Change at QB1 Provides Consistency in Wolfpack Victory

© Zachary Taft Imagn Images

In Week 5, the NC State Wolfpack (3-2, 0-1) welcomed the giant-killing Northern Illinois Huskies (2-2, 0-1) to Carter-Finley Stadium and came away with a hard-fought victory over the early darlings of college football, defeating the Huskies 24-17.

First-Half Dogfight 

The Wolfpack entered this game looking for an identity on both sides of the ball. Offensively, quarterback Grayson McCall has not been the answer for the Wolfpack, so the coaching staff made the change to true freshman CJ Bailey. An electric athlete from Miami, Fla., Bailey's skill set mirrors that of Lamar Jackson. The change at QB proved to be the right call as the offense, which at times this season has been allergic to the end zone, was efficient and reliable against an experienced Huskies team. Bailey scored the game’s first points on a 1-yard run.

The Wolfpack defense showed flashes of why they were one of the top defenses in the nation over the past three years. The defense pressured Huskies QB Ethan Hampton often, forcing a strip sack and recovery for a TD early in the second quarter to put the Wolfpack up 14-7. The sack was the first allowed by the Huskies' experienced offensive line. A late Wolfpack field goal made the score 17-7.

© Zachary Taft Imagn Images

The Huskies are no stranger to the big game, and today the Wolfpack were the next opponent looking to avoid the dreaded Boneyard. The Huskies’ running game was off to an early strong start with RB Antario Bown leading the way. He ended the first half with 73 yards on 17 carries. He fumbled just short of the end zone in the first quarter, but fortune favored the Huskies when the fumble was recovered in the end zone by fullback Brock Lampe to tie the game at 7. 

It was a defensive battle after the Lampe TD, but the Huskies never let the Wolfpack offense find any rhythm or a chance to pull away. The Wolfpack finished the first half 0 for 5 on third down attempts, while the Huskies were 4 for 8. The Huskies struck pay dirt right before halftime after an explosive 42-yard pass from QB Hampton to wide receiver Andrew McElroy. A few short plays later Cam Thompson caught a slant for a TD to bring the score to 14-17.

Wolfpack Defense Wins the Day

The Wolfpack defense was primed and ready for the game. They began the second half with the same intensity as the first. After a quick three-and-out by the Wolfpack offense, the defense created another scoring opportunity on a strip sack at the Huskies’ 1-yard line. This time it was caused by senior defensive end Davin Vann.

The defense continued to hold the Huskies at bay, stalling them on every second-half drive. The lone 3 points not NIU in the second half came on a 50-yard field goal by Senior kicker Kanon Woodill. Hampton struggled to find open WRs and was errant on his throws downfield with one pass resulting in a Wolfpack interception. Hampton also fumbled twice, then finished with a Hail Mary pass that was picked off.

Northern Illinois was never out of the game and had positive momentum during their final offensive series. The Huskies challenged a fiery Wolfpack defense during the waning moments, moving into scoring position with under a minute left, but ultimately could not overcome their early game mistakes

Looking Ahead

The Wolfpack enter Atlantic Coast Conference play next week as lowly Wake Forest (1-2, 0-1) comes to town. The victory over NIU should help propel the Wolfpack into ACC play, and with Bailey at QB, the Wolfpack appears to have found the signal caller for the future.

The Huskies prepare for their final non-conference game next week vs. UMass (1-3) before entering Mid-American Conference play. The Huskies are still one of the more formidable teams in the MAC and this loss will not affect their conference dominance.