The statistics showed strong performances for Harrison Beck and Mike Glennon during N.C. State’s first preseason scrimmage, but coach Tom O’Brien warned against judging the quarterback race on statistics.
Beck started four games last season and is trying to win back his job, and was 5-for-6 for 111 yards in the intrasquad scrimmage Wednesday evening at Carter-Finley Stadium. Glennon, a freshman who’s also competing with Daniel Evans, Russell Wilson and Justin Burke for the starting job, was 9-for-13 for 101 yards and one interception.
But O’Brien said the coaches will have to review film to get an honest assessment of the scrimmage.
"Statistics are statistics," he said, "and when you play yourself you don’t know who’s in there doing what. We lend some credence to it (stats), but it’s not a catch-all, end-all."
The scrimmage was closed to the media, but N.C. State provided statistics and O’Brien briefed reporters afterward. He said the team was sloppy in many areas.
Glennon and Wilson threw interceptions, and O’Brien said wide receivers were the culprits a few times on fumbles. The offense committed nine penalties.
O’Brien was concerned about the defense, too.
"Even though we stopped the run a little better — which we still have to run the ball better on offense — we stopped it I think a good part, but we still missed so many tackles,” he said. “We’ve got to get that taken care of."
Running back Toney Baker did not play. Although Baker said at the beginning of training camp that he was cleared to participate fully after rehabilitating from a torn knee ligament, the staff has been careful with him. O’Brien said Baker will not take part in contact drills for a while.
Sophomore Josh Czajkowski, a first-year starter at place-kicker, was dubbed the player of the scrimmage by O’Brien. Czajkowski was 4-for-4 on field goal attempts, hitting from 32, 44, 32 and 37 yards.
“He had a lot of pretty long kicks today, and they were solid,” O’Brien said. “They weren’t just eking over the cross bar. He had a good day kicking. He’s been practicing well and kicking well.”
STATISTICS
Rushing: Jamelle Eugene 8-22; Andre Brown 9-36; Curtis Underwood 12-57.
Passing: Daniel Evans 4-7-0, 40; Russell Wilson 3-6-1, 20; Harrison Beck 5-6-0, 111; Mike Glennon 9-13-1, 101; Justin Burke 3-6-0, 52.
Receiving: Jarvis Williams 5-52; Jay Smith 3-40; Andrew Evans 3-36.
Tackle leaders: Ray Michel 6; Nate Irving 6; Antoine Holmes 4; Robbie Leonard 4.
Interceptions: Ray Michel, DeAndre Morgan.
Field goals: Josh Czajkowski 4-4; Bradley Pierson 1-1.
Comments
Mediocrity is the Pack's desitny
Fri, 08/08/2008 - 15:30 — Anonymous (not verified)I'm so sick of Pack fans insisting on getting a great quarterback. Don't you fans understand that the best you'll ever do is strive for mediocrity? Evans is a middle of the road quarterback on his best day. You should be thankful to have him. Having Philip Rivers was a fluke, and he should've played for UNC. You should pray to the lord your god that Evans is the choice, you'd not know what to do with a good quarterback if you had one.
Sick of UNC fans comments
Sat, 08/09/2008 - 14:54 — Anonymous (not verified)To the individual that's sick of State fans wanting a great QB, why would we not want one? What kind of idiot would be praying for a mediocre anything? As far as P Riv playing for UNC...that would have never happened, b/c he has too much class to have played for a whine and cheese crowd that makes up every excuse in the book for why they can't win any games except against Duke (and thats not a given).
State was a victim of they're own quick success. Amato promised the world and with the amount of money put into the program we should be competing for not only ACC championships but National as well. The reality is Rivers was the mastermind behind our bowl success and TOB is probably a season or two away from getting us back to regular bowl games. I agree with the comment that we should be happy for the Mineke Car Care Bowl or maybe the Music City....
Evans has the experience but even healthy, cannot get us over that next obstacle. Beck has a cannon but no accuracy. Glennon should be red shirted this year to assure our future so Wilson should get a look b/c of his quick legs and decent arm...maybe even a dual QB system with Burke and Wilson.
Whoever the starting QB is I'm just ready for football!
It would probably be a good
Thu, 08/07/2008 - 12:14 — Anonymous (not verified)It would probably be a good idea to give someone a little older the job for a few games to buy the younger guys some time. Although immediately starting Glennon is what everybody wants right now due to his pedigree, that would not be a wise decision. Glennon will eventually be the Pack's QB but putting him in prematurely will assuredly lead to freshman mistakes. Screwing up a few times in a row for NCSU designates that individual as Raleigh's Public Enemy #1. NCSU fans are fair-weather and have gotten used to turning on the QB just as soon as he throws an interception. Think of the mental and emotional trauma that that would do to a freshman and his confidence. Confidence is everything in sports, especially in football, especially for the quarterback. Let's take a look at how Evans first got playing time. If I'm not mistaken, Marcus Stone was our QB and we were getting our butts kicked by someone like Southern Miss. After a sizable lead, Amato threw Evans in and Evans threw some touchdown passes and made the game close in the end. That was a smooth transition. Evans had nothing to lose and wasn't afraid to wait for some openings. That confidence continued when we beat BC and FSU. Inevitably, the gravity of the situation mounted and Evans started getting scared. He started screwing up and making bad decisions and then pack fans were calling for Marcus Stone again. Evans' and Beck's names have already been tarnished so they should be used as transition pieces while the younger guys are still learning the system.
Evans
Thu, 08/07/2008 - 08:21 — mrbonnTo be genteel, Evans needs to work on broadcasting and game commentary. He’s a great guy and from a great family. Oh, and with no doubts he has a big heart with true dedication. But like a lot of us, we wouldn’t qualify for the Olympics unless we were blessed with some super skills far beyond our current physical abilities. I have a few years behind me and one truth stands true: no matter what these self promoters may say, you and I do have limits. I certainly appreciate Evans effort last year as a true Packer. He is to be commended for stepping in where few fear to tread. TOB knows these truths well and that’s why he will play down narrowing the quarterback selection until game time. Big hearts must be let down gently.
don't be so quick to write
Thu, 08/07/2008 - 00:13 — tOTF (not verified)don't be so quick to write off russ dubisky. real insiders feel he could be the answer.
Evans should be our QB - hands down!
Wed, 08/06/2008 - 20:53 — spacerDaniel Evans has PROVEN that he can win and much of what he has proven came through incredible shoulder pain. Now that he's through surgery and rehab with his throwing motion back on top, how can you replace him with inexperience? Put him in, leave him in and let him have ownership of the offense. His knowledge, experience and heart will lead the Pack to a win in the Orange Bowl this season.
Evans
Wed, 08/06/2008 - 21:51 — Anonymous (not verified)Who ever wrote the comments above is definitely a fan....but not football savvy fan. Daniel Evans isn't leading NC State to anything except mediocracy just like he did a year ago. Evans' issue wasn't a sore sholder it was poor decision making under pressure, particularly in the red zone. At his best, Evans has a very low ceiling. O'Brien is trying to build a program for the future and will be best suited by giving one of the younger guys an opportunity to gain experience and develop in his system. If not, State will be a 5 or 6 win team this year and will have the same QB issue next year. If you don't have a shot to win big you have to do whats best for the program in the future. Evans needs to be as far away from the playing field as possible this year. And for the record the only way we see the Orange Bowl this year is if we start bidding on Ebay for tickets tonight. Reality my fellow Packers!!
I have to agree with you.
Thu, 08/07/2008 - 06:15 — Anonymous (not verified)I have to agree with you. Evans is not our answer. I like the guy, he shows a lot of heart, but him leading us to the Orange Bowl? That would be outstanding, but reality is we should just hope to get to the Meineke Car Care Bowl this year.