NC State lost an ugly 45-24 game at Boston College as the Wolfpack saw yet another change under center, but this one may stick for the remainder of the season. Here are some takeaways from the loss:
Devin Leary takes over at quarterback
Redshirt sophomore Bailey Hockman had a rough first quarter, going 4 for 10 for 27 yards and a bad pick six. The coaching staff seemed to give Hockman one last chance on fourth and goal at the end of the first quarter, putting the ball in the lefty’s hands, but his pass fell incomplete. Redshirt freshman Devin Leary took over next possession and looked solid, going 15 for 33 for 259 and three touchdowns, all of them coming on fourth down. Leary just has the “it” factor, he’s clearly the best option the Wolfpack have at quarterback and it’s doubtful he loses the reigns this season.
3-3-5’s limitations evident against BC’s offense
Boston College ran roughshod over NC State, with running backs A.J. Dillon and David Bailey combining for 404 yards and five touchdowns. The Wolfpack had no answers for the Eagles’ offense, and it started in the trenches. Boston College is the only ACC team that plays two tight ends regularly, and the Wolfpack’s new three-down defense struggled with that size.
At the beginning of the season, it seemed that NC State would still use the 4-2-5 when necessary, but that time came and went on Saturday, and the Wolfpack remained in the 3-3-5. The good news is the Wolfpack won’t face another offense like this for the remainder of the season, and aside from Clemson, not another team as physical. Still, the lack of flexibility in NC State’s defensive formations is concerning.
Injuries too much for Wolfpack to overcome
Injuries continued to take their toll on NC State, with graduate defensive end James Smith-Williams, senior cornerback Nick McCloud, junior cornerback Chris Ingram, sophomore cornerback Teshaun Smith out for the game. The lack of depth forced several young players into action, with freshman defensive tackle Joshua Harris and freshman safety Jakeen Harris seeing their first real action of the year. Sophomore safety De’Von Graves started at corner as NC State was without its entire two-deep at the position.
On the offensive side, redshirt junior offensive tackle Justin Witt missed the game as well, and freshman offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu got his second start of the year as a result. NC State struggled in the run game but only gave up two sacks on the day. NC State is now playing against two opponents every week, the other team and its own health.
