Entering their open week of the season, just five games in, there’s a lot to be said about the 2021 version of the NC State football team. Most of it is good, which is exactly where you want to be entering a break. Here’s what we know so far:
The Good
- NC State has established their run game (when they want to) as Ricky Person and Zonovan Knight have proven to be a powerful duo. Knight leads the Pack in rushing with 462 yards on 71 carries, but Person isn’t far behind at 68 carries for 346 yards. Person edges out Knight in the touchdown department with four over three from Knight. Going forward, being able to control the line of scrimmage will be huge in a road-heavy schedule.
- Devin Leary has handled the pressure…so far. Leary has already thrown for over a thousand yards and has a TD to INT ratio of 12-2. Add in his impressive performance late in the Wolfpack’s overtime win over then top 10 Clemson and Leary has shown that he is in fact ready to lead the NC State football team to that next level.
- Emeka Emezie is making good on his super senior year. Many questioned the senior for coming back for another season with the Pack, but he’s proving it was the correct decision as he leads the NC State receivers in total yards and catches. Emezie was almost un-guardable against Clemson on September 25, finishing with a game-high 14 catches and 116 yards.
- Depth built on defense is visible, as the Wolfpack have now lost three starters on defense. NC State ranks first in the ACC in interceptions – with seven. Isaiah Moore has been a proven leader – leading in total tackles, tackles for loss, and hurries. Safety Tanner Ingle, who was disqualified in multiple games last season, has been a force in the secondary with 31 tackles, three pass breakups, and one interception.
The Bad
- While the Mississippi State loss might not look as bad now as it did at first, depending on how you look at the Bulldogs season so far, that was still a disappointing loss no matter how you look at it. From the opening kickoff, the Wolfpack were punched in the mouth and didn’t respond well. Add in a few undisciplined penalties and that game is one some fans will look to forget or maybe circle depending if NC State is on the verge of double-digit wins.
- NC State is tied for the third-most sacks given up in the ACC after just five games. The Wolfpack are scheduled to face four of the top teams in sacks in their next six matchups.
- While the Wolfpack came away with a seven-point victory over Louisiana Tech Saturday, NC State almost fell into the common letdown game they’re known for after a big win. Not taking anything away from the Bulldogs, who have come within 8 points of beating NC State and Mississippi State, but Saturday’s contest probably should not have come down to a game-winning interception in the end zone. If the Wolfpack wants to finally prove they are not the team of old, winning pretty must become part of the equation. But a win is a win and NC State will be glad to take a 4-1 record into the off week.
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