#PackPros Update: Week 14

2015 BELK BOWL TICKETS

#PACKPROS IN THE BELK BOWL

The team announced its bid to play in the 2015 Belk Bowl earlier this week, an experience a number of #PackPros are familiar with. Out of 20 former Pack players currently in the NFL, 13 have participated in a Belk Bowl (formerly Meineke Car Care Bowl).

The upcoming game will be the third time that the Wolfpack has been the ACC selection in the Belk Bowl's 14-year history. The Pack's Belk Bowl record stands 2-0 with wins in 2005 and 2011, both of which produced NC State bowl game MVP's.

In 2005 current Detroit Lion, Stephen Tulloch was named the MVP following a dominant performance. Tulloch tallied 15 tackles, three sacks and one fumble recovery against South Florida in a 14-0 win, the Belk Bowl's only shut-out to date.

Two Buffalo Bills defensive powerhouses, Mario Williams and Manny Lawson played alongside Tulloch in the 2005 bowl appearance.

More recently, Tampa Bay quarterback Mike Glennon earned the 2011 Belk Bowl MVP. Glennon threw for 264 yards and three touchdowns in the Pack's 31-24 win over Louisville.

Glennon and nine others, currently on NFL rosters, played on the Pack's 2011 Belk Bowl team: David Amerson (Raiders), Tyson Chandler (Bills), Audie Cole (Vikings), Rob Crisp (Cardinals), T.J. Graham (Saints), Dontae Johnson (49ers), Markus Kuhn (Giants), T.Y. McGill (Colts) and J.R. Sweezy (Seahawks).

2015 SEASON UPDATE

Not only is Tulloch making an impact on the field leading the Lions' with 80 total tackles, but he is also deemed one of the most league's most positives impact on the community. At the beginning of the month Tulloch was named Detroit's Walter Payton Man of the Year recipient for his commitment to service and philanthropy in the community. His program, Operation 55, has helped thousands in the Detroit area since launching in 2011.

Please help my foundation win $20,000 to help #Detroit kids by posting this hashtag: #TullochWPMOYChallenge pic.twitter.com/btqy2m8J5y
— Stephen Tulloch (@stephentulloch) December 2, 2015

His role in Detroit in large both on a off the field but Tulloch certainly holds true to his Wolfpack roots, vocalizing his support for the Pack on Instagram at the end of the season.

"The strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack". Forever will I bleed Red & White @packfootball. Destroy Carolina @ericebron.#GameDay#WolfpackNation#Red&White
A photo posted by Stephen Tulloch (@stephentulloch) on Nov 28, 2015 at 9:15am PST

Philip Rivers continues to make franchise history on the field. Rivers tied his career-high with four touchdown passes in Week 12 at Jacksonville. His performance increased his career total to 275, now tied as 11th all-time leader in NFL history and fifth on the list of active quarterbacks.

Rivers' 300-yard passing game against the Jaguars not only produced a win for the Chargers but surpassed 40,000 career-yards, becoming the 17th quarterback in history to bypass the mark doing so in just 159 games (fourth-fewest in history).

The Carolina Panthers remain the sole undefeated team going into Week 14 with much ado to Jerricho Cotchery. Cotchery was a household name on Sunday afternoon following his 15-yard touchdown catch with a minute left to play, allowing Carolina to maintain its undefeated record with a 41-38 victory over the New Orleans Saints.

Russell Wilson has helped guide the Seahawks back towards its top-tier status, collecting three straight wins in Weeks 11-13. Wilson is 66 of 86 for 879 yards and zero interceptions in the last three Seahawks matchups. In addition to his 11 touchdown passes over the last three weeks, 2014's leading rushing quarterback produced his first rushing touchdown of the season in Week 13, contributing the 38-7 win at Minnesota, the largest margin for Seattle this season.

For the past few weeks Willie Young has displayed evidence of improved adaptability. After a shaky start to the beginning of the season as a result a new defensive scheme and a shift from defensive end to outside linebacker, Young's performance has consistently improved attributed to his dedication to understanding of his new role. In his past five games Young has recorded 17 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three quarterback hits and 17 quarterback hurries. He has collected at least one sack in each of his last three games including, 1.5 in Week 13 against 49ers four-time Pro-Bowler, Joe Staley.

David Amerson is another #PackPro committed to showcasing progress on the field each week. Week 12 at Tennessee was a substantial performance week for the cornerback, defending a total of six passes for a new Raiders record. After Week 13 against Kansas City, Amerson has 21 passes defended in the regular season, second most in the NFL.

Amerson's numbers more than double those of his cornerback teammates in some categories and as a results, was moved to the starting spot prior to Week 11 at Detroit. Amerson went head-to-head with league maven Calvin Johnson holding Johnson below his average yardage and defending four passes.

Lawson tied his season-high in Week 13 combining for eight tackles against Houston. Fellow Wolfpack turned Bills teammate, Williams, did not record any stats in Week 13 coming off illness and injury in the two weeks prior.

Although the Giants fell 20-23 in Week 13, Markus Kuhn remained a consistent threat to the Jets offense. Kuhn recorded three tackles along with a quarterback hit and two quarterback pressures.

Rookie T.Y. McGill made his kick return debut in Week 13 at Pittsburgh. In the third quarter McGill returned the ball for 15 yards, the second largest gain from an Indianapolis returner in the game. McGill also tallied one tackle and continued to see an increase in snaps.

INJURY ALERT: Nate Irving has been placed on the Colts' injury reserve for the remainder of the season following a wrist injury acquired in Week 13. Irving has played eight games including two starts for the Colts this season. He recorded three tackles, one forced fumble and a pass defended prior to suffering his season-ending injury. Irving is no stranger to detrimental injuries having torn his ACL last November for which he underwent surgery in the spring.

#PACKPROS WEEK 14 SCHEDULE

THUR., DEC. 10
Vikings at Cardinals – 8:25 PM

SUN., DEC. 13
Bills at Eagles – 1 PM
Seahawks at Ravens – 1 PM
49ers at Browns – 1 PM
Lions at Rams – 1 PM
Colts at Jaguars – 1 PM
Chargers at Chiefs – 1 PM
Falcons at Panthers – 1 PM
Saints at Buccaneers – 1 PM
Raiders at Broncos – 4:05 PM

MON., DEC. 14
Giants at Dolphins – 8:30 PM

North Carolina State University Athletics

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