Posted: 10/28/2009 by Bryce Wilson
Entering the 2009 campaign, this “humble” blogger confidently asserted that if, after seven games, N.C. State resided anywhere south of 5-2, the team would have colossally underachieved and the season would be stuck in mud.
Well, State is 3-4 (0-3 ACC), with all of one win over an FBS school (how again did it beat 7-1 Pittsburgh?). Forget spinning in the mud, the season is threatening to plunge straight into the abyss.
Back in August, presupposing that the Wolfpack could handle Duke and/or Boston College, late-season games at Florida State (this Saturday) and Virginia Tech could be viewed as “musts” only if this club entertained ACC championship aspirations…which many thought it should. Now every game is a mandate out of pure survival, fancy holiday trips and shiny trophies be damned.
With Tom O’Brien’s team having just passed the halfway point and emerging from a desperately-needed, lick-the-wounds bye week, it’s time to dole out midseason report cards. The grades are predictably harsh for a talented team that’s lost its past two games – both to league opponents perceived as far inferior before the season (Duke and Boston College) – by a combined count of 101-48…yet stunning if I’d told you in August that the class would be receiving these marks.
Quarterback: B-
Maybe this is being a little hard on Russell Wilson. But when you’re expected to be the A+ that you were over the second half of 2008 and instead look rather ordinary and without the same dynamic take-over skills, well, you’re graded on a different scale.
Yes, Wilson has hurled 16 TDs against just 4 INTs, but half of those scoring tosses came against Gardner-Webb and Murray State. Also, the much-lauded number 16 is lodged in the middle of the ACC pack in passing efficiency, completing 58 percent.
Granted, Wilson is expected to be superman, and too often within the confines of the this offense, he has to be. But I for one stood convinced before the season that he was in a class by himself at QB…and was my unquestioned choice for ACC Player of the Year. Seven weeks deep, he’s not in the same breath as Riley Skinner, Jacory Harris, Christian Ponder or even Thaddeus Lewis.
Running Backs: C+
All in all, this is a decently productive Wolfpack offense, averaging 30-plus points per outing (buttressed by two huge outputs against the aforementioned FCS dregs). While Toney Baker has been solid and given everything he can having recovered from a devastating knee injury, State’s rushing attack hasn’t had much pop.
The unit 8th in the ACC in rushing offense, and Baker comes in 10th individually and has scored nine total times (six running, three receiving). Jamelle Eugene hasn’t been the complement to Baker that many envisioned, adding just 133 yards at 3.1 per carry.
The rushing effort was serviceable against Duke, but a measly 79 rushing yards at BC opened the door for Montel Harris to rampage all over State’s leaky D.
Wide Receivers: B
Overall, a relative bright spot for the ‘Pack. N.C. State is 3rd in the league in passing, though some of that production is disguised by a pressing need to throw in come-from-behind predicaments.
George Bryan (30 catches) has emerged as one of the ACC’s top tight ends, and wideout Jarvis Williams has added 23 grabs and four scores.
Offensive Line: C-
A problem area from minute one, game one. State’s front five allowed Wilson to be sacked six times in an anemic offensive showing against South Carolina, and though protection has improved, 19 sacks through seven games (two of which were duds) are too many.
Injuries continue to snake-bite O’Brien’s program, and nowhere has this been more pronounced than o-line, where State has been forced to re-jigger the lineup since Jake Vermiglio went down in the opener.
Defensive Line/Linebackers: B
There is no replacement for linebacker Nate Irving that in any way resembles number 56. Yet until the Boston College disaster, I would have given the front seven modestly high marks for compensating the best they can.
State is third in the conference in sacks, and should be, considering talents like Willie Young and Alan Michael Cash up front. The ‘Pack is first against the run and third in overall D. Solid numbers, until a couple of additional stats are considered: 7th in 3rd down defense, 7th in penalties, and 11th in turnover margin.
That’s right, in seven games, the ‘Pack has forced all of eight turnovers. Great defenses are disruptive. N.C. State’s is not, a big reason why this team is 11th in turnover margin (-5).
And that BC debacle doesn’t bode well for the challenges that lie ahead: 293 Eagle rushing yards and 480 total for an offense that could hardly move the ball an inch the week prior at Virginia Tech.
Secondary: D
Yikes. Not sure a whole lot can be said here that hasn’t been decried many times over. State has returning experience along the backline, but a spate of injuries and marginal talent have low lighted this outfit as the weakest on the entire team.
Riley Skinner torched the ‘Pack one week. Seven days later, Thaddeus Lewis played the role of Drew Brees. Christian Ponder is next? Duck.
Special Teams: C-
Arguably the most disappointing aspect of the operation. Even after beating Pitt, O’Brien seemed visibly frustrated with his team, and much of that angst centered on the “third phase.” The next week, Wake Forest killed State in the return game.
Overall, State is 10th in kick coverage and 10th in net punting and average in its own return game. If your defense is going to struggle, then special teams better provide a boost. They haven’t yet.
Jed Willilams
Jed@curtismedia.com