Murchison named ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week

The graduate tackle had a career-high 3.5 sacks against Florida State on Saturday

Rob Kinnan/USAToday sports

NC State's stagnant pass rush figured to improve Saturday at Florida State with the return of defensive end James Smith-Williams from injury.

And it did by recording a season-high eight sacks.

But it wasn't Smith-Williams that was responsible for the damage. Rather, it was teammate Larrell Murchison, who spent enough time in the Seminoles backfield to become well acquainted with quarterback Alex Hornibrook.

Murchison recorded a career-best 3.5 sacks in the 31-13 loss in Tallahassee. The graduate tackle also had two quarterback hurries and three other tackles to rank second on the team. His performance has earned him recognition as the ACC's Defensive Lineman of the Week.

Only former Wolfpack star Mario Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft, has recorded more sacks in a game. He had four twice. But despite the standout performance, Murchison -- who had three sacks in a win against Virginia last season -- said it didn't mean as much because of the outcome of the game.

"It's very frustrating, any loss is frustrating," he said. "I’m just going to continue to do my best to build on it every week and help prepare so we can get wins."

 In addition to Murchison, the rest of this week’s ACC Players of the Week are the Duke duo of Jack Wohlabaugh (Offensive Lineman) and Koby Quansah (Linebacker), Florida State’s Hornibrook (Quarterback), Cyrus Fagan (Defensive Back) and Amari Gainer (Rookie), Boston College’s A.J. Dillon (running back), Clemson’s Tee Higgins (Receiver) and Syracuse’s Sterling Hofritcher (Specialist).