NC State finishes nonconference play undefeated

No. 12 NC State did exactly what it was expected to against UConn, wrapping up its undefeated nonconference slate with a 41-10 win.

“There’s a lot of teams out there that don’t play the way they are supposed to in games like that,” head coach Dave Doeren said. “We got better and that’s the key as we get done with the preseason or nonconference part of our schedule. We are getting ready to play three straight against undefeated teams.”

The Wolfpack set the tone early, with redshirt junior quarterback Devin Leary linking up with graduate receiver Thayer Thomas for a 75-yard TD on the first play of the game.

The reception was the longest of Thomas’ career and his 22nd career TD catch, giving him sole possession of second place in program history.

Redshirt sophomore running back Demie Sumo-Karngbaye added a second first-quarter TD and the game was over before it really ever got started.

While the Huskies didn’t provide much of a challenge for the Wolfpack, the game gave the Pack a chance for a final tuneup ahead of NC State’s first conference game on the horizon, a showdown against 4-0 No. 5 Clemson in Death Valley.

"We're hitting on a lot of the cylinders that we wanted to,” Doeren said. “We're in a good spot."

Leary ended the game going 32-44 for 320 yards and four TDs. The Wolfpack starter was also picked off for the second time this season, allowing UConn to score just before halftime. Doeren said it was good to see Leary get into a rhythm.

The defense held UConn to just 160 total yards of total offense and eight first downs. Seven of UConn’s 11 drives ended in three-and-outs and turned the ball over on downs twice. Even when Leary’s interception gave the Huskies the ball at the Pack’s 11, the defense was able to hold the visitors to just a field goal.

With conference play just around the corner, the defense is playing at the level that was expected before the season and doing so with confidence.

Freshman running back Michael Allen got a lot of usage in the second half, ending with 66 yards on 10 carries.

“You saw his speed. He can really run,” Doeren said. “He’s quick, catches the ball well. Had a couple receptions out of the backfield. It was good to get him out there and see how he would be under the lights.”

The Wolfpack also attempted a fake field goal in the third quarter, with kicker Christopher Dunn getting tackled short of the first down. While Dunn did not return to the game, Doeren said Dunn will be fine and added that he probably hadn’t been tackled in awhile.

Redshirt sophomore Collin Smith took over the kicking duties after the fake field goal attempt, hitting a 40-yard field goal and missing a 47-yard attempt.