North Carolina State University Athletics
Wolfpack Rides Positive Vibes Into Eastern Kentucky Matchup
9/11/2015 9:02:00 AM | Football
Game Day Central | Thursday Football Notebook
Game 2: NC State Wolfpack (1-0) vs. Eastern Kentucky Colonels (1-0)
September 12, 2015 • 6 p.m.
Raleigh, N.C. • Carter-Finley Stadium (57,600)
Broadcast Info: ESPN3 | Radio: Wolfpack Sports Network, Sirius 158, XM 198
Live Stats | Game Notes | @PackFootball Twitter | Ask the Analyst
RALEIGH, N.C. - Although Eastern Kentucky will provide the opposition on Saturday night, NC State head football coach Dave Doeren has urged his players to focus inward this week, an attempt to steer their priorities towards the quest for individual and team improvement.
The Wolfpack (1-0) and Colonels (1-0) clash at Carter-Finley Stadium with kickoff slated for 6 p.m.
"For us, it's another game where we're going to talk about ourselves and being disciplined on staying with the process" Doeren said. "If you made plays last week, if you played to your ability level and you prepared the right way, then you need to do it again. If you didn't, then look at why certain things happened the way they did and ask what it takes not to do that again so that we can become a better football team."
There was plenty for Doeren to like about his team's week one 49-21 thrashing of Troy. State played 60 minutes of turnover-free football, while committing only one penalty. And on an opening weekend that saw many teams struggle with tackling and cramps, the well-conditioned Wolfpack wrapped up and got ball carriers on the ground. And on a humid night, only one player was seen coming off the field with a cramp.
The positives certainly outweighed the negatives, yet when Doeren and his staff dissected the tape last Sunday, plenty of teachable issues emerged. First and foremost, Troy gained 157 of its 305 total yards on just four plays. Two long runs and a pair of big gainers on over the top throws by Trojans quarterback Brandon Silvers qualified for the category that coaches refer to as 'explosive plays.'
"There were four plays that took away from a pretty good performance," said Doeren. "It's a good learning experience for those guys. We can't be a defense that gives up 150 yards on four plays. It's a good game for those guys to learn from."
Getting more pressure on the quarterback will also become a priority over the next few games as the Pack prepares itself for conference play, which begins in October against Louisville. NC State's only sack last week came on a blind-side blitz by nickel Dravious Wright, who's jarring third quarter hit on Silvers forced a turnover and earned a large YouTube audience in the process.
Before last week, young players like receiver Nyheim Hines, tackle Will Richardson, kicker Kyle Bambard, punter A.J. Cole and long snapper Tyler Griffiths had never played in a college football game. Now with a game under their belts, the frayed nerves that accompany a first college start should dissipate somewhat.
"That first game is a milestone," Doeren said. "The second time is going to be a lot easier on them mentally. The butterflies won't be there; they'll just be anxious and excited. They'll be excited about playing in a sold-out stadium and running through the tunnel again, but they won't be nervous."
Of course, having a fifth-year senior quarterback on the field always seems to keep stormy waters at bay. Looking poised and confident against Troy, Jacoby Brissett was in total control throughout, completing 21 of 23 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns. In doing so, he spread the ball around to 10 difference receivers.
If Eastern Kentucky keeps with tendencies, Brissett may put the ball up even more this week. The Colonels have traditionally loaded the box up with defenders in an effort to stop the run first. In last week's lopsided 52-10 win over Valparaiso, Eastern Kentucky yielded only 38 yards on the ground.
Coached by former Wake Forest defensive coordinator Dean Hood, the Colonels have added former Ohio State defensive end Noah Spence to an already experienced defensive front. Spence, who earned All-Big Ten honors during his time with the Buckeyes, is the son of former Wolfpack linebacker Greg Spence and nephew of Phil Spence, who played on the Pack's 1974 national championship basketball team. In his debut with the Colonels, Spence had five tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and two quarterback hurries.
Getting a handle on NC State's suddenly prolific rushing attack will likely be a tall task for an Eastern Kentucky squad that plays in the Ohio Valley Conference. Dating back to the end of last season, the Wolfpack has averaged 297 yards on the ground over its last four games. Junior Matt Dayes did most of the heavy lifting last week with 126 yards on 24 carries.
The Colonels were ranked 14th in the preseason FCS polls after qualifying for the playoffs for the 21st time with a 9-4 mark last season. Only Montana (23) has made more appearances in the NCAA FCS playoffs. Hood took over at Eastern Kentucky in 2008, two years after he helped Wake Forest win an ACC title.
Eastern Kentucky's best player is tailback Dy'Shawn Mobley, a 2014 All-American who ran for 1,491 yards with 20 rushing touchdowns last season. Like Spence, Mobley transferred in from the FBS level after spending time at Kentucky. Â
In the only other meeting between the two schools, NC State overwhelmed Eastern Kentucky back in 2005, 54-10.
"We actually feel like we know more about this team than we did the first because they were there last year as a staff," Doeren responded when asked about preparing for Eastern Kentucky. "You have a whole season's worth of film, plus you have the opening game to confirm what you saw a year ago. As far as being excited to play, if you're not excited to play then you've got a problem. I hope we don't see that with any of our guys."
Saturday's 'Walk of Champions' is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. in front of the Murphy Football Center. The Wolfpack Sports Network begins pregame coverage two hours before kickoff starting at 4 p.m. In hour two of the pregame show, former Wolfpack All-American Johnny Evans takes questions from fans on 'Ask the Analyst.' Forward Johnny a question about Pack football on Twitter @packradio or click here.
A full recap of the NC State-Eastern Kentucky game will be available on the Dave Doeren TV Show, which will air Sunday night in the Triangle at 11:30 on WRAL TV-5. For other times and stations, click here.
Game 2: NC State Wolfpack (1-0) vs. Eastern Kentucky Colonels (1-0)
September 12, 2015 • 6 p.m.
Raleigh, N.C. • Carter-Finley Stadium (57,600)
Broadcast Info: ESPN3 | Radio: Wolfpack Sports Network, Sirius 158, XM 198
Live Stats | Game Notes | @PackFootball Twitter | Ask the Analyst
RALEIGH, N.C. - Although Eastern Kentucky will provide the opposition on Saturday night, NC State head football coach Dave Doeren has urged his players to focus inward this week, an attempt to steer their priorities towards the quest for individual and team improvement.
The Wolfpack (1-0) and Colonels (1-0) clash at Carter-Finley Stadium with kickoff slated for 6 p.m.
"For us, it's another game where we're going to talk about ourselves and being disciplined on staying with the process" Doeren said. "If you made plays last week, if you played to your ability level and you prepared the right way, then you need to do it again. If you didn't, then look at why certain things happened the way they did and ask what it takes not to do that again so that we can become a better football team."
There was plenty for Doeren to like about his team's week one 49-21 thrashing of Troy. State played 60 minutes of turnover-free football, while committing only one penalty. And on an opening weekend that saw many teams struggle with tackling and cramps, the well-conditioned Wolfpack wrapped up and got ball carriers on the ground. And on a humid night, only one player was seen coming off the field with a cramp.
The positives certainly outweighed the negatives, yet when Doeren and his staff dissected the tape last Sunday, plenty of teachable issues emerged. First and foremost, Troy gained 157 of its 305 total yards on just four plays. Two long runs and a pair of big gainers on over the top throws by Trojans quarterback Brandon Silvers qualified for the category that coaches refer to as 'explosive plays.'
"There were four plays that took away from a pretty good performance," said Doeren. "It's a good learning experience for those guys. We can't be a defense that gives up 150 yards on four plays. It's a good game for those guys to learn from."
Getting more pressure on the quarterback will also become a priority over the next few games as the Pack prepares itself for conference play, which begins in October against Louisville. NC State's only sack last week came on a blind-side blitz by nickel Dravious Wright, who's jarring third quarter hit on Silvers forced a turnover and earned a large YouTube audience in the process.
Before last week, young players like receiver Nyheim Hines, tackle Will Richardson, kicker Kyle Bambard, punter A.J. Cole and long snapper Tyler Griffiths had never played in a college football game. Now with a game under their belts, the frayed nerves that accompany a first college start should dissipate somewhat.
"That first game is a milestone," Doeren said. "The second time is going to be a lot easier on them mentally. The butterflies won't be there; they'll just be anxious and excited. They'll be excited about playing in a sold-out stadium and running through the tunnel again, but they won't be nervous."
Of course, having a fifth-year senior quarterback on the field always seems to keep stormy waters at bay. Looking poised and confident against Troy, Jacoby Brissett was in total control throughout, completing 21 of 23 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns. In doing so, he spread the ball around to 10 difference receivers.
If Eastern Kentucky keeps with tendencies, Brissett may put the ball up even more this week. The Colonels have traditionally loaded the box up with defenders in an effort to stop the run first. In last week's lopsided 52-10 win over Valparaiso, Eastern Kentucky yielded only 38 yards on the ground.
Coached by former Wake Forest defensive coordinator Dean Hood, the Colonels have added former Ohio State defensive end Noah Spence to an already experienced defensive front. Spence, who earned All-Big Ten honors during his time with the Buckeyes, is the son of former Wolfpack linebacker Greg Spence and nephew of Phil Spence, who played on the Pack's 1974 national championship basketball team. In his debut with the Colonels, Spence had five tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and two quarterback hurries.
Getting a handle on NC State's suddenly prolific rushing attack will likely be a tall task for an Eastern Kentucky squad that plays in the Ohio Valley Conference. Dating back to the end of last season, the Wolfpack has averaged 297 yards on the ground over its last four games. Junior Matt Dayes did most of the heavy lifting last week with 126 yards on 24 carries.
The Colonels were ranked 14th in the preseason FCS polls after qualifying for the playoffs for the 21st time with a 9-4 mark last season. Only Montana (23) has made more appearances in the NCAA FCS playoffs. Hood took over at Eastern Kentucky in 2008, two years after he helped Wake Forest win an ACC title.
Eastern Kentucky's best player is tailback Dy'Shawn Mobley, a 2014 All-American who ran for 1,491 yards with 20 rushing touchdowns last season. Like Spence, Mobley transferred in from the FBS level after spending time at Kentucky. Â
In the only other meeting between the two schools, NC State overwhelmed Eastern Kentucky back in 2005, 54-10.
"We actually feel like we know more about this team than we did the first because they were there last year as a staff," Doeren responded when asked about preparing for Eastern Kentucky. "You have a whole season's worth of film, plus you have the opening game to confirm what you saw a year ago. As far as being excited to play, if you're not excited to play then you've got a problem. I hope we don't see that with any of our guys."
Saturday's 'Walk of Champions' is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. in front of the Murphy Football Center. The Wolfpack Sports Network begins pregame coverage two hours before kickoff starting at 4 p.m. In hour two of the pregame show, former Wolfpack All-American Johnny Evans takes questions from fans on 'Ask the Analyst.' Forward Johnny a question about Pack football on Twitter @packradio or click here.
A full recap of the NC State-Eastern Kentucky game will be available on the Dave Doeren TV Show, which will air Sunday night in the Triangle at 11:30 on WRAL TV-5. For other times and stations, click here.
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