ACC Week One Report Card: NC State

I expected more than three points from NC State.

I expected more from Russell Wilson, the reigning ACC Rookie of the Year, and First Team All-ACC quarterback.

It's hard to give anyone not playing on defense a good grade in a 7-3 game—and I won't.

Offense

The Wolfpack's punter tallied more punts (six) then any receiver had receptions (Four, G. Bryan), and 100 more yards punting (236) then the offense had total yards (133).

The poor offensive performance was a team effort, but the blame has to start with the offensive line. Wilson was running for his life much of the game, and was sacked six times.

"We had Russell Wilson running around too much. He couldn't get his feet set. We must be better up front. South Carolina controlled the line of scrimmage. That alone is the difference the ballgame right there."

In a game decided by four points, I would have to agree with the coach. Wilson actually did not play terribly. He completed 12 of 23 passes, and did not throw an interception, despite being under tremendous pressure all night.

The running game for the Wolfpack was also atrocious; a lot of the blame there goes to the O-line as well. Of course, let's not place all the blame on the big fellas. NC State's wide receivers dropped crucial passes that could have changed the outcome of the game.

Grade for the NC State Offense: D-

Defense/Special Teams

As terrible as the offense was, Wolfpack coaches, players, and fans, can be happy with the defense.

They held the South Carolina Gamecocks to seven points on the night, forced one interception, and held the Gamecock rushing attack to just 2.6 yards a carry.

Linebacker Ray Michel led the way with 11 tackles, followed by defensive end Willie Young with eight. State Punter Jeff Ruiz punted six times for 236 yards, a respectable average of 39.3 yards (You know it's a bad offensive game when I have to look up average punt distances).

Grade for the NC State D/ST: B+

Overall Grade for NC State: D+

This was a big opportunity for NC State to come out of the gate strong against a mediocre SEC opponent. The offense was really bad; the defense solid.

Luckily, the Wolfpack have a world-class college football coach in Tom O'Brien, and will likely perform better as the season progresses. State fans should not get too down on them, as the season is long from over. I still expect them to compete for the ACC Atlantic Division title.

NC State 's next opponent: Murray State.