N.C. State coach Tom O’Brien predicted that the Wolfpack would have to generate a lot of points to keep pace with a Florida State team ranked first in the ACC in total offense.
He was right, but the Seminoles still won a wild one, 45-42, when Russell Wilson and N.C. State couldn’t generate one more score.
Bert Reed scored the winning touchdown on a 3-yard end-around with 1:36 remaining. N.C. State drove to the Florida State 43-yard line in the closing minute, but a sack of Russell Wilson by Mister Alexander put the Wolfpack in desperation mode.
Wilson was intercepted on the game’s final play. Wilson threw a career-high five touchdown passes. Three of them were caught by Jarvis Williams, also a career high.
The score was tied 21-21 after the first half. Wilson threw touchdown passes of 80 yards to Owen Spencer and 7 yards to Williams, and Jamelle Eugene added a 3-yard scoring run.
With the score tied 21-21, N.C. State linebacker Terrell Manning snapped Christian Ponder’s streak of 254 passes without an interception, giving the Wolfpack possession at the 46-yard line of Florida State in the final minute of the second quarter.
But O’Brien’s inexplicable failure to call timeout after a Donald Bowens catch with about a half-minute remaining in the half ruined a scoring opportunity in Florida State territory, and the score stayed tied at halftime.
N.C. State fell behind 38-28 early in the fourth quarter, but scored 14 straight points on Wilson scoring passes of 29 yards to George Bryan and 5 yards to Williams. After Williams’ score with 3:50 remaining put the Wolfpack ahead 42-38, Florida State raced down the field.
Reed scored on a 3-yard end around with 1:36 remaining, putting the Seminoles ahead 45-42.
Comments
The Headline
Sun, 11/01/2009 - 16:10 — YAR8packThe Headline should read "The Pack's defense FAILS at FSU." Hideous. Anyone else ready for FireMikeArcher.com? Can you run something other than soft zone coverage? Please!
The boneheaded turnover after causing a turnover was the biggest dagger.
The O, per usual, does their thing. Just needed some D.
FireMikeArcher.com?
Mon, 11/02/2009 - 13:52 — JPDOhioNot me.
Of the 15 linebackers and secondary players who got in the Fla State game, 10 were redshirt sophomores or lower. That lack of experience is going to lead to breakdowns, especially against an offense as prolific as the Seminoles.
Now, if in two years, the same thing is happening, fine. Fire Archer. But there is talent at these positions that is developing as we speak. With all the breakdowns and points given up, the defense showed some life and made some plays. It is premature to fire the coach and start over.
I agree
Tue, 11/03/2009 - 00:27 — mad_maxI didn't think that State's defense was as bad against FSU as they were in the previous 3-4 games. It finally looked like some progress was being made, despite some more poor execution here and there. The defense actually made a few big plays, especially the front line, and FSU was very lucky to actually benefit from their own fumble and an interception. State will be fine...they aren't gonna have as many wins as most of us thought this year, but I'm not giving up on these guys just yet. 4 more games, and still a goal to shoot for.
Mirror images
Sun, 11/01/2009 - 09:45 — Guitarman51Great offense, terrible defense. Bobby Bowden isn't the problem at FSU, Mickey Andrews is.
O'Brien
Sat, 10/31/2009 - 18:33 — wfpak69At the end of the first half I thought I was watching Chuck Amato. It is really depressing to see such poor coaching - I'm a BIG TOB fan. No way we don't call TO.
I can't wait ...
Sat, 10/31/2009 - 18:09 — mikbarrett... for our next successful season, about eight years from now.
Only thing worse than NC
Sat, 10/31/2009 - 17:57 — GoHeels1984Only thing worse than NC State's defense is FSU's defense. I still can't believe the Heels lost to that team a week and a half ago. FSU is a joke!
Only thing worse than NC
Sat, 10/31/2009 - 17:57 — GoHeels1984Only thing worse than NC State's defense is FSU's defense. I still can't believe the Heels lost to that team a week and a half ago. FSU is a joke!
What's the only thing worse than nc state's defence?
Sat, 10/31/2009 - 16:28 — ncsfeddieFSU's homecoming crowd
huh?
Sat, 10/31/2009 - 20:48 — gvillegatrare you from that little island, UK???? defence??