Six Takeaways From the Wolfpack's Military Bowl Loss
Here are six random takeaways following NC State’s 26-21 loss to East Carolina in the 2024 Go Bowling Military Bowl.
The Wolfpack has to improve its athleticism.
Tennessee and Clemson proved this. Sadly for the Wolfpack, there were times when East Carolina did also. With the Pirates, it was more of a ‘want-to’ speed, and that is the type of initiative NC State has to bring to every game because they will never be the most talented (or deepest) team in the conference, let alone the nation.
Fair play to the Pirates: they won because they deserved to win, but NCSU should not be 'out-athleted' against ECU. It looked like East Carolina had as much, or perhaps more, speed than the Pack, and that should be concerning.
Start the game like it matters.
The beginning of games killed NC State this season. The Wolfpack started slow often, and chasing points is not a way to maintain a diversified offense.
C.J. Bailey knowing when to hold and when to fold.
A good dual threat quarterback is going to be somewhat of a gambler, and no one gets every decision correct. Bailey’s decision making is getting better, like most aspects of his game. If NC State has this kid as a junior and senior, he can be one of the best quarterbacks in college football.
The interception that relegated NC State to its fate was probably a ball that should have been more softly tossed. His running is getting better, and while he should never be a dual-threat weapon, the offensive staff can judiciously use Bailey’s feet to move the ball down the field.
In a perfect world, NC State’s current No. 16 could do offseason workouts with the Wolfpack’s former No. 16, Russell Wilson.
When the opposition has the ball, get them off the field.
East Carolina converted seven of its eight third downs in the first half. While the Pirates made five of eight in the latter half, they also added a fourth-down conversion.
The game-winning TD run for the Pirates was absolutely criminal. It was a great play call — Doeren was not wrong to give it credit — but allowing it to go the distance is terrible.
Explain the skill rotations to me like I am a five-year old.
Hollywood Smothers did not play in the third quarter after rushing 11 times in the first half for 89 yards. I asked Doeren if he was hurt at halftime and he wondered why I asked, which is fair, but me wondering why skill players get prolonged absences when they are producing is also fair.
NC State should be embarrassed now, highly motivated for 2025.
The ending with the fight — at a Military Bowl, no less — and losing should be a bad taste for the Wolfpack. Now, there is next season which begins with a home game against ECU.
The Wolfpack has to find a way to bridge the gap between the multiple one-score losses of 2024 into more wins in 2025. Talent-wise, it doesn't take much of an infusion. What NC State has was enough to compete. Why did they fall short in close games so many times this season?