Why NC State’s missed tackles proved to be costly in loss to Virginia Tech

After being pinned on its own 11-yard line, Virginia Tech appeared to go with a conservative play call on first down. It was a simple draw up the middle, but it quickly turned into an explosive run for the Hokies’ offense.  Bowling Green transfer running back Terion Stewart went right up the middle, following a pulling guard through the initial hole before he was met in the second level by NC State graduate linebacker Caden Fordham. But as Fordham had both hands on Stewart’s hips, he was unable to drag the tailback down as the 5-foot-9, 222-pound ball carrier cruised into the secondary.  And it was there where a bad play turned worse.  Stewart not only shed Fordham’s tackle, but he managed to make three defenders converge into one spot, all of them failing to make significant contact to bring him down. Then it was off to the races as senior safety JJ Johnson whiffed as he tried to grab Stewart’s ankles. Eventually, Stewart’s mad dash ended at the 4-yard line after graduate defensive end Sabastian Harsh chased him down to prevent a one-play touchdown drive. Although the Wyoming transfer didn’t quit on the play, it was a crystal-clear example of NC State’s tackling woes in the 23-21 loss to Virginia Tech on Saturday night at Carter-Finley Stadium.