What they’re saying after NC State football’s win over Marshall
NC State scored its most points against an FBS foe since 2018 as the Wolfpack knocked off Marshall 48-41 on Saturday afternoon at Carter-Finley Stadium,
Here are what those who covered the game are saying about the Pack’s fourth win of the 2023 campaign.
Ethan McDowell, The Wolfpacker — MJ Morris sparked NC State’s offense; now it’s time to fan the flames
“NC State needed a spark. Head coach Dave Doeren said so himself seconds before naming MJ Morris starting quarterback Monday afternoon. The sophomore helped ignite the Wolfpack offense Saturday when the unit needed him.
Morris threw 4 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, lighting a fire that burned the team at times, which led to some easy scores for the Thundering Herd. Despite those miscues, the signal-caller gave NC State the offensive firepower to win a shootout.
The Wolfpack finished the contest with 401 yards of total offense, a season high against an FBS opponent thanks to a steady diet of pop passes to freshman wide receiver Kevin Concepcion and 5 touchdowns of 15 yards or more.”
Noah Fleischman, The Wolfpacker — NC State’s MJ Morris rebounds from early turnovers, strings together career-best performance
“NC State sophomore quarterback MJ Morris’ first start of the season couldn’t have started any worse than it did against Marshall on Saturday afternoon at Carter-Finley Stadium. His first pass was intercepted and his seventh attempt was picked off and returned for a touchdown.
But while Morris’ did not have the beginning of the game that he envisioned before taking the field, he bounced back. And he did it in a flawless fashion to lead the Wolfpack to a 48-41 win over the Thundering Herd.
The Carrollton, Ga., native completed his next seven passes for 86 yards and a touchdown — a 39-yard strike to graduate tight end Trent Pennix. Morris’ body language didn’t sulk when he committed the costly mistakes, and he celebrated the positive plays.”
Jadyn Watson-Fisher, News & Observer — Was NC State football’s offense perfect? No, but the Wolfpack showed what it could be
“This was one of those games N.C. State’s offense needed, warts and all.
Some may criticize the performance — there’s plenty to learn from — but the Wolfpack showed a more positive version of itself. It scored the most points it has all season in the 48-41 win over Marshall with sophomore quarterback MJ Morris making his first appearance.
Morris recorded a career high in passing yardage (265) and touchdowns (4). He finished 17-of-32 in the pass game and three interceptions. Marshall recorded a first-half pick six off one of the turnovers, but Morris responded with a level head each time.”
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Ethan Bakogiannis & Aidan Carlson, Technician — Morris-led NC State football explodes for 48 points, downs Marshall in shootout
“The offenses ran wild on NC State football’s Ag Day, but the Wolfpack did just enough to corral the Marshall Thundering Herd as sophomore quarterback MJ Morris and the Wolfpack won 48-41 in a barnburner at Carter-Finley Stadium.
Just days after being named the starting quarterback, Morris recorded new career highs in passing yards and passing touchdowns, with 265 and four respectively. Overall, Morris and the NC State offense exploded for over 400 yards, six touchdowns and a whopping 48 points — the most points scored against an FBS opponent in five years for the Wolfpack.
“Four touchdown passes from [Morris] … he gave us the spark we needed, threw some good balls,” said head coach Dave Doeren. “Well-designed plays were called at the right time by [offensive coordinator Robert Anae] and well-executed by the guys. [I’m] really, really impressed.”
Luke Creasy, The Herald Dispatch — Turnovers cost Herd in 48-41 loss at NC State
“RALEIGH, N.C. — Another fourth-quarter comeback wasn’t in the cards for the Marshall football team on Saturday afternoon.
North Carolina State’s Robert Kennedy intercepted the Thundering Herd’s Cam Fancher and returned it to Marshall’s 18-yard line to set up a touchdown that extended NC State’s lead to 14 points with under seven minutes left.
That was enough of a cushion for the Wolfpack to come away with a 48-41 victory at Carter-Finley Stadium.
It was the Herd’s first loss of the season and snaps a nine-game win streak that began last November.”
