DL Coach Kevin Patrick: "The Bar Is Very High"
NC State defensive line coach Kevin Patrick has been pleased with his position group, but he believes they can play even better.
"The bar is very high," said Patrick. "Not only the people before them, these guys set it high. They’re getting better every week, but they have a lot more ahead of them.
"The biggest thing I’m pleased with is that they are a tight group. They play for each other; it’s an unselfish group. It’s about the team making plays, not one individual. That’s my biggest enjoyment with this group, but we have a long way to go."
NC State's defensive front has paced a defense that currently leads the ACC in scoring defense and ranks No. 4 in total defense. What has really been impressive is there has been a different player each week. From Ibrahim Kante and Eurndraus Bryant to James Smith-Williams and Alim McNeill, different guys have flashed.
Against Virginia it was redshirt junior Larrell Murchison's time, as he totaled three sacks in the win.
"I’ll be honest with you, Larrell was rough last spring when he first got here," said Patrick. "He’s really taken it upon himself to better himself as a player.
"It seems like it’s somebody different, Alim, Roseboro... Roseboro affects so much that’s going on out there that helps other people make plays. Everybody’s stepping up. James is getting better, E has gotten better the last two years. Kante has some sacks. We’re playing a bunch of young guys so it’s neat to see all of them contributing."
Senior Darian Roseboro was expected to be the statistical standout from this group, but so far that hasn't happened. However, Patrick seems to be extremely pleased with how Roseboro is contributing to the team concept.
"We don’t talk about numbers," Patrick said. "It’s about the unit. Darian gets a lot of the chip blocks. There was a TFL last week that if Roseboro doesn’t take three blocks, Larrell doesn’t make that play.
"Roseboro does that time and time again and that’s probably the biggest thing he’s improved upon, playing within the scope of the team and doing his job. One of Larrell’s sacks, if E doesn’t do what he did on that play, Larrell doesn’t get the sack. It all works together."
This week's opponent, Boston College, presents a unique challenge. Not only do the Eagles have one of the nation's best rushing attacks, they lead the ACC in passing touchdowns (17) while averaging nearly 44 points per game.
Will the Wolfpack adjust schematically to try and handle BC?
"We treat every team the same," Patrick said when asked about Boston College. "They’re a tough group, and they have been since I was in college. They have a blue-collar mentality. They’re a phone booth team. They try to get in a phone booth and try to muscle you. The running backs can break it outside, but they’re a power group.
"Is it more difficult to play? Every game has its own challenges. These guys do a good job of bringing the funk on every play. This is the biggest challenge we’ve gotten, and I think we’re up to it.