What they’re saying after NC State’s win wire-to-wire over Florida State

Under the lights. Back at home. A brand-name opponent on ESPN. NC State did what it needed to do, including benefit from a pair of fourth-quarter muffed punts, to knock off Florida State 21-11, earning its sixth victory of the season to punch its ticket to the postseason for the 11th time in the last dozen campaigns Friday night at Carter-Finley Stadium.

Here is what those who covered the game, including TheWolfpacker.com, are saying about the Pack’s bowl-clinching win.

Noah Fleischman, The Wolfpacker — How NC State CB Devon Marshall shut down Florida State’s top WR in bowl-clinching win

“In all, Marshall was targeted 14 times by Castellanos, allowing just four receptions for 68 total yards (six after the catch) with the seven breakups, according to Pro Football Focus. 

Doeren praised Marshall for his game-changing performance afterwards. He has seen the defensive back grow over the course of his two seasons with the Wolfpack, touting a tough and competitive demeanor every day in practice. That mindset helped prove why he’s the team’s top cornerback in a game where the Pack was without one of its other go-to corners in senior Jamel Johnson.

“He wants to be coached, he wants to be pushed,” Doeren said of Marshall. “He wants his opportunities to make plays. … He rose to the occasion. Devon played his butt off. If he’s not Player of the Week in the ACC, they’ve got blinders on because that was hell of a performance by him.”

Marshall’s overall showing was one that will be studied by the seven NFL teams in attendance, which included Buffalo Bills General Manager Brandon Beane. But the standout effort he had against Robinson, Florida State’s go-to weapon in its high-scoring offense, was even more impressive. 

The Seminoles looked to find Robinson against Marshall nine times, but he allowed just two receptions for 40 yards — both coming late in the game with 34 of such on just one play — while he posted five pass breakups when he lined up across from the star wideout alone.”

Jacey Zembal, The Wolfpacker — NC State’s defense rises up to shut down high-powered Florida State

“The defense helped set the tone early that it was going to make things uncomfortable for Florida State’s offense. There was a growing sense that in order for FSU quarterback Tommy Castellanos to move the ball, it would be from broken plays with his legs. That dynamic never changed and he finished with 203 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions — both by NC State senior cornerback Devon Marshall.

Castellanos ended up rushing 11 times for 76 yards with a long of 15, and that summed up FSU’s offense. NC State’s defense was that good. The next leading rusher was redshirt junior running back Gavin Sawchuk with 35 yards.

“Early in the game, a couple times, a couple of the rush lanes kind of got out of whack, and he was able to get out, and dude’s talented,” NCSU senior inside linebacker Caden Fordham said. “He’s really athletic, so he can hurt you with his feet.

“Second half, we went in, made some adjustments. D-line adjusted perfectly. He wasn’t able to scramble near as much in the second half, and we found way more success with that.”

Brian Murphy, WRAL — Marshall’s big night leads NC State past Florida State, to bowl eligibility

“Marshall, a 5-foot-11 senior who entered the game with 11 pass breakups on the season, was matched up against Florida State receiver Duce Robinson (6-foot-6, 223 pounds) for most of the night. Robinson had four catches for 76 yards on a game-high 13 targets. The Seminoles didn’t complete a pass to a receiver Marshall was defending until the fourth quarter despite repeated attempts. He picked off a final desperation heave for his second interception.

“I got a feel for them after the first drive,” said Marshall, who said the tendencies he studied on film played out on the field.

The Wolfpack got some help from the visitors, too.

With NC State leading Florida State 14-11 in the fourth quarter, the Seminoles (5-6, 2-6) botched two punt returns in the final minutes of the fourth quarter that kept them from having a chance to tie the game or take the lead.

The first, on a short punt by NC State, hit a Florida State player in the helmet, bounced back nearly 30 yards and was recovered by Wolfpack punter Caden Noonkester. The second, just minutes later, was muffed by Florida State returner Squirrel White. NC State recovered deep in FSU territory.

A lucky play, no doubt.

“Thank you God for that one,” Doeren said. “To see Caden Noonkester recover a fumble was like the craziest thing ever because that’s the one dude on our team that wants no contact.”

Jadyn Watson-Fisher, News & Observer — NC State defense steps up in ACC clash. What we learned from Pack’s win over FSU

“Hollywood Smothers is the ACC’s leading rusher, and he’s certainly worthy of plenty of touches, but he hasn’t been nearly as efficient in the last two weeks. 

Smothers had seven carries for -2 yards against Miami. The running back had 58 rushing yards on 11 attempts in the first half against Florida State. He finished with 84 yards on 21 carries. On paper, Smothers’ numbers were good. He struggled at times against the Seminoles’ defensive front. Smothers’ greatest strength is arguably his evasiveness, but FSU’s speed stifled runs and chased him off of edges that would’ve been successful against other defenses. 

Duke Scott, the redshirt freshman running back, finished with 10 yards on two carries in the first half. Against Miami, he recorded 14 yards on seven attempts. He entered the game with 445 yards on the season, including a career-high 196 yards against Georgia Tech. The young back earned the start against the Yellow Jackets due to Smothers’ injury. Scott is a strong downhill runner and, listed at 215 pounds, provides more physicality than Smothers.

Freshman quarterback Will Wilson entered the game in the second half and converted on three short-yardage plays to start the Pack’s first drive after halftime. Like Scott, Wilson provides more muscle in the run game. Wilson is now 5 of 5 on fourth down opportunities and 7 of 10 third-down plays. The freshman is 19 of 27 on all conversion opportunities. 

N.C. State needs all three players, and Smothers should in no way be removed from the lineup, but it was clear the offense was more dynamic when it utilized the downhill runners.

Aaron Beard, Associated Press — NC State tops Florida State 21-11 behind Joly’s TD, 2 late special-teams turnovers by Seminoles

“RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Justin Joly had a clinching fourth-down touchdown catch with 1:47 left — coming after Florida State committed turnovers on back-to-back late punt returns — to help N.C. State hang for a 21-11 win Friday night and become bowl eligible.

It marks the 11th time that N.C. State reached bowl eligiblility under 13th-year coach Dave Doeren, coming a week after an ugly loss at No. 14 Miami.

“There’s no quit here,” Doeren said. “Hopefully by now you guys know that. My teams don’t do that.”

The Wolfpack (6-5, 3-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) grinded to this win behind a defense that allowed one TD and got a huge showing from cornerback Devon Marshall with two interceptions and five pass breakups for an injury-hit secondary. The offense did its best work on a 15-play drive lasting nearly 9 minutes, ending with Will Wilson plowing through the left side for a 1-yard keeper and a 14-3 third-quarter lead.”

Corey Clark, Warchant — Florida State simply deserves better than this

“So, here’s what I would do: I would make the announcement today.

I would put in the press release how much Mike Norvell’s service has been appreciated and that I wish him well in all future endeavors. But, you know, for the betterment of the Florida State football program, it’s time to look for new leadership.

I would also ask him if he’d like to coach against the Gators on Saturday. If he says, “Yes,” then I’d let him. Who cares? Maybe he could end his tenure by beating Florida, getting bowl-eligible (wouldn’t that be awesome?!?) and being hoisted on his players’ shoulders after the big dub! He could maybe even go plant a spear at midfield. Start a brawl. Go out on a high note!

Then again, who are we kidding?

It’s a Mike Norvell-coached football team. Why on earth would we think his team has any chance of winning in Gainesville? Or anywhere outside of Doak Campbell Stadium?

Over the last two years, Norvell’s Seminoles have barely won, period. But away from Doak, they are now 0 for their last 9.