Halftime observations: FSU 17, State 6

Here's a look back at what went right and what went wrong through the first 30 minutes of tonight's game

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- NC State has no one but itself to blame for the 11-point deficit it faces heading into the second half at Florida State.

The Wolfpack did pretty much everything it needed to do early by weathering the Seminoles trademark first quarter storm, keeping running back Cam Akers under wraps and putting maximum pressure on backup quarterback Alex Hornibrook.

State outgained FSU 208-169 in the half, held its opponent to zero net yards on the ground and sacked Hornibrook four times. But it failed to take advantage of the situation by not being able to punch the ball into the end zone when it had the chance. 

Twice, the Wolfpack had to settle for Christopher Dunn field goals, then failed on a fourth-and-one situation for the second straight game.

But that was only the start of the self-destructive tendencies. Costly penalties and busted coverages downfield by the defenes led to a pair of long FSU touchdowns. Then to top things off, the usually reliable Dunn hit the left upright on a 42-yard attempt on the final play to leave even more points on the field.

The good news for State is that it finally seems to have found a downfield passing game now that Bailey Hockman has replaced Matthew McKay at quarterback. The former Florida State transfer completed 11 of 19 passes for 122 after coming in on the fourth series of the game.

The Wolfpack has also had some success on the ground, with surprise starter Jordan Houston doing most of the work with 33 yards on five carries.

If State can cut out the self-inflicted mistakes and reverse its recent trend of second half woes by scoring touchdowns instead of kicking field goals, this game is still very much there for the taking.