North Carolina State University Athletics
Wolfpack Defense Changes Gears for Central Michigan
10/3/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 3, 2011
RALEIGH, N.C. - After a crash course in defending the option last week, and drilling against Cincinnati's short passing attack the week before, the NC State coaching staff must game-plan for yet another philosophy as Central Michigan brings its smash-mouth style of play to Carter-Finley on October 8.
Taylor Gentry, typically a fullback, suited up for the defense last week in an effort to capitalize on Georgia Tech's undersized linemen. According to NC State head coach Tom O'Brien, that won't be the case against the Chippewas.
"Gentry was a one-game experiment," said O'Brien. "It suited him to play there last week because of their offense and the style they played, but he can't play there this week. This is smash-mouth football at it's best coming in. Play action pass and throw it over your head."
Central Michigan knocked off Northern Illinois 48-41 to improve to 2-3 (1-1 MAC) last week, a game in which senior running back Paris Cotton ran for 110 yards and added another 115 receiving. O'Brien pointed to senior tight end David Blackburn as a threat as well.
"This is a good football team coming in, when you look at them they have four seniors and one junior up front," said O'Brien. "The offensive line are big guys, the tight end can get up field. He's like Asa Watson talent-wise."
The Wolfpack welcomed J.R. Sweezy back in limited action against Georgia Tech, a positive sign for a defense in dire need of some good news. The impact of his returning senior leadership means higher expectations for the beleaguered unit.
"I think he brings energy to the football team," said O'Brien. "For the first time, somebody finally came back. You get all those young kids out there and they're looking around at each other and they're not used to all the new faces and the situations they put themselves in. It's nice to have somebody like that that's out there with a little bit of fire and enthusiasm and fighting through some injuries, so hopefully we can get the rest of those guys back out there."
