sean Brown intercepted a deep shot from Kern, promptly ending any hopes of a Wake Forest comeback. NC State’s secondary allowed just one pass catcher over 30 yards and recorded its second straight week of no plays over 20 yards.
Grade: A+
