N.C. State will meet rival Duke on Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium. This will be a pivotal game for the Pack as it searches for its first ACC win. But there is no doubt that the quarterbacks, redshirt sophomore Russell Wilson for State and senior Thaddeus Lewis for Duke, will be the centers of attention.
Statistically speaking, both quarterbacks are the best in the ACC and have no trouble when it comes to putting up big numbers. Wilson is currently sporting a 152.34 passer rating, has thrown for 1,244 yards and 14 touchdowns for this season. Lewis, who is in his fourth season as Duke’s starter, currently has a 128.24 passer rating, 1,142 yards passing and seven touchdowns.
Another reason why both of these quarterbacks have been regarded as the best in the ACC is because of their potential to break several school and NCAA records.
Wilson currently holds the NCAA record for most consecutive pass attempts without turning the ball over at 379 attempts, breaking the previous record of 325, set by Kentucky’s Andre Woodson in 2006. The streak ended against Wake Forest on a second quarter interception. Wilson also broke Philip Rivers’ school record for touchdowns in a three-game span with 12 touchdowns against Murray State, Gardner Webb and Pittsburgh. That number bested the 11 touchdowns Rivers threw over a three-game span back in 2003.
Meanwhile, Lewis is on the brink of breaking many school records. At the start of the 2009 season, Lewis ranked fourth in Duke football history in passing yards, attempts, completions, touchdowns and total offense.
Duke coach David Cutcliffe said Wilson’s versatility and downfield vision will be the biggest threat against Duke’s defense.
“Russell is a very talented athlete. He moves, he makes plays, he creates,” Cutcliffe said. “He does a tremendous job of finding targets downfield off the scramble … He’s a guy that can beat you running, but he can certainly beat you throwing, he’s unbelievably accurate downfield. “
Cutcliffe said his team’s defensive emphasis will be disrupting Wilson’s rhythm and focusing on the next play, regardless of the previous play.
“You have to mix it up, there’s no one way to defend Russell Wilson,” Cutcliffe said. “You can’t let that play you give up to him beat you on the next play, [because] he’s [going to] make plays, and you have to be mentally tough to play against a guy like that.”
N.C. State coach Tom O’Brien said Wilson’s only weaknesses are issues related to his lack of experience.
“I think the thing was he’s got to step up into the pocket a little more,” O’Brien said. “You have to do it right all the time, it can’t just be based on who you’re playing and what you’re seeing … Those are some of the things we have to work with him on. “
While many fans and coaches will inevitably focus on the battle between last year’s first and second team All-ACC quarterbacks, Wilson said he is approaching the Duke game more focused on playing to the best of his ability.
“I’m just going to prepare like I always do,” Wilson said. “I will just play my game and do the best I can to try and win this game.”
O’Brien said Lewis’ health has had a toll on his performance this season.
“I don’t think he was totally healthy early. I think that had a lot to do with it. I think he is injury-free now, he’s feeling much better, and certainly as a quarterback, if you’ve got health problems it can really affect how you throw the football. I think, looking on the outside, I’d guess that would be the reason,” said O’Brien.
