NC State Hits The Road For Final Time In The Regular Season As They Visit Wake Forest
NC State will hit the road for the final time in the 2017 regular season this weekend as they travel down I-40 to visit Wake Forest in Winston Salem.
After facing 10 straight out-of-state opponents, the NC State football team will go local the last two weeks of the regular season. A trip to Wake Forest (6-4, 3-3 ACC) on Saturday is on the immediate horizon before the #25 Wolfpack (7-3, 5-1) finishes up with a home game against North Carolina next weekend. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/17/football-old-rivals-nc-state-and-wake-forest-meet-for-111th-time.aspx
"I think the pride you have for being the best team in the state and having a better record than all of them at the end, I think all of those things come into play and you use it in recruiting," said NC State head coach Dave Doeren. "One thing that makes this state unique is having four conference teams in the state and we get to play two of the three. I think it matters to our guys." "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/17/football-old-rivals-nc-state-and-wake-forest-meet-for-111th-time.aspx
This season, there's no debate over who the best two football teams in the state are heading into the weekend. Both NC State and Wake Forest are bowl eligible already, but with a strong finish, both will move up the bowl pecking order. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/17/football-old-rivals-nc-state-and-wake-forest-meet-for-111th-time.aspx
There's one more carrot out there for the Wolfpack: no team in school history has won as many as seven ACC games in the same season, so with consecutive victories the next two weeks, this NC State squad can make history. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/17/football-old-rivals-nc-state-and-wake-forest-meet-for-111th-time.aspx
"Being a senior, it would be nice to do something that's never been done here before," NC State linebacker Arius Moore said. "One thing coach D talks about a lot is being elite. Being 7-1 in the ACC is something we could say that we did. That's one of the things that's driven us to get better every single week." "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/17/football-old-rivals-nc-state-and-wake-forest-meet-for-111th-time.aspx
Five previous NC State teams have won as many as six league games, the last posting such a record was the 1994 Wolfpack. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/17/football-old-rivals-nc-state-and-wake-forest-meet-for-111th-time.aspx
On Saturday, Wake Forest will present quite an obstacle to NC State's aspirations. Featuring perhaps the hottest offense in the conference, the Deacons nearly created a power overload in the Carrier Dome scoreboard last Saturday by rolling up 64 points in a come-from-behind victory over Syracuse. Among other things, the Deacons outscored the Orange 40-5 in the second half and piled up 734 yards of total offense. Quarterback John Wolford was responsible for many of those yards, by passing for 363 and rushing for 139 more. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/17/football-old-rivals-nc-state-and-wake-forest-meet-for-111th-time.aspx
While Wake's offensive schemes won't be foreign to the NC State defense, the Deacons' execution of those schemes is what has been setting them apart in recent weeks."according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/17/football-old-rivals-nc-state-and-wake-forest-meet-for-111th-time.aspx
The Deacs rely heavily on RPO's (run-pass options), which, when executed properly, can, among other things, slow down opposing pass rushers like NC State defensive end Bradley Chubb."according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/17/football-old-rivals-nc-state-and-wake-forest-meet-for-111th-time.aspx
"To be honest, you're not in a pass rush because everything looks like a running play until the last minute," Chubb said. "You can't get frustrated with how he's getting the ball out. We've just got to get our hands up, bat balls up and hopefully get them in third and long situations where we can actually rush the passer." "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/17/football-old-rivals-nc-state-and-wake-forest-meet-for-111th-time.aspx
No one in NC State history has done that better than Chubb, who surpassed Mario Williams last week as the Wolfpack's all-time leader in both sacks (26) and tackles for loss (57.5)."according tohttp://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/17/football-old-rivals-nc-state-and-wake-forest-meet-for-111th-time.aspx
Keeping Chubb off his quarterback is one of many concerns for Wake Forest coach Dave Clawson. The last two games in the series have gone the Wolfpack's way, primarily because of what's happened in the first quarter. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/17/football-old-rivals-nc-state-and-wake-forest-meet-for-111th-time.aspx
"We have never defended these guys well," said Clawson, now in his fourth year with the Deacons. "Last year we were down 17-0 at the quarter. Two years ago we were down 28-0 at the end of the first quarter. They have done a great job of getting their guys ready to play our game, and I have not done as good a job in this game for our football team." "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/17/football-old-rivals-nc-state-and-wake-forest-meet-for-111th-time.aspx
Given Wake's offensive prowess in recent weeks, NC State wouldn't mind playing keep away on Saturday. At its best this season, the Wolfpack has done a good job staying on the field for long periods, thanks to the controlled passing of quarterback Ryan Finley and the running of tailback Nyheim Hines. Coming off his fourth 100-yard rushing game of the season last week at Boston College, Hines is just 202 yards shy of giving the Pack a 1000-yard rusher in back-to-back years after Matt Dayes eclipsed that plateau last season. NC State hasn't had 1000-yahttp://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/17/football-old-rivals-nc-state-and-wake-forest-meet-for-111th-time.aspxrd rushers in consecutive years since Ted Brown pulled it off in 1977-78. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/17/football-old-rivals-nc-state-and-wake-forest-meet-for-111th-time.aspx
NC State has won three straight in the series, the most consecutive wins over Wake Forest since 2000-02. The Pack ended a six-game winless streak in Winston-Salem with a 35-17 win in 2015. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/17/football-old-rivals-nc-state-and-wake-forest-meet-for-111th-time.aspx "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/17/football-old-rivals-nc-state-and-wake-forest-meet-for-111th-time.aspx
"We did play very well last time we were down there, and that hasn't been traditionally how NC State plays at Wake," said Doeren. "We know that not only do we have to do that again, but this is probably the best Wake team we've played since I've been here. I think they're playing really good on offense. Their quarterback's exceptional right now." "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/17/football-old-rivals-nc-state-and-wake-forest-meet-for-111th-time.aspx
As for NC State's last game, they won the road in Massachusetts as they edged Boston College.
After losing their last two games against Notre Dame and Clemson NC State who is led by Dave Doeren went to Massachusetts and beat Boston College.
Down 14-10 midway through the fourth quarter, NC State broke off a 50-yard TD run to come away with a 17-14 win at Boston College on Saturday. The Wolfpack (7-3, 5-1 ACC) now has five ACC wins on the season, the most for the Pack since the 2010 season. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/11/football-long-fourth-quarter-td-rush-propels-wolfpack-over-bc-eagles.aspx
After BC opened the scoring with a 66-yard TD rush in the second quarter, NC State answered with 10 unanswered points to go up 10-7 at the break."according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/11/football-long-fourth-quarter-td-rush-propels-wolfpack-over-bc-eagles.aspx
Jaylen Samuels rushed in from eight yards out late in the second quarter, and Kyle Bambard connected on a 41-yard field goal at the end of the half. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/11/football-long-fourth-quarter-td-rush-propels-wolfpack-over-bc-eagles.aspx
The Eagles would capitalize off a NC State turnover and score from 12 yards out at the end of the third quarter to take a 14-10 lead."according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/11/football-long-fourth-quarter-td-rush-propels-wolfpack-over-bc-eagles.aspx
NC State retook the lead with eight minutes to go, as Nyheim Hines scored from 50-yards out to give NC State the 17-14 lead."according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/11/football-long-fourth-quarter-td-rush-propels-wolfpack-over-bc-eagles.aspx
BC lined up to attempt a 39-yard field goal with just over four minutes left, but a bad snap led to an incomplete pass and the Pack took over at its own 22-yard line. The Eagles forced a 3-and-out and got the ball back at their own 29-yard line with 3:09 left after a 49-yard A.J. Cole III punt."according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/11/football-long-fourth-quarter-td-rush-propels-wolfpack-over-bc-eagles.aspx
After four straight BC incompletions, the Pack took over with 2:50 left and ran the clock down to 0:28, but BC could not get a final score. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/11/football-long-fourth-quarter-td-rush-propels-wolfpack-over-bc-eagles.aspx
WOLFPACK SPOTLIGHT DRIVE – 1st half
11 plays, 87 yards in 3:44 – Jaylen Samuels 8-yard TD rush "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/11/football-long-fourth-quarter-td-rush-propels-wolfpack-over-bc-eagles.aspx
The Pack got on the scoreboard for the first time with 2:26 left in the first half. NC State covered 87 yards in 11 plays to tie the contest at 7-7 in Jaylen Samuels' 8-yard TD rush. On the drive, the Pack rushed seven times for 64 yards, with the last six plays of the drive all rushes."according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/11/football-long-fourth-quarter-td-rush-propels-wolfpack-over-bc-eagles.aspx
WOLFPACK SPOTLIGHT DRIVE – 2nd half
5 plays, 83 yards in 1:51 – Nyheim Hines 50-yard TD rush
With the Pack down 14-10 in the fourth quarter, NC State went 83 yards in only five plays in 1:51 to grab a 17-14 lead with 8:22 left. RB Nyheim Hines capped the drive with a 50-yard rushing score. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/11/football-long-fourth-quarter-td-rush-propels-wolfpack-over-bc-eagles.aspx
STAT LEADERS
• QB Ryan Finley
13-of-32 for 146 yards
6 rushes for 39 yards
• RB Nyheim Hines
19 rushes for 110 yards, 1 TD
3 kickoff returns for 77 yards
203 all-purpose yards
• WR Kelvin Harmon
5 catches for 68 yards
• LB Jerod Fernandez
11 tackles, 1.5 TFLS, 0.5 sacks
• DE Bradley Chubb
8 tackles, 4 TFLs, 2.5 sacks
NOTABLES
• With 2.5 sacks in the game, DE Bradley Chubb has become NC State's all-time leader in career sacks, he passed Mario Williams' previous mark of 25.5. Chubb now has 26 for his career. Also with four tackles for loss today, Chubb ties the school record for most in a career with 55.5 (Williams). "according tohttp://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/11/football-long-fourth-quarter-td-rush-propels-wolfpack-over-bc-eagles.aspx
• NIK Shawn Boone recorded his second interception of the season, and second of his career, to stop BC in the end zone om their first drive of the game. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/11/football-long-fourth-quarter-td-rush-propels-wolfpack-over-bc-eagles.aspx
• NC State played the second half without a pair of offense starters; WR Stephen Louis and OG Terronne Prescod – both were injured in the second quarter. "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/11/football-long-fourth-quarter-td-rush-propels-wolfpack-over-bc-eagles.aspx
• RB Nyheim Hines went over 100 yards rushing for the fourth time this season (110). "according to http://www.gopack.com/news/2017/11/11/football-long-fourth-quarter-td-rush-propels-wolfpack-over-bc-eagles.aspx
As for Wake Forest last game, It was high scoring affair as they beat Syracuse at the Carrier Dome.
Wake Forest clinched bowl eligibility with a 64-43 victory at Syracuse Saturday afternoon. The Demon Deacons (6-4, 3-3 ACC) recorded their sixth win with another explosive day by the offense, which scored the most points by an opponent in the Carrier Dome, while shattering a school-record with 734 yards of total offense. "according to http://www.wakeforestsports.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111117aaa.html
John Wolford tied his school-record with six touchdowns responsible by running for three and passing for three. He threw for 363 yards, his third consecutive 300-yard game, while posting his first career 100-yard rushing game, with a career-high 136 yards on the ground. "according to http://www.wakeforestsports.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111117aaa.html
Matt Colburn ran for a career-high 237 yards, the most by a Demon Deacon since Josh Harris had 241 yards at Virginia Tech in 2010. Cam Serigne set a school record for touchdown catches by a tight end with three, highlighting a 7-catch, 119-yard day. He was joined in the 100-yard receiving club by Tabari Hines (9-catches for 124 yards) and Scotty Washington (7-catches for 113 yards) as the Deacs had three 100-yard receivers for the first time since 1981 (Phil Denfield, Kenny Duckett and Tommy Gregg vs. Maryland). "according to http://www.wakeforestsports.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111117aaa.html
The 734 yards of total offense broke the school record by over 100 yards, previously set in 1968 with 632 yards against North Carolina . It is fifth-highest single-game total in FBS this season. Three of the seven highest total offense performances in Wake Forest history have now come this season (734 at Syracuse [1st], 625 vs. Louisville [3rd] and 588 vs. Utah State [7th]). The Demon Deacons' attack against the Orange was balanced with 371 yards on the ground and 363 yards through the air."according to http://www.wakeforestsports.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111117aaa.html
The Demon Deacons' 64 points are tied for ninth-most in school history and are the second most against an ACC foe, trailing only a 66-21 win over Virginia in 1975. The game also marked the first time in the ACC era (since 1953) that Wake Forest has scored at least 37 points in three consecutive games of the same season. The 107 combined points Saturday set a record for a Wake Forest game, surpassing an 82-24 loss at Clemson in 1981. "according to http://www.wakeforestsports.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111117aaa.html
The Wake Forest offense jumped out to a quick start, scoring on its first three possessions. Wolford and Colburn each ran for a 3-yard touchdown and Wolford found Serigne for a 31-yard touchdown pass as the Demon Deacons posted 21 first-quarter points. However, in between the Wake Forest touchdowns, the Orange scored twice on a 43-yard run by Dontae Strickland and a 19-yard pass from Zack Mahoney to Ravian Pierce, as the Deacs held a 21-14 lead after the opening 15 minutes. "according to http://www.wakeforestsports.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111117aaa.html
Syracuse responded with a strong second quarter. Early in the period, the Orange drew even on a 1-yard run by Chris Elmore and took its first lead, 28-21, on a 30-yard pass from Mahoney to Steve Ishmael. A 30-yard field goal pushed the Syracuse advantage to 31-21. Late in the half, an 18-yard pass from Mahoney to Pierce pushed the advantage to 38-21. After a touchback, the Deacs got the ball back with 16 seconds, and a 44-yard pass from Wolford to Hines and an 8-yard run from Colburn set up a 41-yard field goal from Mike Weaver cut the deficit to 38-24 at the half. "according to http://www.wakeforestsports.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111117aaa.html
The opening drives of the second half produced matching field goals, a 43-yarder from Weaver and a 47-yarder from Cole Murphy of Syracuse to keep the margin at two scores, 41-27. The Demon Deacons cut the lead in half as Wolford's second touchdown run, this one from nine yards out, made the score 41-34. With just over a minute left in the quarter, Wolford threw his second touchdown pass to Serigne, but the extra point was blocked and returned for a 2-point conversion by Syracuse, who led 43-40 after three quarters. "according to http://www.wakeforestsports.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111117aaa.html
After Syracuse missed a long field goal on the opening series of the final quarter, the Deacs took advantage of the good field position. On a 4th-and-1, Wolford kept the ball and ran 29 yards for his third rushing touchdown of the game to give Wake Forest a 47-43 lead. With Syracuse driving for a potential go-ahead score, Jaboree Williams grabbed his first career interception and returned it 52 yards to the Orange 20-yard-line. Wake Forest capitalized with a 6-yard pass from Wolford to Serigne to extend the lead to 54-43. After the Deacs forced a 4-and-out to take over on the Orange 30-yard line, they used the short field to add a 30-yard Weaver field goal to extend the lead to 57-43 with 4:58 to play. As Syracuse drove the ball into the red zone, Justin Stranad intercepted a Mahoney throw to stop the threat. As Wake Forest looked to run out the clock, Colburn broke a 76-yard touchdown run on a 3rd-and-12 for the final touchdown of the day for the Deacs. "according to http://www.wakeforestsports.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111117aaa.html
Rallying from down 17 points marked the fifth-largest comeback in school history and the largest since 2007 when the Deacs rallied from a 21-point deficit to beat Maryland in overtime. "according to http://www.wakeforestsports.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111117aaa.html
Kick-off is set for 7:30pm from BB&T Field . The game will be televised on ESPNU. "according to http://www.gopack.com/schedule.aspx?path=football