In the most exciting game of the 2023 season, NC State football defeated Marshall in a 48-41 shootout, snapping the Herd’s nine-game win streak. Sophomore quarterback MJ Morris got the start, the offense found its stride and the defense made big time plays to secure the win.
The answer?
In his first start of the 2023 season, Morris threw a career-best four touchdowns to lead the Wolfpack to a win. Although he threw three interceptions, two were in the first quarter, and one occurred off a tipped pass by freshman wide receiver KC Concepcion.
Since it was his first game, a slow start was expected, but Morris quickly proved why he should be the starter and finished the game with 265 yards and four touchdown passes.
Morris was named the starter after a dismal showing by graduate quarterback Brennan Armstrong against Louisville, and there seemed to be significant improvement against Marshall. Armstrong struggled to throw accurate deep balls, but the same issue was not present for Morris, who completed multiple 30-plus yard plays through the air. While Armstrong is a better rushing quarterback, Morris appears to be the better passer.
Overall, it is too early to make judgements at quarterback, but the Wolfpack appear to be headed in the right direction. Morris will face a big challenge next week as the red-and-white travel to Durham to take on No. 17 Duke.
Pack leaders
Concepcion has established himself as the core of the offense; he caught eight passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns. Through six games, he has 31 receptions for 347 yards and four touchdowns.
Concepcion’s first touchdown of the game came on a 17-yard pass from Morris early in the first quarter. His second came on a designed touch pass that he ran in from eight yards out. He’s shown why he is one of the best true freshmen in the country, and he continues to be a leader on offense.
A surprise breakout performance came from graduate tight end Trent Pennix, who caught three passes for 99 yards and two touchdowns. Pennix was able to create lots of separation from defenders, leaving him wide open on two separate occasions.
On the first play after the Pack defense forced a fumble, Morris found Pennix wide open down the sideline for one of the easiest touchdowns of the year. The second score came halfway through the third quarter, when a Marshall defensive miscommunication left Pennix wide open, allowing him to walk in for a 62-yard touchdown.
Under pressure
While both offenses were explosive, the difference maker appeared to be the Wolfpack defense’s ability to apply pressure. After combining for just 15 sacks through the first five weeks, the defense had an astonishing six sacks against Marshall. This constant defensive pressure led to some major mistakes by The Herd offense, including missing wide open receivers and poor decision making.
Whenever the secondary struggled, the defensive line was there to keep pressure on sophomore quarterback Cam Fancher. Whenever the defensive line struggled, the secondary was there to back them up — it forced two fumbles and an interception. Although it let up 41 points, it’s hard to be disappointed with three forced turnovers and six sacks.
However, if the Wolfpack wants any chance against Duke, it needs to find a way to limit explosive plays, both through the air and on the ground.
