Disregard everything you saw on offense Saturday during N.C. State's win over William & Mary 34-24. Although redshirt freshman Russell Wilson didn't play at quarterback after suffering a concussion nine days earlier, he will be starting Saturday at Clemson. He should be able to run the ball out of the read-option scheme more effectively than Daniel Evans or Harrison Beck. Although Beck threw for 246 yards in just over two quarters against W&M, he will be the backup at Clemson.

GREAT DECISION

With N.C. State's offense stagnant -- no first downs in the first 28 minutes -- offensive coordinator Dana Bible turned loose backup quarterback Beck in the shotgun. Unlike Evans, Beck was able to find open receivers and get rid of the ball before the gambling, blitzing William & Mary defenders disrupted plays in the backfield. Beck was 17-for-25 with two touchdown passes and gave the Wolfpack life and hope when it seemed to have none.

MATCHUP THAT MATTERED

After Evans struggled, Beck outdueled William & Mary quarterback Jake Phillips, who was an All-Colonial Athletic Association pick last season. Beck had receivers such as Owen Spencer and T.J. Graham eager to make an impact after they were silent for the first six quarters of the season.

GAME BALLS

- QB Harrison Beck. Although coach Tom O'Brien offered to help him transfer during the preseason, the Pack needed Beck on Saturday and may need him if Wilson continues with a lot of dangerous read-option runs.

- LB Nate Irving. The sophomore appears ready to become a fixture in this space. He had an interception, a fumble recovery and (unofficially) a team-leading 13 tackles.

- C Ted Larsen. Nine days after botching two shotgun snaps at South Carolina in his first start at center, the former defensive lineman was error-free.

PENALTY MARKERS

- Tailback Andre Brown was called for excessive celebration for "saluting" after scoring the game's first touchdown in the first quarter. Yes, Andre, it was Military Appreciation Day. But you've been in the end zone before against better opponents than William & Mary. Hand the ball to the official and get off the field.

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