Wolfpack Rewind: Win Wasn't in the Cards

Here's a look back at the good, the bad and the offbeat from NC State's 34-20 loss to Louisville on Saturday

Rob Kinnan/USAToday sports

THE GOOD

It's admittedly setting the bar low when one good half is the highlight of a team's performance. And it wasn't even that good of a half. But when you haven't held a lead in more than a month and you've been three touchdowns or more behind by the end of the last two first quarters, being ahead after 30 minutes is at least a small victory. State's patchwork defense actually did put together a strong effort over the first two periods with the exception of one big play, a 43-yard scoring pass to Dez Fitzpatrick shown in the photo above. The Wolfpack allowed only 136 total yards, 28 on the ground, with three sacks and five tackles for losses in the first half. While the offense had trouble getting out of its own way, quarterback Devin Leary did take advantage of a short field late in the half to hit Emeka Emezie for a touchdown that put State ahead 10-7 for its first lead since the end of the Syracuse game on Oct. 10.

THE BAD

Turnovers and lack of turnovers continue to plague the Wolfpack. On offense, State coughed the ball up three times -- a fumble by running back Zonovan Knight, an interception on an ill-advised shovel pass by Leary and a fumble by wide receiver Keyon Lesane -- with the latter two leading to Louisville touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, Wolfpack defenders had several chances at interceptions but failed to hang onto the pass. That's nothing new, since State hasn't recorded a takeaway since Chris Ingram's interception in the end zone against Ball State seven games ago. The Wolfpack has a minus-10 turnover margin over the past three games, prompting coach Dave Doeren to remark that his team "can't turn the ball over the way that we are and have any hope of winning."

THE OFFBEAT 

Last week, State had an offensive guard score a touchdown against it and a linebacker attempting an extra point in a loss to Clemson. This week it was a placekicker throwing a touchdown pass. And a backup kicker, at that. Ryan Chalifoux, who took over the kicking duties for the Cardinals two weeks ago because of injury, threw a seven-yard scoring pass on a fake field goal in the fourth quarter to put a dagger into any hopes State had of a comeback. On the ensuing series, the Wolfpack had its own "man bites dog" moment when offensive tackle Ickey Ekwonu was credited with 12 rushing yards when he picked up a fumble by Leary and advanced it downfield.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Wide receiver Emeka Emezie had eight catches for 90 yards against the Cardinals. His 15-yard reception from Leary with 4:01 left in the first half gave the Wolfpack a 10-7 lead and at least momentary hope for a potential victory. The junior has a team-leading 51 catches for the season, good for 521 yards and two touchdowns.

STAT OF THE WEEK

Lou Groza Award candidate Christopher Dunn made two more field goals Saturday, increasing his season total to 18. That's the most of any kicker in the ACC, one ahead of Wake Forest's Nick Sciba. His 1.80 field goals per game ranks sixth nationally.

UNSUNG HERO

Running back Ricky Person Jr. return to action for the first time since suffering a serious leg injury against Florida State on Sept. 28. Although his stats weren't anything to write home about -- 10 rushing yards on four carries and two catches for 28 yards -- he did score a touchdown and help give Wolfpack fans at least something to feel good about.

INJURY REPORT

In addition to the seven players already listed as out for the season, State was also without cornerbacks Nick McCloud and De'Von Graves, along with linebackers Louis Acceus and Payton Wilson. The most significant injury of the night was suffered by James Smith-Williams, who laid motionless on the field late in the fourth quarter after a collision with Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham. Cunningham was also injured on the play, prompting players on both teams to take a knee while medical personnel worked on the downed players. Even though a backboard and a cart was brought out onto the field, but Smith-Williams and Cunningham got up and walked off under their own power. Afterward, Doeren announced that Smith-Williams was "alert and okay." His status moving forward is not yet known. 

"Hang in there with us. These kids are going to fight their butts off and we need you to do the same. That’s what the Wolfpack is: a bunch of people that fight, and we need you to fight with us as we head down this tough stretch. We’re excited for the opportunity to do that." Coach Dave Doeren

 “Second half, we came out and got some momentum, hit some big plays down the field in the passing game. NC State did a great job of stopping the run. They were obviously loading the box and bringing the safeties down and blitzing and getting pressure. We gave up some sacks early, and just settled down in the second half. We protected the passer a lot better. We were able to throw the ball down the field. Tight ends got involved tonight…you never know when you’re number is going to get called. They did a fabulous job of blocking throughout the season, and tonight, they got rewarded.”  Louisville coach Scott Satterfield

"It's tough. That's what you build off of. That's momentum right there and when you don't get it, it's hard for a defense to really bring out who they really are." Senior safety Jarius Morehead on State's inability to force turnovers

NEXT UP

The Wolfpack will have a short turnaround to prepare for Thursday's game at Georgia Tech. State needs to win its final two games to gain bowl eligibility.