State 34, Ball State 23: Doeren's postgame comments

Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren breaks down his team's final nonconference tuneup before the start of ACC play

Opening statement ...

Doeren said his team did a decent job defending the pass, but still could have been better on a night in which Ball State quarterback Drew Plitt threw the ball 57 times, completing 35 for 333 yards ...

With a punt return for a touchdown and a blocked punt that led to another score, Doeren said that the Wolfpack's special teams unit redeemed itself after after bad game at West Virginia last week ...

State's injury list grew Saturday when star freshman running back Zonovan Knight tweaked a hamstring late in the first half after rushing for 36 yards on eight carries ...

Doeren said he was impressed with the way Jordan Houston came in and ran after Knight went out. The freshman running back finished with 55 yards on six carries while catch a pass for 15 yards  ...

The Wolfpack lined up to go for it on fourth and one twice in the second half. The first time it was called for a false start, leading to a punt. The second time Ricky Person was stopped for no gain. Inspite of the failures, Doeren said he'd make the same decisions again ...

Doeren explained the decision to use backup quarterback Bailey Hockman for a series in the first half and again at the end of the game ...

Finally, Doeren expressed his happiness for former offensive coordinator Eliah Drinkwitz and his new staff at Appalachian State for their big win at UNC earlier Saturday ...