With a slow finish to its 2019 season after dropping the past four games to ACC competitors, the NC State football team will travel to take on Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia Thursday at 8 p.m.
As the Wolfpack (4-6, 1-5 ACC) heads into the midweek game, these are the primary matchups to look out for against the Yellow Jackets (2-8, 1-6 ACC).
Quarterback vs. Defensive End
After an enormous amount of back-and-forth between who the starting quarterback for NC State would be, redshirt freshman Devin Leary has safely secured his first-string spot after passing for a total of six touchdowns this season.
After struggling to the tune of a completion percentage of 47.2% on the season, Leary will look to keep his receivers warm throughout the game as the Pack takes it one first down at a time.
Defensive lineman T.K. Chimedza is the Yellow Jackets leader in total tackles on the defensive line this season with 28, 13 of which are solo. The 6-foot-3, 295-pound defender had one of the most prolific games of this season against Temple, gathering a total of 3 tackles and a sack.
Wide Receiver vs. Cornerback
Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Thayer Thomas has been NC State’s constant target in tough situations this season, as the receiver’s agility has allowed him to garner a total of 30 receptions for 328 yards. Tied with his career high of three touchdowns in one season, the sophomore will look to break that chain this week.
Sophomore Juanyeh Thomas will be Thayer’s most threatening guard, as the cornerback has tallied 37 solo tackles, one forced fumble, one interception and two passes deflected. Juanyeh will be posted on Thayer’s target throughout the course of the game in hopes to keep him out of scoring range.
Running Back vs. Linebacker
Freshman running back Zonovan Knight has quickly made a name for himself as the Pack’s main running source, with four rushing touchdowns and a total of 589 rushing yards this season. With his longest run of 53 yards, Knight will be one of Georgia Tech’s biggest defensive problems.
Linebacker David Curry will be on the lookout for Knight, with 81 total tackles, over half of which are solo, and two sacks on the season. With these two going head-to-head on the front line, the matchup will be intense throughout the game.
Tight End vs. Defensive Line
Redshirt junior tight end Cary Angeline has been a prolific alternate option for the offensive to target, as Angeline has tallied four touchdowns with 369 receiving yards this season. After almost doubling his stats from last season, the junior has bumped his way to the first string all year long.
Defensive lineman Antwan Owens will be stationed on Angeline in hopes to intercept any passes that come his way, as Owens has proven himself to be one of the Yellow Jackets’ most essential defensive players. With 10 solo tackles, one sack and one interception, Owens’ agile mobility has allowed for him to maneuver his way up and down the field.
Kickoff for NC State’s final regular season away game will be covered live by ESPN.
