TRI-PARTISAN: Golden Opportunity For Hockman, Wolfpack Offense
Each week I submit a Tri-Partisan column to WRALSportsFan.com, and here is today's feature where I tell you why the Boston College matchup is a great opportunity for Bailey Hockman and the Wolfpack offense.
WRALSportsFan.com: Golden Opportunity For Hockman, Wolfpack Offense
Saturday afternoon in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts is when NC State's offense will have that breakout game it has lacked the last few weeks -- at least, it better be. If the Wolfpack's offense struggles versus Boston College, it's time to be very concerned, because matchups won't get any better the rest of the season.
If you scour the ACC's defensive statistics, chances are Boston College is at the bottom. This is great news for NC State's running game and passing attack.
Let's start by taking a look at the potential challenges, or juicy opportunity, ahead for quarterback Bailey Hockman. The redshirt sophomore will be making his first career start, but after playing three quarters at Florida State and virtually the entire game against Syracuse, he should be ready. He won't even be the least-experienced quarterback on the field, what with walk-on Dennis Grosel making his first career start for Boston College.
The Eagles pass defense has been dreadful, ranking in the ACC's bottom third in virtually every statistical category: third-down defense (No. 14, which is last), pass defense (No. 13), yards per pass attempt allowed (No. 14), passing touchdowns allowed (No. 12), and sacks per game (No. 14).
BC is getting shredded through the air, yielding explosive plays, allowing passing touchdowns, and they aren't generating any pressure at all on the quarterback. The team has five sacks in six games. For comparison, NC State defensive tackle Larrell Murchison has seven sacks – all by himself -- in six games.
Hockman has been okay so far, but he only has one passing touchdown, and NC State has scored a paltry 13 points and 16 points the last two games. He really needs a breakout performance to silence critics and seize control of the quarterback competition. If it doesn't happen at Boston College, some are going to wonder if it will happen at all -- because Boston College is allowing nearly 30 points per game.
This is the type of matchup any quarterback is hoping for. Hockman should have confidence that he will be protected, his wide receivers are going to be open, and he can have a showing to quiet any remaining skeptics.
But if he does struggle, guess what? Boston College has been nearly just as bad defending the run! Out of 14 ACC teams, BC is No. 13 in rushing defense, No. 12 in rushing yards per carry allowed, No. 12 in rush attempts per game allowed, and No. 12 in opponent runs of 20+ yards.
NC State's running game has been fairly good so far this season with true freshmen Jordan Houston and Zonovan Knight. Houston is averaging 6.22 yards per carry, which ranks No. 4 in the ACC. Knight isn’t far behind at 5.13 and No. 11 in the league. State and Clemson are the only two teams in the ACC with two rushers in the top 12 in the ACC in yards per carry. READ FULL STORY HERE: LINK