NC State suffered an embarrassing loss on Saturday night, losing 55-10 to an angry Clemson team that was trying to send a message to the College Football Playoff committee.
NC State was outmatched in every aspect of the game, especially on offense. While certainly some aspects of the offense should be embarrassed for how they played, there are some positive things to look at.
Quarterback
By now, most Wolfpack fans are starting to see why redshirt sophomore Matthew McKay was starting at the beginning of the year. While certainly showing the most potential with his arm, redshirt freshman Devin Leary has certainly struggled in his games as starting quarterback. While Leary certainly possesses more than enough throw power, his accuracy leaves more to be desired. This was certainly true against Clemson.
On the day, Leary went 14 of 29 for 166 yards against the Tigers, finishing with an atrocious QBR of 12.9. While it was not a very productive day, there isn’t much more you can ask Leary to do against one of the best defenses in the country in only his third collegiate start.
While he did fumble, Leary did not throw any interceptions, which is what you want to see from a freshman quarterback. It was not an impressive showing but Leary gets somewhat of a pass considering the circumstances surrounding him.
Grade: C-
Running Backs
If the running game was a group project then freshman Zonovan Knight carried his group to a good grade. Knight was one of the few bright spots for the Pack, finishing his day with 139 yards and the Wolfpack’s only touchdown.
Knight came into the game injured but ready to play. His 11.6 yards per carry average was certainly impressive, as was his highlight 53-yard touchdown run.
The rest of the ball carriers were lackluster, with freshman Jordan Houston seemingly imploding with negative 15 yards on seven carries. This grade is more for Zonovan Knight than it is for anyone else who ran the ball against Clemson.
Grade: A
Offensive Line
This group just might be the most frustrating to watch on the entire team. NC State is missing former offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford in a bad way. The offensive line has struggled the entire year, and nothing seemed to change when playing against Clemson.
They might be banged up, but the offensive line looked like a JV squad trying to block Clemson. Of course, there is a big difference in talent and health right now when pairing up against the Tigers, but eight tackles for a loss and two sacks given up while Leary is releasing the ball almost as soon as he touches it is just a poor showing.
It could have been worse, but starter Joe Sculthorpe getting suspended for this game for violating team rules is just the icing on the cake for this grade.
Grade: F
Wide Receivers
There really is not too much to say about the receiving core. Junior Emeka Emezie is still seemingly lackluster and not making big plays, and tight end Cary Angeline is Leary’s only consistent target. Angeline led the Pack in receiving yards with 53 on only two receptions.
Redshirt sophomore Thayer Thomas was also stifled by the Clemson defense as he was held without a catch for the entire game.
The inefficiency of the passing game does not fall entirely on the receivers, as Leary missed some throws and the offensive line couldn’t seem to give him time to throw either. This was not a good performance by the receivers, but they’ve had worse games this year.
Grade: D+
