OBSERVATIONS FROM THE GAME: Western Carolina
NC State sputtered its way through three quarters but was able to outlast Western Carolina in the fourth to pull away for a 38-21 win in the season opener. Inside Pack Sports takes a look back at the game.
In a Nutshell
Three ways of looking at this:
Glass half empty -- there was unrealistic hype around this team. The loss of Payton Wilson was worse than we expected and we’re still primarily a one trick pony with Kevin Concepcion.
Glass half full -- it was the first game, and with that the rustiness of not playing football in eight months. Two of your primary defenders, Caden Fordham and Ja’Had Carter, were out. We know Grayson McCall can be elite but just had an off night. Western Carolina had the FCS’ top offense last season and are legit. Everything will be fine.
The Truth -- Per usual, likely somewhere in the middle.This team very well may not be a 10-win team. Last night’s team certainly wasn’t. But common sense will tell you, the offense isn’t going to be in mid-season form on day one, and the losses of Fordham and Carter certainly played a role. There were some bright spots. At the same time, the inability to run the ball for three quarters was probably the most troubling to me. I also thought we saw a lot of uncharacteristic mistakes and penalties that you typically don’t see out of a Dave Doeren team.
It would be easy to say WCU just caught State on a down night. But the thing is, you really don’t know because there’s nothing to compare it to. If State were undefeated after steamrolling five straight opponents, that would be valid. After game one, you’re left guessing. We saw what the Pack had last night behind door number one. The prize behind door number two next week better be much improved.
Grayson McCall
26 of 40 for 318 yards, three touchdowns, one interception. Those numbers aren’t bad by any stretch. But McCall just seemed off, and everyone in the stadium could see it. His strong suit is pinpoint accuracy, and that was missing. Numerous receptions were actually tough catches by the receivers that were off target.
However, this is one of the facets of the game that gives me the most hope. McCall was off (at least in my opinion), and I do believe that performance will prove to be an outlier. As time goes by I think you’re going to see him get better and better. The bad news is Tennessee is up next so the curve needs to be a short one.
My biggest concern
The run game. 23 carries for 79 yards through three quarters. Against Western Carolina. That’s just unacceptable. We’re not talking about some overhauled offensive line with a bunch of new faces and young guys. From top to bottom this group is one of the most experienced offensive lines the Pack has rolled out in years.
To me, this is the biggest reason why WCU was able to keep the game close. The Pack couldn’t do anything consistently on the ground, and with the physical advantage alone, it’s hard to wrap your head around. I’m telling you, if this group doesn’t play better (and the competition level only goes up from here) it’s going to be a long, gnashing-of-teeth type of season.
KC is different
I’m at the game last night thinking, this is the most talented player I’ve seen in Carter-Finley Stadium since Torry Holt. That kid is a dawg. Without him, State is likely staring at 0-1 this morning.
Bright Spots
Justin Joly was everything we thought he’d be and more. He’s a special player, and I think it only gets better from here. He’s going to be a huge part of the offense this season.
I love the burst from Hollywood Smothers; he brings a different gear to the game. He’s gonna break a kick return at some point as well. My belief is his role only increases as we go through the season.
Just thinking about the journey of Noah Rogers from Rolesville to Ohio State to NC State. It was just really cool seeing him catch that first pass in Carter-Finley Stadium. I was most impressed with the confidence, the composure -- he looked like a veteran out there, as opposed to a guy catching his first college pass. This dude is gonna have a helluva highlight reel at NC State when it’s all said and done.
Defense
This is where I make some concessions. I think we can all agree that the odds of this defense playing at the same level as the last two years is probably a long shot. But this is where I give WCU some credit. That offense was really solid.
They schemed NC State perfectly by getting the ball out quickly which neutralized any pressure from the Pack for most of the game. The Catamounts were essentially a one dimensional offense, but they executed it so well that they kept themselves in the game. Their judicious use of rubs and picks gave State fits in the short passing game.
Take away the 50 yard run (yes, it counts, too) and WCU ends up with about 310 yards of total offense and 70 yards rushing. It wasn’t a terrible performance by the defense, in my book. I think it just didn’t live up to what we expected in game one. You’re going in thinking State’s just gonna shut them completely down and the fact is, WCU was just too well prepared for that to happen.
Fans
I have to give a shout out to the fans. Man, it was hot. If you weren’t there last night, let me repeat. It was HOT. And that stadium was absolutely packed to the gills on a work night against Western Carolina. I love this fanbase.
Going Forward
Simple. Get better. I’ve convinced myself this was a blessing in disguise. Tennessee watched that game and came away thinking, hell, we’re gonna boat race that team. NC State came away thinking, crap, we’ve got a lot to work on or we’re gonna get boat raced by Tennessee.
Maybe that’s where you need to be mentally if you’re the Pack going into a game where you’ll be a pretty solid underdog.
Heck, I don’t know if State will beat Tennessee. Any unbiased, objective observer would call it a long shot. But make no mistake, last night wasn’t the finished product. The pieces and parts are still on the table. But the need for rapid improvement from week one to week two is obvious. I think we’ll all have a much better idea of where the Pack falls in the national pecking order after next Saturday night.