The NC State Wolfpack (4-2, 1-1 ACC) followed up a disappointing showing in Tallahassee with another impressive defensive showing that led to a satisfying win over the Syracuse Orange (3-3, 0-2 ACC). While the defense played exceedingly well once again, the offense only put up 16 points and just one touchdown and had many drives shut down, especially in the first quarter. Here is how each offensive grouping graded out in the victory.
Quarterbacks
Redshirt sophomore Bailey Hockman finished the game with 205 passing yards on 59.3% completion and one interception in his first game as the starter. Redshirt sophomore Matthew McKay did not appear in the game, marking the first game this season where he has not thrown a pass. Meanwhile, redshirt freshman Devin Leary threw three passes, completing one for 23 yards.
Overall, the quarterback room was somewhat unimpressive statistically again, though Leary showed promise and Hockman closed the game strong, providing some hope for the position going forward. Redshirt sophomore Thayer Thomas once more showed an ability to throw the ball, lobbing one pass to redshirt freshman Trent Pennix for an impressive 32-yard touchdown, the only touchdown of the game for the Pack. Hockman also scrambled five times for -19 yards, which killed the momentum of a couple of drives.
Hockman is now at 460 yards on the season at a 57.1% completion clip, with one touchdown and two interceptions, while McKay has three touchdowns and one interception, but with less success in the pocket.
Grade: C+
Running backs
Freshman duo Zonovan Knight and Jordan Houston were the focus of the run game on Thursday night, with sophomore Ricky Person Jr. remaining out with an injury suffered against Florida State. The pair finished with 115 yards on 28 carries, good for 4.1 yards per carry. Though they did not finish with a single touchdown, the pair showed they are more than capable of holding their own until Person returns, further proving the running back room is a strong three-man tandem once fully healthy.
Pennix also got involved in the game, on the trick play that gave the Pack its one touchdown, though it was as a pass-catcher. Pennix is a player that has a positive impact on the offense anytime he sees the field, showing prowess as a blocker and as a workhorse back, though he has not seen nearly as much time on the field as those above him on the depth chart.
Grade: B-
Wide receivers
The receivers were the best part of the offense for the Pack, with Thomas being responsible for its only touchdown of the game, despite it coming from a play where he threw the ball. Junior Emeka Emezie was impressive in the game as well, finishing with 77 yards on five receptions, including an impressive long pass of 37 yards. Redshirt freshman Devin Carter also made an impression in the game, hauling in two passes for 50 yards.
Lastly, Swiss Army knife player freshman Keyon Lesane finished with three catches for 27 yards and one rush for eight yards, an area he has shown the ability to make plays in this season.
Grade: B+
Tight ends
The tight end room did its job on the offensive line, as redshirt junior Cary Angeline continued to establish himself as a receiving threat, hauling in a crucial 30-yard catch in the game. Angeline has been consistently good for the team this year as both a receiving threat and as a blocker, but his presence as a leader for this team has gone under the radar.
Grade: B
Offensive line
The offensive line held its own against the Syracuse D-line, but there was some room for improvement. Firstly, the line allowed three sacks, though some of this can be attributed to how long Hockman tended to hold onto the ball. However, the line did allow a solid amount of pressure to be sustained on Hockman for the entirety of the game.
With the amount of fluidity in the quarterback room, the offensive line needs to remain consistent about resisting applied pressure and needs to account for any one of the top three quarterbacks on the depth chart playing at a given time.
Grade: C+
Next up:
The team will next travel to Boston College to take on the Eagles, who are 1-2 in conference play thus far. The game is scheduled for a 12 p.m. Saturday kickoff before the Pack gets another off week.
