Nyheim Hines Is Key To NC State's Offense
NC State is a better team with a healthy Nyheim Hines in the fold.
That is not exactly rocket science but the proof is in the stats. It is also verified by those in the know.
Hines ran for 110 yards on 19 carries in the Wolfpack’s win at Boston College. It came after the junior was grounded for the most part in NC State’s previous two games, losses to Notre Dame and Clemson.
Hines has rushed for 648 yards on 107 carries in NC State’s last six victories, an average of 108 per game and 6.1 yards per attempt.
In the Pack’s three losses this season he has tallied 121 yards on 25 carries. While the average of 4.8 yards per attempt is solid, only getting to run the ball slightly more than eight times per game is problematic.
Simply put, Hines does not need a massive workload but when he is given 18-20 carries per game good things have happened for NC State.
Having him nearly 100 percent is massive for the Wolfpack as the team attempts to close out the season strong.
“I am getting there,” Hines said of his current condition. “I am probably just 80 percent. We have one of the best training staffs in the country so they do a great job taking care of me. The [offensive] line and the training staff has been the reason I have been able to play.”
Trailing by four points in the middle of the fourth quarter after a bizarre fumble on a lateral out of the Wildcat offense helped Boston College take the lead, NC State needed a spark.
Hines was there when the Wolfpack needed him the most.
His run up the sideline had already netted big yardage when he cut back inside to complete the play. His 50-yard touchdown handed NC State a lead it would not relinquish. It also sealed the Pack’s first winning season in ACC play since 2010.
“The run was a relief,” Hines said of the touchdown. “I have been battling injury the last two or three weeks. It was really great just to go out there and have a big run to help the team win. Anytime I can help contribute to a win in such a matter, I am excited to do that.”
His teammates know that NC State is a different team when Hines is on the field and getting the requisite number of touches.
“He always makes a difference,” Jaylen Samuels said of Hines. “He is a heck of a player. You can put him anywhere on the field. He has speed and ability to make plays for us when we need him. For us to see him healthy again and back running to his potential is great for our offense and our team.”
It is clear that Hines has grown in his junior season. Now NC State depends on him.
The Wolfpack have made strides as well. The win total for 2017 matches last season’s squad and there are three more games remaining. The chance to reach double figures in victories is real.
NC State’s growth mirrors that of Hines. He is looking forward to the next step in the process, which will come Saturday at Wake Forest.
“We found a way to win,” Hines said. “That is the difference between us [last year] and this year. Last year we found ways to lose. I think this year we have been finishing. Not every game is going to be pretty but Boston College always has a top defense in the nation, so I think for us to find a way to win out there is really good -- especially when NC State is not historically good playing in Boston.
“I think [Wake Forest] is taking a lot of people by surprise but, myself, I have never been surprised by the scores they are putting up because I knew they were a great team. I am going to go out there and do the best that I can. I am expecting a great battle. I think it is going to be a four-quarter game. Hopefully we will come out on top.”