N.C. State's defense got the best of the Wolfpack's offense in the team's second scrimmage on Friday.
Actually, the defense was the only side to score a touchdown in the 100-play scrimmage.
N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien released team passing and rushing statistics but not for individuals.
The defense, which features eight returning starters, recorded eight sacks among its 14 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and returned an interception for a touchdown.
"The defense is playing at a real high level right now," O'Brien said. "They are ahead of the offense pretty good right now."
Asked if anyone in particular had stood out, O'Brien said: "All of them."
"When you look at it, there's a lot of guys who have played a lot of football out there," O"Brien said. "They're playing fast now."
The offense, which is searching for new reliable receivers, was not as productive on Friday. The quarterbacks completed 25 of 43 passes for 119 yards, less than 5 yards per completion. The running backs had 42 carries for 124 yards.
State's offense is breaking in a new quarterback in junior Mike Glennon, is missing leading rusher Mustafa Greene for at least four games and has to replace three of its top four receivers from last year's 9-4 team.
"The receiving corps has to help us a little more," O'Brien said. "I think maybe they took a step back tonight."
O'Brien's still confident in Glennon's ability to replace the departed Russell Wilson, the ACC's leading passer last season.
"He's throwing it on time, he's throwing where it's supposed to be thrown," O'Brien said. "I mean, he's doing what he has to do."
Comments
Offense
Mon, 08/15/2011 - 12:29 — willncsuWill be a big problem this year and Glennon will be the least of our worries. Our WR's and RB's could be a huge issue. I see a lot of dropped passes and 1-2 yard runs. Hopefully this weak early schedule will give enough game experience to get it together.
The D will be really good.
Well then
Sat, 08/13/2011 - 20:29 — gvillegatrYou guys are in worse shape than I originally thought. :)
What makes me smile is
Sat, 08/13/2011 - 21:40 — mad_maxWhat makes me smile is seeing you guys taking your shots now while you can. We all know that after State beats your overrated team again (for the 5th year in a row), you guys will be whining about the Pack getting lucky with a "fluke" win.
Haha, only a Carolina fan could call it a fluke when they lose, despite having -7 total rushing yards for the game. How many teams have won a game in which they had negative total rushing yards? UNC actually winning the game last year would have been the fluke, as much as it pains you to realize, gatr. Been meaning to throw that one at you since your "fluke" temper-tantrum a couple months ago.
By the way, speaking of your constantly overrated team...
It looks like you guys have high hopes once again this season. I'd just like to remind you of this little fact though: Since the year 2000, Duke and one other ACC football team have failed to finish a season in the top 25....guess who that other team is? What a joke of a program...and you guys actually think you were going to win a national title last year before all that "adversity" hit. Can't wait to hear the excuses this year!
Another question
Sun, 08/14/2011 - 17:44 — Heels20How many teams lose when they pass for 400+ and no INTs?
To say that Carolina is constantly overrated is an unbelievable exageration. The team exceeded expectations both in '08 and last season. Not many people were calling for an 8-win season last year when the investigation hit...
Not saying at all that the State loss was a fluke, but it's a blatant double standard to claim that Carolina's win over Tennessee was a fluke if you're also going to say that State's win was not.
I smile even more
Sun, 08/14/2011 - 14:44 — gvillegatrWhen you feel compelled to write a long, tiring post. Your insecurity just pours through ! Back to the pool (drink in hand) ...
Truly pathetic
Sat, 08/13/2011 - 18:51 — mad_maxWell I'll be damned...here I was, thinking that Tar Hole fans were too high and mighty to follow, much less be obsessed with, the Wolfpack.
Surfer,
Wow, you must have a lot of faith in the Central Michigan defense. By the way, where are all the tough defenses that UNC has to go up against in their first 6 games??? We all know how outstanding that ECU defense is, but other than that...
gatr,
Once again, you are dead wrong. Mustafa Greene had as many yards last year as James Washington, Dean Haynes, and Curtis Underwood -- combined. How is labeling Greene as the leading rusher misleading? Because it doesn't make State look bad in this particular situation? And why do you even care? I mean, you're always on here bitching about other fans commenting on UNC stories. If you're going to be a hypocrite, at least get your facts straight...
Missing the leading rusher
Sat, 08/13/2011 - 13:59 — gvillegatrThat's a little misleading and should not be taken too seriously. Musatafa and two other backs (Washington and somebody else) contributed to the cause last season. Just sayin'.
yawn
Sat, 08/13/2011 - 10:32 — SurferDon't worry pack fans, MG and the offense probably won't see a defense this tough until about the sixth game of the season.
yawn
Sat, 08/13/2011 - 19:33 — JPDOhioThese scrimmages are good for getting guys ready for the season, period. Not surprised that the defense is dominating early, because they are mostly settled with experienced guys while the offense is working in more new guys. Especially at QB since TOB ran the program's savior out of town.