This past weekend NC State continued to dash hopes of a good season. The team faced off against Conference USA member Louisiana Tech. What was meant to be an easy game to regain morale after the poor showing in Charlotte, quickly turned into a game that the Wolfpack could lose. Fortunately, in the second half true freshman CJ Bailey was able to pump life into the offense that NC State has not seen this season.
NC State Struggles in the First Half
As has been commonplace this season, NC State struggled offensively in the first half. The offense did manage two field goals in the first half, however, they gave 17 points on the other side.
Last week the team managed a field goal in the first half against ranked opponent Tennessee. Then the offense did not score the rest of the game. After that embarrassing performance, the team hit rock bottom.
With that in mind, the team had one more game to figure things out before they will travel to Death Valley and face Clemson. And all they could muster in the first half was six points against a mid-major opponent. However, there was one positive in the first half at the expense of an unfortunate situation.
Near the end of the first half, Grayson McCall was seen walking to the locker room with a trainer and a towel over his head. In turn, the team turned to CJ Bailey.
Bailey had to come in at a time when almost all hope was lost, not just in this game but the season. In his first drive, the team went three-and-out but you could feel more energy in the offense. However, Louisiana Tech scored on the first play of the next drive and the ball went right back to Bailey.
With just under two minutes the Wolfpack sought to put together a quick drive to try and get something go into the half. Then on the second play of the drive, Bailey threw a pass in the middle of the field that Louisiana Tech snagged.
Louisiana Tech would then get a field goal and went into the half with a lead of 17-6.
Something is Wrong with McCall
Grayson McCall transferred to NC State to provide them with a bridge quarterback. He was/is meant to mentor the true freshman and help keep the Wolfpack successful. However, as the season has gone on he has looked uncomfortable.
No one knows if his issues stem from an injury issue or a mental block. McCall suffered a concussion last season while sliding in a game against Arkansas State. Regardless, this season he has looked uncomfortable.
NC State Makes a Comeback in the Second Half
In the second half the whole team played with new life. Louisiana Tech started on offense coming out of the half. Unfortunately for them, they would regret this decision. On the third play of the second half the team through a pick-six to NC State’s DK Kaufman.
On the following drive Louisiana Tech went three-and-out and momentum favored the Pack.
With the ball, NC State marched down the field on a thirteen-play drive that took over 8 minutes. The drive ended in a three-yard touchdown run from Kendrick Raphael.
In the fourth quarter, NC State shut out Louisiana Tech and added 10 more points to win 30-20. This included Bailey’s first career touchdown which is a 1-yard run.
NC State Heads to the Toughest Road Game in the ACC
NC State will head down to Clemson for a noon game this weekend. Clemson has not been as strong as normal, however, that does not mean they are too close to an easy game. Furthermore, they do not lose often at home.
Dave Doeren has decided to start CJ Bailey. This will show quickly whether or not Bailey is ready for ACC play. Furthermore, they will most likely be without McCall who is currently dealing with an undisclosed injury.
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