Ben Salama
The Wolfpack defenders fail to make a tackle against the Clemson offense when attempting to run past the line of scrimmage. The NC State defense let up 623 yards, 27 first downs, five throwing touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns against the Clemson Tigers. The Wolfpack fell to the Tigers 56-41 in Carter-Finley Stadium at NC State, on Oct. 31.
This weekend the NC State Wolfpack will travel to Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts to challenge the Boston College Eagles with the intent of earning its sixth win of the season.
The Wolfpack (5-3, 1-3 ACC) has been on a downward turn as of late. After starting the season 4-0, the Wolfpack has now lost three of its last four games, including a 56-41 loss to No. 1 Clemson this past Saturday.
During the loss to the Tigers, the Wolfpack gave up over 600 yards of total offense, including over 400 total yards and six touchdowns to Tiger quarterback Deshaun Watson. Despite the loss, head coach Dave Doeren remained focused on the next opponent.
“It’s a new week,” Doeren said at the weekly Monday press conference. “It’s another new challenge with Boston College and a new opportunity for our team.”
The Eagles (3-6, 0-6 ACC) have also been struggling after a hot start. Following a 2-0 start, the Eagles have lost six of their last seven, with all the losses being in conference play.
The offense hasn’t generated much during the ACC losing streak either. In the three non-conference wins, the Eagles averaged 39.0 PPG; during the six conference losses, the Eagles are averaging 8.0 PPG.
Even though the Eagles have struggled offensively this season, the defense has been one of the best in the country, ranking 2nd in total defense and 1st in rushing defense. Doeren recognized Monday that they are a team that should not be taken lightly.
“They’re a really good football team defensively, one of the best in the country,” Doeren said. “They play physical in the trenches. You can’t be one dimensional against them.”
The group to watch for the Eagles will be their defensive front seven. According to coach Doeren, they’re a group that has gotten in the backfield a lot this season.
“Both of their defensive ends have 10 tackles for loss and three sacks each,” Doeren said. “They are a great front seven, and they present a great challenge for us.”
In addition to going against the top-ranked rushing defense in the country, the Wolfpack will have to continue to monitor the status of running back Matt Dayes.
During Saturday’s game against Clemson, the junior tailback exited the game during the first half with a “lower body injury,” according to NBCSports. When the game resumed in the second half, Dayes could be seen on the sideline with a walking boot on his right foot. Doeren could not comment on Dayes’ status during his press conference Monday.
“I don’t know yet on Dayes,” Doeren said. “I will know by tonight or tomorrow if he will be available for the game.”
One major factor in the game will be NC State having to play Boston College away from Carter-Finley Stadium. According to Doeren, since 2005, when Boston College joined the ACC, the Wolfpack is 0-5 when it plays at Chestnut Hill.
Regardless, the Pack looks to turn the tide of its 2015 season and get back on track.