Emma Sheppard
Junior wide receiver Emeka Emezie attempts to catch a ball against Syracuse on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 in Carter-Finley Stadium. Emezie received for 77 yards on five receptions in the 16-10 win over the Orange.
Although NC State’s defense mostly won the game against Syracuse, the offense’s efficiency has improved, and the search for the starting quarterback is narrowing. The Wolfpack will take on Boston College on the road at noon this Saturday.
NC State quarterbacks vs. Boston College secondary
Against Syracuse, redshirt sophomore Bailey Hockman started at QB and took a majority of the snaps, while redshirt freshman Devin Leary took only three pass attempts and redshirt sophomore Matthew McKay did not play. Hockman is listed as the starting QB for Boston College, and Leary is listed as the backup, followed by McKay at third.
Against Syracuse, Hockman threw for 205 yards, completed 16 of 27 of his passes and threw an interception, while Leary completed 1 of 3 passes for 23 yards. Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Thayer Thomas also threw a touchdown pass for 32 yards, which was the only touchdown the Pack scored the whole game.
Although Hockman’s first collegiate start was not exceptional, he has shown potential and has been comfortable in the pocket. He has the potential to break out against Boston College’s secondary, which recently gave up 428 passing yards against Louisville in its last game. The secondary has been a weakness for Boston College all season, with an average of 284.3 passing yards allowed per game this season. This game gives Hockman a chance to gain confidence, which is key for an inexperienced quarterback.
NC State offensive line vs. Boston College defensive line
NC State’s offensive line has been strong all year and continued against Syracuse, only allowing three sacks on Hockman who is not afraid to stay in the pocket.
The offensive line has only given up nine sacks for the entire season, but this number might continue to jump with the injury of redshirt junior offensive tackle Justin Witt. However, Boston College’s defensive line has not been very threatening, only sacking the quarterback five times this year compared to NC State’s 26.
The Wolfpack offensive line’s production is key in protecting the fearless pocket passer that is Bailey Hockman and allowing him to get into a groove this Saturday.
NC State running backs vs. Boston College linebackers
The Wolfpack run game was decent against Syracuse, with freshman running backs Zonovan Knight and Jordan Houston combining for 115 yards. With the loss of starting sophomore running back Ricky Person Jr., the two freshmen will be relied on more heavily in the run game this season.
The Boston College run defense allows an average of 191.8 rushing yards per game, compared to NC State’s 66.7 yards, and recently gave up 236 rushing yards against Louisville. Its run defense is another aspect the Eagles have struggled with all season. Knight and Houston’s consistent production should continue and will likely improve against the poor Boston College run defense.
The young Wolfpack offense needs to take advantage of a struggling Boston College defense and gain confidence this Saturday for tougher games down the road.