It was a rough weekend for NC State football’s offense. The Wolfpack was out-produced in total yards, passing yards, rushing yards, first downs, third and fourth down efficiency and time of possession.
However, the NC State offense protected the ball, not turning it over while the red-and-white defense forced two turnovers, returning one for a pick-six. The Wolfpack offense managed just enough explosive plays to maneuver its way toward a victory and put itself a win away from bowl eligibility.
Quarterback
Sophomore quarterback MJ Morris and the offense started the game on a high note when the Pack’s defense grabbed an interception, setting the signal-caller and the rest of his unit in favorable field position. Morris led a drive that was capped off with a nine-yard touchdown pass to freshman wide receiver Kevin Concepcion.
By the end of the day, Morris completed 11 of his 20 passes for 138 yards — 72 of which came on a third and short pass to Concepcion that the freshman took to the house to give the Wolfpack a 24-7 lead late in the third quarter.
Aside from those two touchdown drives, the offense suffered seven three-and-outs and struggled to find any sort of footing versus a stout Clemson defense that ranked first in total yards allowed per game.
Grade: B
Running Backs
The red-and-white’s rushing attack looked miserable against Clemson, rushing for a season-low of 64 yards and not recording a rushing touchdown for the second week in a row. The red-and-white’s biggest run of the game came when Concepcion broke a 50-yard run on the second drive of the game.
Three Pack running backs could only muster together 25 yards on 14 carries — and outside of Concepcion’s single play the run game never opened up in this game averaging a season-low of 2.46 yards a carry.
Grade: D
Pass Catchers
Concepcion continues to shine above the rest of NC State’s wide receivers, leading the group in receptions and receiving yards. The freshman currently boasts a sparkling stat line of five receptions for 83 yards and two receiving touchdowns. The biggest play of the game and of the Wolfpack’s season so far came from Concepcion taking a quick slant 72 yards to the house.
After leading the red-and-white in receiving and rushing yards, Concepcion was named 247Sports’ True Freshman of the Week. Concepcion continues to muscle the offense forward and gives life to what has otherwise been an underwhelming group thus far. Look for Concepcion to continue to see his involvement increase and for plays to continue to be designed specifically for him.
However, much like the rushing game, there were no standouts other than Concepcion. The pass catchers averaged 12.5 yards per reception and continued to show the ability to move the chains, but the group as a whole consistently struggled to create separation and provide reliable targets for Morris.
Grade: B
Offensive Line
The offensive line struggled tremendously against a stout Clemson defense. The unit couldn’t front big enough gaps for the running game and allowed heavy pressure on the quarterback. The line gave up two total sacks by the end of the day.
The constant pressure by the Tiger defense gave little time for Morristo to go through any sort of progressions and often forced a quick release, sometimes before receivers were even out of their breaks.
Don’t expect the passing game to greatly improve until the offensive line buckles down and helps provide a consistent run game and pass protection to get the offense back in order.
Grade: D
