Bailey Hockman delivers statement performance against Miami
There’s no doubt that NC State’s 44-41 loss to No. 11 Miami on Friday night was a very disappointing one. The Wolfpack was in position for a massive upset with a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter, but was outgained 213 yards to 6 in the final frame en route to a missed opportunity.
But there’s also plenty to feel good about coming out of a game in which NC State went blow for blow with the No. 11 team in the country. First and foremost on that list is the play of quarterback Bailey Hockman. The redshirt junior signal caller put in a great game against the Hurricanes’ defense, completing 19 of 28 pass attempts for 248 yards, two touchdowns, one interception and a 31-yard receiving touchdown on a trick play to boot.
“I thought he played well,” said head coach Dave Doeren. “I thought he had good rhythm. He was seeing things. He was putting the ball where our guys could make plays. Other than the one throw he missed to Emeka down the left sideline, I thought he was on target for most of the night. A couple times they pressured him and we’d obviously love for him not to take a sack, but I thought he played really hard.”
Part of the reason Hockman’s play was such a bright spot was that there was little reason to expect that kind of performance from him coming into this game. He did just enough against Wake Forest in a game where the running backs led the way.
He was atrocious against Virginia Tech before giving way to Devin Leary, who was excellent over three starts. When Leary suffered a fractured fibula against Duke, it felt like a death blow to a promising season. Against UNC, Hockman struggled early before Ben Finley took over, then played well in garbage time.
But against Miami, he exceeded all expectations and showed what he’s capable of. He ran the offense well, made big throws and gave his playmakers a chance, starting with the opening drive that ended with the aforementioned receiving touchdown.
“We wanted to get up early and make them play from behind which is always a good way to start the game,” Hockman said. “Like I said, we’ve just got to keep executing and finish the game. That’s the biggest part of it. But it’s definitely huge to get up early and get things going.”
Some of the throws Hockman made throughout the night were of the highlight-reel variety, such as this perfectly-placed touchdown pass to Devin Carter.
Hockman showed chemistry with his receivers. He tested the Hurricanes deep, showed his usual ability to get out of the pocket and make throws on the run when needed and kept NC State’s offense moving, which he had to do to go shot for shot with a Miami passing game having a whale of night led by D’Eriq King.
That’s not to say Hockman was perfect. He made some risky throws, including a couple to end the drive that gave NC State its last points, a Chris Dunn field goal. And he was picked off on the first play after Miami’s game-winning score, though the pass was tipped.
But overall, Hockman was great, and his play should send a message: he’s the guy. If he can play the way he did against Miami, it should be enough for NC State to win. It should have been enough against the Hurricanes.
While Finley provided a spark against UNC, Hockman clearly has a better command of the offense than the true freshman. Which he should, given his experience.
He played with more confidence than he has all season against Miami, and NC State’s offensive coaches called plays like they had confidence in him, something we’ve rarely seen this year. That’s a repeatable formula, and it’s one the Wolfpack should look to repeat.
Because all the Pack needs is for Hockman to give them a chance. If he can continue to run the offense with his talented stable of receivers that includes Carter, Emeka Emezie, Thayer Thomas and Cary Angeline, NC State has a great chance to finish the season with seven or eight wins.
The Pack closes with Florida State, Liberty and Georgia Tech at home and Syracuse on the road. Those are four very winnable games. The Pack will likely be favored in all of them, though Liberty is legit.
In order to have the best path to a great finish, NC State should stick with Hockman. If he can deliver the same confident, strong play he did against Miami, NC State will have an excellent chance to still have a very good season despite the loss of its starting quarterback.