Q&A: Doeren Remains Mum On Chubb's Status

NC State head coach Dave Doeren met with the media today following the Wolfpack's practice in El Paso, Texas.

Last big practice today?
We have another walk-through tomorrow, but this was one of the final pieces before we play the game.

What are things you've seen on film that Arizona State does well?
They score a lot of points. They're explosive on offense. Their quarterback is athletic. (They have) a 1,000-yard receiver, a 1,000-yard running back. They don't turn the ball over. So it's a really good offense we're facing. And obviously it's unique situation where the playcaller is not there. Todd Graham, I hear, is calling the plays. So we'll have to adjust on defense as we go if there are differences.

Are special teams a concern considering how they are?
I wouldn't say it's a concern. It's a great opportunity for us. We feel like they have to match up with our guys, too. Both our punt return units have blocked a lot of kicks. Both of us have explosive return men.

The coverage units are going to have to be good, and so are the protection units of the punt team. It's going to be a great opportunity to see two teams that, I think, take a lot of pride in that area of the game.

How was your practice today?
It was great. We had a great practice today.

What does it mean to have two experienced guys on the interior of your defensive front like B.J. Hill and Justin Jones?
They're warriors. They love football. They work hard. They are tone setter guys when it comes to their temperament and how they approach not just practice, but the preparation. They have fun when they play the game. I'm going to really miss them for a lot of reasons because they are great young men. But I'm excited to be in the final journey with them as they get ready to play in the NFL after this game.

Can you talk about Jaylen Samuels and what he brings to the team?
He's a guy that fills a lot of places offensively whether he's a running back, receiver, tight end, H-back, Wildcat quarterback and he's returned kicks. He's a very versatile young man that does a lot for us.

What has Nyheim Hines done of the team as a kick returner and running back?
Well, we he hasn't been out there we've lost in those games. He's had some injuries and we missed him He's explosive. He puts points on the board. He's dynamic. He's one play away every time from scoring a touchdown because of his speed. He runs a lot harder than what I think people give him credit for. He's a matchup issue for a lot of people. I'm just happy he's on my team.

With the turmoil ASU is going through has it caused you problems in planning?
It's just going to be more adjusting than anything. You just don't know what is going to be different.

If Bradley Chubb doesn't play, who will you move into his spot?
We have great depth on the defensive line. Darian Roseboro will play a lot. I'm excited for him to have that opportunity, if that's where we end up. James Smith-Williams and Tyrone Riley are guys who have a lot of snaps banked for us as well.

Is Bradley Chubb a game-time decision?
No.

He's not?
But we're not going to talk about it.

Strategy right?
No, it's not strategy. We want the focus to be on our football team. That's what he wants. That's what we want.

There are a lot of great football players on this team who deserve that kind of attention, and we're not going to make it about something he doesn't want it to be.