After a dismal offensive performance in its season opener, N.C. State opened the floodgates on Murray State, scoring points on every one of its first ten drives en route to a 65-7 victory.  In the victory, the Pack put up the most points it has ever scored in a single game since 2002 when the team defeated Navy, 65-19.

NCSU vs. Murray State [09-12-09] from Matt at Wolf TV on Vimeo.

“We are certainly happy with the victory,” coach Tom O’Brien said. “It took us a long time to play again after the South Carolina game, but we certainly made some improvements.”

The Pack began quickly when senior defensive tackle Leroy Burgess recovered two forced fumbles in Murray State’s first two possessions.

Those two turnovers led to two passing touchdowns by redshirt sophomore Russell Wilson, the first a 27 yard strike to redshirt junior Jarvis Williams, and the second a 19 yard pass to junior Owen Spencer.

Wilson rushed for 26 yards and went 15-21 with 228 yards. He moved into second in NCAA history in consecutive passes without an interception.

Wilson, who ended up with four touchdowns, was not the only Pack player to have a big day. Both redshirt senior Toney Baker and freshman James Washington scored three touchdowns each, each with two rushing and one receiving.

“James Washington has some abilities and skills and it’s good to get him a little extended playing time like we did tonight and he can only be better for that,” O’Brien said. “I think [Baker] is feeling more comfortable. It’s good that he got the plays.”

Both running backs said Saturday night was one they will not soon forget.

It had been 1,022 days since Baker’s last touchdown. After major knee surgeries in back-to-back years, Baker said he counts it as a blessing just to be playing.

“I definitely need that one. It has been a long time since I crossed the plain and got into the end zone,” Baker said. “To just get in the endzone and to be back out there is a true blessing.”

Baker admitted he was looking forward to the game and had planned on using it as his coming-out party.

“I was really looking forward to coming out this game and showing everybody that I am back,” Baker said. “I wanted to get momentum going for myself and for the team.”

Baker finished with three touchdowns for the second time in his career.

Washington’s first score was also as gratifying as Baker’s, as it was his first touchdown in his collegiate career.

“It was really exciting to score,” Washington said. “All the emotions came out and I was really hyped.”

The defense held Murray State to -2 total yards at halftime and just 36 through the entire game. Redshirt graduate student Willie Young recorded two sacks and a forced fumble while senior Bobby Floyd led the team with eight tackles including two for losses.

Check out the Military Appreciation Day halftime show at the Murray State game] from Wolf TV on Vimeo.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Mike Glennon went 6-7 with 65 yards and led the Pack on multiple scoring drives. Redshirt freshman Brandon Barnes also got in the end zone once and tallied 70 all-purpose yards. Redshirt freshman Earl Wolff made his first start at safety and true freshman Rashard Smith got the nod at cornerback.

Along with the youngsters, several players who rarely see the playing field got valuable game experience that they will likely never forget. Walk-on juniors Daniel Imhoff at quarterback and Zach Powell at defensive back, in addition to 11 others, saw their first game action.

With redshirt senior Jamelle Eugene out due to injury, Washington knew his playing time would increase this week and said he tried to make the best of it.

“Before the game, I was a little more focused, knowing I was going to have to spell Toney when he needs a breather,” Washington said. “I was real calm and I knew when I was going to get into the game.”

Even though the game was against a lesser opponent from the Football Championship Series, Baker believes the game was still useful for the team from a momentum-building standpoint.

“It was great for us. Great momentum, and it’s always a great feeling. We are very excited,” Baker said. “I think it was the way we practiced. The offensive line worked really hard  in practice and got a lot better. We caught the ball well.”

“We didn’t turn the ball over and Russell may have got sacked once, and that’s better than six times,” Baker said.