The emergence of some capable receivers might have been the most encouraging development for N.C. State in its 34-24 win over William & Mary.
Harrison Beck threw some dangerous passes, and N.C. State’s receivers pulled them in. Jarvis Williams caught one for 22 yards and a touchdown in the final minute of the second quarter.
Freshman T.J. Graham sped past two defensive backs to haul in a 47-yard catch and made another sliding catch later that was simply outstanding.
Even third-team tight end George Bryan pitched in with five catches for 41 yards and a touchdown.
For whatever reason, those same receivers didn’t seem to be open when Daniel Evans was at quarterback.
Now they’ll have to get open when Russell Wilson, who’s been named the starter for the Sept. 13 game at Clemson, gets back from his concussion.
・The most discouraging development from Saturday’s game might have been the right knee injury suffered by tight end Matt Kushner. Starter Anthony Hill already was out with a strained chest muscle.
Although Bryan played well, the team now is going deep into its roster at tight end. Walk-on Eric Weaver would appear to be the backup if Hill and Kushner can’t play next week. The lack of depth might start limiting the formations N.C. State can use
・N.C. State outside linebacker Nate Irving is off to a magnificent start. In two games, he has two interceptions, one fumble recovery, and unofficially 3.5 tackles for loss. After making 10 tackles in the opener, he added 13 unofficially on Saturday night.
“I cannot describe the way this guy plays,” said cornerback DeAndre Morgan, whose crushing hit forced a fourth-quarter fumble that Irving recovered.
・Kicker Josh Czajkowski looked solid Saturday night. He made fourth-quarter field goals of 39 and 33 yards on a good day overall for the Wolfpack’s kicking game. Punter Bradley Pierson averaged 41 yards per punt.
Comments
Ya gotta start somewhere
Sun, 09/07/2008 - 09:30 — JPDOhioThe Pack is a young team that needs experience to get better, so this game against a mediocre FCS was pretty much what the doctor ordered. This team is likely to struggle this year, but should get better. If that happens, then the season will be a success.
N.C. State receivers
Sat, 09/06/2008 - 23:16 — gvillegatrN.C. State receivers emerging
one would hope so when they played a Div 1-AA team in Bill & Mary who finsihed 4-7 last season.
i admire...
Mon, 09/08/2008 - 02:14 — izzykareem...your chance to say something snide and sarcastic, but in your zeal, you basically said something that shows you don't know alot about football. On the practice field, with no one around you, you can make spectacular catches, it has nothing to do with who you played, especially diving, sliding, etc.
I was making a truthful
Mon, 09/08/2008 - 09:10 — gvillegatrI was making a truthful statement.
do you disagree if NCSU would have been playing LSU, Southern Cal or Georiga, this article would have read like it did?? please tell the truth now. don't look like an idiot.
I can't help my first post stung your NCSU football ego just a little by telling you who your opponent was.