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NC State

Grading NC State football's win over VMI

2019_WP_Icon512x512by: The Wolfpacker09/18/23TheWolfpacker
Brennan Armstrong
Sep 16, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Brennan Armstrong (5) throws a pass during the first half against the Virginia Military Institute Keydets at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

NC State turned in a pretty complete performance against VMI. A focused week of practice led to a dominant effort by the Wolfpack that ended in a 45-7 victory.

Saturday’s Week 3 contest was not perfect, but each phase of the game stepped up when it needed to, and NC State moves into ACC play 2-1 as a result. Quarterback Brennan Armstrong played efficient football and remained pretty much mistake-free after last week’s 3-interception outing against Notre Dame.

The defense limited explosive rushing plays and kept the Keydets at bay other than a rocky third quarter. Overall, the Pack accomplished what it needed to and now moves on to UVA prep on a short week.

NC State offense grade

Grade: A-

Previous week’s grade: C-

The Wolfpack made some key improvements Saturday. First, Armstrong threw just 5 incompletions and finished the game with 264 passing yards. He threw to 10 receivers during the game, and 9 of them caught 100-percent of their targets. NC State also started to build momentum on the ground as the game went on. The Pack finished the game with 6 rushes of 10 yards or more.

Armstrong continued to extend plays with his legs, but it was encouraging to see underclassmen running backs Michael Allen and Kendrick Raphael show some promise. VMI did not bring much pressure Saturday, but NC State’s offensive line pass blocked well. The line’s run blocking left a little to be desired, with the Keydets making 8 tackles for loss.

NC State defense grade

Grade: A-

Previous week’s grade: C

Aside from a few explosive plays, NC State allowed very little breathing room for VMI. The Keydets finished the game with 15 rushing yards thanks to strong performances from the Pack defensive line and linebackers. Payton Wilson and Jaylon Scott paced the team with 9 and 8 tackles respectively. Robert Kennedy also forced the game’s lone turnover of the game and took it to the end zone on a pick six.

NC State allowed 147 yards, on 5 explosive plays of 10 yards or more. A pair of those passes to wide receiver Egypt Nelson happened on one third-quarter drive, which was the lone bright spot for the Keydets offense.

Moving forward, the Pack has to figure out its tight end coverage issues. VMI had tight end Aidan Twombly open down the field on multiple occasions but could not connect. ACC teams will convert those opportunities, and NC State can not put itself in that position.

NC State special teams grade

Grade: A+

Previous week’s grade: B-

Julian Gray took two kickoff returns to the end zone. One was called back due to a penalty, but a special teams touchdown will almost always warrant an A+ grade. Gray is the No. 8 kick returner in the country at 33.3 yards per attempt, and NC State’s kickoff team is doing a great job blocking and creating running lanes for the explosive wide receiver.

Jalen Coit adds a similar dynamic quality to the punt return unit. He has improved each game and took one return 33 yards against VMI and averaged 23 yards on 3 attempts. Placekicker Brayden Narveson hit his lone field goal attempt of 31 yards, and kickoff specialist Collin Smith allowed just 1 kickoff return of 18 yards.

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