NC State football hit the road to open up ACC play, taking on the Virginia Cavaliers in a closer game than expected. The Pack ultimately needed a game-winning field goal to sneak past the winless Cavaliers.
Although most fans were disappointed in how close the game was, there are positives to take away from a win that point to a bright future for the Wolfpack. There are also unresolved problems that need to be addressed if NC State wants to compete in the ACC.
Armstrong’s return
Graduate quarterback Brennan Armstrong’s return to Virginia was the main talking point leading up to the game. Armstrong played at Virginia for five years before transferring to NC State and had the best statistical quarterback season in school history in 2021.
The former Virginia signal-caller was met with boos when he came out for the Pack’s first offensive drive. It was an emotional return for Armstrong, and it showed on the field with some missed throws. Despite some misplaced throws and an interception, he made good decisions with the ball and led the team in rushing for the third time in four games with 64 yards.
Wide receiver one
Freshman wide receiver Kevin Concepcion has separated himself from the rest of the receiving corps. Concepcion is clearly Armstrong’s number one option.
The freshman finally had his breakout game with six receptions for 116 yards and two touchdowns. Before the game, Concepcion led the team in receptions and yards, and Friday night’s performance proved that he’s the best offensive weapon NC State has.
With Concepcion being a true freshman, the Wolfpack can look forward to having a true number one receiver for years to come.
Still running back by committee
Despite the thought that sophomore running back Michael Allen would take on the role of lead back, NC State’s carries were split amongst three running backs. Allen had 10 carries, redshirt junior Delbert Mimms got eight and freshman running back Kendrick Raphael got three.
No back stood out among the trio. Allen led them in yards with just 36, and Raphael averaged 6.3 yards per carry on only three attempts. NC State needs a star running back to emerge because it can’t keep relying on Armstrong to lead the team in rushing.
Emerging linebacker
Most know that graduate linebacker Payton Wilson is the best linebacker on the team, and he highlighted his talent with another incredible performance that featured 13 tackles, half a tackle for loss and half a sack.
The emergence of redshirt sophomore linebacker Caden Fordham has been a big boost for the linebacking core. Fordham’s playing time has steadily increased every week, and he showed why against Virginia, recording 12 tackles and a tackle for loss.
Friday night’s performance should secure Fordham a starting spot next to Wilson for the rest of the season.
For the brand
The performance of special teams is just as important as what the offense and defense do and sometimes even more critical in close games like this one. Redshirt sophomore punter Caden Noonkester had a game that would’ve made Pat McAfee proud.
Noonkester had eight punts that totaled 400 yards, with his longest kick being a booming 67-yarder that put Virginia near its own goal line. He also had another kick that landed inside the 20 to give Virginia a long field.
Winning the field position battle is a key indicator of who’s going to win the game and Noonkester was able to flip the field throughout the night. As odd as it is to say, a punter was a key reason for a Wolfpack victory.
