NC State head coach Dave Doeren met with the Wolfpack Weekly Radio Show to discuss the Wolfpack's win over Appalachian State, preparations for Louisville, and much more!
41-31 over Appalachian State. Big 10-point win over the Mountaineers. We talked pregame, coach, about how important it was to stop the run against Appalachian State. Only 72 yards gained on the ground. You can always look at that century mark as a sort of barometer, depending on the matchup, scheme, and whatnot, but 72 yards is a great number.
Yeah, and I’m proud of our guys for that. They quit trying to run the football after a while, and a lot of those rushing yards are scramble yards. We wanted them to be in drop-back mode, and we thought we could win some one-on-ones in their protections. They max-protected a lot, which made it hard to do that, but it was a good win. I’m proud of the guys for how they bounced back and for how they prepared and played in that football game for most of it.
Let’s talk about the drive in the fourth quarter. It’s 31-31, and momentum had shifted to their side. You had eight rushes between Duke and Davion, and the final 16 was the touchdown. From a physical standpoint, you had to like that. But on the first play, when CJ rolls to his right and connects with Keenan Jackson, did that take some of the pressure off the whole drive and put it in a different light?
Yeah, I think when you get that first first down in a drive, there’s a rhythm that’s created from that. Obviously, a positive play, a 19-yard gain on the first play of the series, is a great way to start.
You’re tied at 31, and the fourth quarter is something that’s emphasized in practice. The sense that I got was 10 straight points at the end of that ballgame. That’s the kind of energy, enthusiasm, and bounce-back, not just from Nashville but within the game, that you’re looking for, especially after an onside kick and a turnover beforehand.
Yeah, like I said, we finished. We found a way to win. We were very physical in that football game, and that helped us win the ballgame. The thing that we’ve got to get better at, obviously, is coming out of the half. We’ve built leads in multiple games and given them up, and it’s mental endurance. Our guys have to be able to stay focused coming out in the third quarter and some of the fourth quarter. It’s something to work on. It’s nice to have things to work on after a win. But that’s a good football team. App’s upset a lot of people over the years, and I’m happy we got the win. I’m disappointed that we get someone on the ropes and we let them off the ropes. That, to me, is what we’ve got to get fixed.
Appalachian State had played eight of its last nine Power Four opponents in games decided by seven points or fewer. Malachi Singleton made some really nice throws, and the Appalachian State receivers were making contested catches on well-covered throws.
Yeah, the one over Brian went right by his face. I actually thought we were going to intercept that when I saw where he was throwing. That was a difficult play to watch because we were really well covered, and the receiver made a hell of a catch.
Coach, CJ Bailey over the last three games: 71%, six touchdowns, two interceptions, and two rushing touchdowns. Does the film back up what the stats say?
Yeah, I think so. It’s unfortunate that Jimarion McCrimon got beat on the one. It counts as an interception. He was hit while throwing, so fumble, interception, whatever you want to call that. It’s not your typical interception where you throw into coverage or something. We got beat in protection right there, and he got hit. But other than one play to end the game, the kid’s played his butt off for three straight weeks.
He’s really dialed in and competing, throwing accurate passes. That throw he made to Keenan — we were in an unbalanced formation with a double post and a corner — and he split that corner between three people. It was an amazing throw. So, he’s getting better. He’s very, very into practice right now. As I said, it’s been fun watching him prepare.
When he connected with Ashton Locklear for his first career touchdown, I know Ashton had a smile on his face, but I think his brother, Gavin, had an even bigger smile.
Yeah, and that’s been a long time coming. He’s been here a long time, and he’s learned how to be a healthy athlete. He had many hamstring issues for years. The last two years, he’s stayed healthy, and he’s a talented guy in practice. In training camp, he’s been one of our most reliable receivers. He gets open in man-to-man and understands how to find space in zones.
So his confidence will grow now. He could have had two touchdowns in that game if the one wasn’t tipped because he was wide open. I think it helps to have another guy besides JoJo and Keenan, who get a lot of the balls, and Vic, obviously, and the tight ends. Now there’s one more guy who can catch the football and make plays.
Let’s talk about the ground game. You get 148 rushing yards and a couple of scores from Duke Scott on 25 carries. Additionally, Davion Gause has 13 carries. You’re getting almost 200 yards from two running backs. Is that the vision of how you can control a football game?
Yeah, I don’t know if the number is. I think it’s more about the production. Games will dictate different things offensively. When you’re having success and averaging 4.5 yards per rush, you’re going to have more rushes in those games. When you feel like you can lean on people and run an efficient game, it leads to efficient third downs. If it’s two yards a rush, like it was at Virginia, you’re going to throw more.
That’s not a good formula for winning. I think somewhere between 25 and 35 carries a game would be ideal. Some of those could be the quarterback. Some of those could be Will Wilson. It doesn’t have to all be out of the running back room. But I do like the one-two punch that we have with Duke and Davion right now. They complement each other, and they’re both really, really competitive. There’s no drop-off in the physicality they bring to running the football.
Looking at the offensive balance, you’ve got 156 rushes and 122 passes. Your rushing offense at 219 is third in the ACC. Are you getting the balance you want?
Absolutely. That’s what we want to be. When you have a quarterback as we do, the run game really helps him. It creates different coverages that are easier to throw the ball into. Whereas if you’re not running the ball, you’re going to face a lot more dime and nickel coverages designed to stop the pass game. I think being balanced opens up other things, things you’ll see grow over time in the run game. That package is still in development. When you’re running the ball effectively, play-actions and naked runs become really good plays. When you’re not, they don’t honor the run.
You can’t do any of it without the big fellas. The reigning ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week is not tackle Teague Andersen, but center Teague Andersen. How many tackles are that versatile?
Well, you usually have to dual-train guards to be your extra center. Teague is somebody that’s played center in his life. Yousef Mugharbil, we trained to play center as well. You can never have too many guys who can snap a football, man. If you end up in a game where you lose your centers and no one else can do it, what will you do?
So you’ve got to train a lot of them. Center is a very intelligent position, too. You have to make a lot of the identifications and protections. There’s a lot of study that goes on there well beyond you blocking the nose or the three, or how to combo into a linebacker. I’m proud of him, man. He’s really helped our football team by being the versatile player he is.
You have Yousef Mugharbil and Kamen, the two guards with the most snaps of anyone. How have they been this year?
They’ve got a good competition going right now on who can be more physical. Coach Tujague’s done a good job of cultivating that competition between Yousef and Kamen. They’re both playing good football. They’re both playing really, really physical football for us, and they’re having fun doing it.
We talked a lot of offense. We did not get a chance to touch on the tight end room, and Preston Douglas has emerged as a consistent contributor. It was such a great room last year, and it was crowded with all that talent.
Yeah, and I’m proud of Preston. I said this in my press conference. I thought he played his best game without the football. He’s done a lot of good things for us this year in the pass game. He’s a good route runner. He’s got really sure hands, and he can make people miss and get some extra yards. But he’s really taken a lot of pride as a blocker. He and Hunter have done a really good job, and that room is beat up right now, so those two guys are getting a lot of reps. Three of our tight ends are out right now, so those two guys have been really solid. I’m proud of them for their toughness.
We’ve seen him in an H-back position and in motion. How versatile is he in the routes that he can run?
Yeah, he’s got a lot of receiver in him. In high school, they did a lot of the same stuff, so he’s been in space. He was a good defensive player in high school, too, so he’s a physical guy and enjoys contact. He was a good special teams player for us last year. He’s just a well-rounded football player, which a tight end should be. They have to do a little bit of everything.
His dad was on TV. They showed him from the stands. He looks like he’s hit a weight or two a couple of times.
He’s got a great family, man. His other brother’s a tight end on App State’s team. For a parent, that would have been crazy to be up there seeing your sons on opposite sidelines.
Let’s go to defense. You had six QB hurries. How do you feel like you were able to penetrate and disrupt Malachi Singleton?
I like the fact that we’re pressuring him. I want to get him on the ground more. We’ve got eight missed sacks, which means we were there to make the sack and didn’t get it done. Even get half of those. Those are drive-ending plays versus you hit him, and he throws a completion. We need to get him on the ground more. The sack does two things. It backs them up, changes their field position, and turns a lot of sacks into fumbles. So it creates more takeaway opportunities, and we’ve got to be better there.
Elijah Satchell is your leading sack man. What has he done to solidify himself as a guy who can go get the quarterback?
He’s just the same dude every day. He comes in, and he is so mature for a freshman. His work ethic, his demeanor — he doesn’t make mistakes. He’s really mentally sharp on the field, and he’s got an innate ability. He did it in high school. We knew he was going to be good at it. You never know mentally if they can handle the load as a freshman, and he’s been able to. I’m proud of him and grateful that we have him. It gives us another guy with Harvey. When you’ve got one, it’s easier to block you. You’ve got to have more than one.
What’s the ceiling on Satchell? How good can he be? Do you think he’s a pass-rush specialist?
I think he’s an every-down player. If Harvey wasn’t playing, he’d be in the game playing on first and second down. He’s very physical against the run. He’s a guy that’s going to develop, and as he gets stronger, he’ll get faster. You’ll see a better version of him as he develops.
Da’karri Nelson gets the start at WILL linebacker. Now that you’ve had a chance to look at the film, how do you think he did?
I’m proud of him. He’s done a good job. Since he’s gotten here, he’s been a great teammate. He’s a fun kid to coach. He’s always got a smile, and he’s energetic. He battled some things in training camp. He wasn’t playing at full speed, and he had some injuries. Nothing major, but enough to slow him down and keep him out of the competition.
He’s hung in there and learned the defense. Obviously, with AJ’s absence, we’re still trying to figure out exactly who that guy is. Between him, Bailey, and Ziggy Moore, we need to get one of them to secure the spot. Da’Karri did a lot of good things in that game, which earned him the start this week, but there are some things he’s got to take off the film, too.
I was impressed with his pass coverage, too.
He’s got a good feel for the game. He was a DB who became a linebacker, so the coverage aspect is probably a little easier than learning to play in the box. For him, it’s just getting his eyes where they need to be. He had some errors there that hurt us. Those eye violations on misdirection offenses can really cost you.
Coach, I thought we had another Isaiah Shirley pick-six. Friendly fire from Chase Bond.
There’s definitely a lot of heat on him from Shirley after that.
Isaiah almost had the pick: three tackles, the pass breakup, and a QB hurry. He’s been consistent this year.
Yeah, and his role’s growing. He was a part of our third-down package this week because he’s earned that, and it gives us a longer guy in there. Colby’s been in there, and Colby plays really hard, but Isaiah’s longer. As you saw, he tipped the pass in the game. It just gives you a little bit more length in there as a pass rusher.
You mentioned earlier the “interception” that CJ really didn’t throw. The ball sticks in Kamen Smith’s armpit, and the Appalachian State guy pulls it out.
Weird things happen in football. We’ve seen a lot of it this year.
My theory has always been that it should be a half-interception. You have half-sacks for defensive linemen.
You’re not half-pregnant.
Well, that’s true.
Half a pick.
I want to do half-picks for the quarterback.
Little asterisk.
He’s got two and a half interceptions.
Honestly, the turnover should go on the left tackle on that play.
That was an egregious error.
You get beat like that on that; he’s got to fix that.
I thought CJ had some extra velocity on some of the wide-side throws. He was putting darts out there.
He’s throwing with a lot of confidence right now, for sure.
Our guy Kanoah Vinesett: two field goals, all of his extra points, and all but one touchback. Seven of eight. You’ve got to feel pretty good about that.
Yeah, there’s no way we expected him to have this job. The whole plan was for Nick to do that, and Kanoah wouldn’t have to because it can wear your leg. It’s done the opposite. It’s given him confidence to kick the field goals better, and I’m proud of that kid. Anytime an opportunity comes up where you can help the team, and you not only seize it but crush it as he does, it’s been really key. When you actually have to cover and tackle every kickoff, that’s scary, especially if there are eight of them. Odds are they’re going to pop one on you eventually. So those touchbacks are a big part of the game.
Louisville has great offensive statistics. You touched on this a little bit in your press conference. They really do pop off on paper. Forty-one points a game on average. That’s toward the top of the ACC. They do it with both the pass and the run. When you watch film, what is the quarterback good at? What do you have to stop?
He’s good at everything. I mean, the guy’s accurate. He’s not turning the football over. He’s throwing the ball underneath with touch. He’s throwing it deep. He can run and scramble like crazy. He gets out of all kinds of pressure. Their line’s giving up a lot of pressure, and he finds a way to make plays. Then the skill that he’s got around him is sick. They’ve done a good job. I have no idea what their NIL is, but you can see it. I watched last year’s film on them, then turned on this year’s, and it’s a completely different football team.
They are really, really fast. The receiving corps, the running backs, the tight end — they’ve got some really good offensive weapons. The quarterback’s the distributor, but he’s also a guy that they use. They use his legs. Six touchdowns ties the nation for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. So, yeah, he’s going to be a tough guy to defend. Our defense has a huge challenge and a great opportunity to go out there against an offense that’s really had its way with people this year.
Can you draw anything from the Virginia game with Pribula? This guy and Pribula are totally different, but how does he run compared to Louisville’s quarterback?
Yeah, well, obviously we didn’t go into that game with Pribula with all the film that we have as we do on this one. There’s a guessing game of how they’re going to run that guy. It’s not a guessing game here. You know how he’s going to run. They have designed runs for him. They have quarterback draws.
They have power reads, which are QB power if he keeps the ball. They’ve got outside stretch plays with pin-pull blockers. Then he’s got the scramble. So, at least you know what to defend and how to defend it. Now it’s getting him down. You’re having bodies around him and getting him to the ground. It’s not big hits. It’s tackles. We’ve got to get this guy on the ground.
Let’s go on the flip side. They’ve been in some really high-scoring ballgames. Their defense is allowing an average of 29 points a game. What are they trying to do defensively? Is there anything you think you can attack there on the Cardinals?
Yeah, they’ve done a lot of things. I think, as the season goes on, it’s the same for everybody. You start to see people kind of figure out who they are. They’re a multiple defense. There are a lot of fronts, more zone than man, but a lot of five-man pressure. They’ve got a really talented front. They’re big and long and deep. They rotate in guys who are all good players. They’ve just given up a lot of explosive plays, particularly in the pass game, on busted coverages.
I’m sure they’re working their butt off to clean that up because that’s really what’s hurt them. You see people just running down the field uncovered, and it’s happened four or five times this year. So, I hope that happens in our game for our sake, but you don’t expect that from a team like them. We’ve got to do a great job of being physical, taking care of the line of scrimmage. I mean, it’s going to be a war in there against their front.
Coach Brohm mentioned that the quarterback was a game-time decision due to an obviously lower-body issue. Do you have to prepare for multiple quarterbacks?
No, we’re going to prepare for him. As I said, I watched the play. It was an ugly hit. But the first reaction is to look at the ref and ask for a roughing penalty. I mean, if I hurt my knee really bad, I’m probably not doing that. I’m probably grabbing my leg. So, whatever it is, ankle or knee, he didn’t seem too worried about it at the time. I’m expecting that guy. He’s scrappy. He’s a competitor on film. I expect to see that guy on the field. If we see a backup, then we’ll have to adjust to whatever that guy is. Is he a dropback guy or a scrambler? I don’t know. But we’ll make adjustments. We’ve got to prepare for the guy that’s lighting people up right now.
