RALEIGH – It’s been a rough few weeks for the Wolfpack, who went from being undefeated to losing two in a row to Clemson and Syracuse, but Saturday’s Homecoming was just what the doctored ordered as the Wolfpack defeated Florida State 41-28.
After the game head coach Dave Doeren talked about how important it was for his team to end their losing streak and maintain their undefeated record at home.
“To be undefeated at home. To win on homecoming. To get off that losing streak. To play the way we did – a very clean football game – I’m very proud of our guys and coaches. I thought we had a good game plan. It’s not easy going on the road and getting home at 1:00 in the morning one week and 3:30 in the morning the next week. With all the injuries that we have, it’s been challenging. To get back at home was awesome for our guys. It’s great to be back in the win column and bowl eligible.”
While Ryan Finley is one of the best QB’s in the conference and the clear leader of the Wolfpack offense, it was NC State’s running game that impressed Saturday – racking up 177 yards on the ground against a Seminole rush defense that is ranked in the top 20 in the nation.
“For us to start the first play of the game with a run, we were able to get the gas going a little,” Reggie Gallaspy, who racked up over 100 yards on the ground, said after the game. “It brought some confidence to us and we just decided to stick with it.”
“I thought we were physical at the line of scrimmage,” Coach Doeren explained when talking about the ground game. “I was impressed. I thought Reggie Gallaspy played a good football game and the offensive line and tight ends created some seams for him.”
But it wasn’t all roses for the Wolfpack, Florida State QB James Blackman, who started his first game of the season, threw for over 421 yards – exposing a secondary that’s been one of NC State’s area’s of concern.
“I thought we gave up too many plays at the corner position, but 15 is a heck of a player. He made too many plays on us. Does it mean you get better? Absolutely. And we’ll continue to work to get it better.”
It will be a quick turnaround for NC State this week as they’ll travel down the road to take on Wake Forest on Thursday night – looking to get their first ACC road win of the season.