Pack's defense well ahead, O'Brien says

Published: August 13, 2011 

— N.C. State's defense got the best of the Wolfpack's offense in the team's second scrimmage of training camp on Friday.

In fact, the defense was the only side to score a touchdown in the 100-play scrimmage.

N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien released team passing and rushing statistics but did not release individual players' statistics.

The defense, which features eight returning starters, recorded eight sacks among its 14 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and returned an interception for a touchdown.

"The defense is playing at a real high level right now," O'Brien said. "They are ahead of the offense pretty good right now."

Asked if anyone in particular had stood out, O'Brien said: "All of them."

The Wolfpack offense, which is searching for reliable receivers, was not as productive on Friday, according to the numbers released by N.C. State. The quarterbacks completed 25 of 43 passes for only 119 yards, less than 5 yards per completion. The running backs had 42 carries for 124 yards.

N.C. State's offense is breaking in a new quarterback in junior Mike Glennon and is missing leading rusher Mustafa Greene for at least four games. It also has to replace three of its top four receivers from last year's 9-4 team.

"The receiving corps has to help us a little more," O'Brien said. "I think maybe they took a step back tonight."

O'Brien remains confident, though, in Glennon's ability to replace the departed Russell Wilson, the ACC's leading passer last season.

"He's throwing it on time, he's throwing where it's supposed to be thrown," O'Brien said. "I mean, he's doing what he has to do."

Order Reprint Back to Top

Top Jobs

View All Top Jobs

Find a Home

$1,199,000 Raleigh
6 bed, 5 full bath, 2 half bath. Nothing But the Finest! ...

Find a Car

Search New Cars
Ads by Yahoo!