In its first ACC matchup of the season against the Virginia Cavaliers, NC State football’s defense had both high and low moments, from a tip drill interception to allowing a 17-yard two-point conversion late in the game.
Defensive line
The Wolfpack’s defensive line was busy all night after a heavy rushing attack from the Cavaliers. Although it allowed 113 yards rushing, it was on 41 attempts, meaning the unit allowed just 2.8 yards per carry.
Redshirt junior defensive lineman Red Hibbler led the unit, finishing with 1.5 sacks and 1.5 tackles for loss. Hibbler kept constant pressure on the Virginia quarterback, never allowing him to get a comfortable throw. Senior defensive end Savion Jackson also added five tackles to the total.
There were no other standouts from the line, but everyone played their part. It seems the defensive line has finally found the answer to stopping the run game, allowing fewer yards in the last two games combined than UConn or Notre Dame had by themselves. It has the chance to make a huge impact during Friday’s game against Louisville.
Grade: B
Linebackers
The Wolfpack linebackers showed yet again why they are the core of the NC State defense. Graduate linebacker Payton Wilson led the team in tackles for the fourth straight week, finishing with 13 tackles, half a sack and half a tackle for loss. He continues to be the leader on defense, and with every outstanding game played, his draft stock rises. Wilson is averaging 11.5 tackles per game, making him sixth in the nation in tackles per game.
Lined up alongside Wilson was redshirt sophomore linebacker Caden Fordham, who ended with 12 tackles and a tackle for loss. After having only eight tackles through the first three games, he more than doubled his total for the season.
As long as they continue their tackling spree, there should be no concern about the Wolfpack linebackers.
Grade: A
Secondary
The Wolfpack secondary had a very up-and-down night. It let Cavalier quarterback Anthony Colandrea complete 18 out of 30 passes for 271 yards, two touchdowns and a two-point conversion. However, it was able to force two interceptions in the fourth quarter that helped slow down the Virginia offense.
The first interception came with just over nine minutes on the clock, when junior safety Bishop Fitzgerald deflected a deep pass that allowed redshirt sophomore safety Sean Brown to make an acrobatic dive to steal the ball from UVA. Along with the pick, Brown had nine tackles and half a tackle for loss.
The second pick came on the ensuing drive, when junior cornerback Aydan White leaped up and stole the ball at the one-yard line, promptly ending the Cavalier’s hard-fought drive.
While the turnovers were helpful, the secondary struggled to find an answer for receiver Malik Washington, who had ten catches for 170 yards and two touchdowns. For future games, the Wolfpack defenders need to find better ways to limit the offense’s primary receiver.
Grade: C
