Wolfpack's 'D' plays tough on its QBs

RALEIGH -- N.C. State's second preseason scrimmage had more game-like situations, coach Tom O'Brien said Sunday night.

For the Wolfpack's quarterbacks, that apparently wasn't a good thing.

State's four quarterbacks combined for four interceptions and one touchdown pass, and the TD throw didn't come from Daniel Evans, Harrison Beck or Justin Burke. Freshman Russell Wilson connected with freshman receiver Steven Howard for a 47-yard touchdown.

Evans, who started nine games last season, was 6-of-12 for 66 yards and one interception. Beck finished 4-of-14 for 100 yards but had three passes picked off, and Burke -- a redshirt freshman who had two interceptions in the first scrimmage -- went 9-for-17 for 69 yards without an interception.

Wilson, who took about 10 snaps, completed both of his passes for 58 yards.

In two scrimmages, that's eight interceptions for the defense. Safety J.C. Neal made his second interception in two scrimmages, and safety DaJuan Morgan, cornerback Phillip Holloman and linebacker Nate Irving also grabbed the ball Sunday.

"They competed hard," O'Brien said. "We're a little big leg-weary right now, but that's understandable. They went after each other and did a pretty nice job.

"We've been intercepting balls. We've been getting hands on balls; we've been making plays on balls and creating field position."

Though the practice efforts of the quarterbacks will help determine a pecking order, and eventual starter, O'Brien made it clear that the scrimmages carried considerable weight in the decision he will make.

"A lot," O'Brien said. "It's a compilation of everything, but practice is practice. You have to do it in game situations. The coach isn't behind you, and it's not a set-script deal. So these scrimmages are meant to separate the quarterback."

Junior tailback Andre Brown earned praise from O'Brien after rushing for 100 yards on 12 carries, including a 26-yard touchdown run.

Toney Baker had 45 yards on nine carries, and Jamelle Eugene 23 on 13 carries with a 4-yard touchdown.

Freshman kicker Josh Czajkowski kicked field goals of 20 and 27 yards, and Steven Hauschka made a 36-yarder.

O'Brien said he would not release an injury report.

"I'm a big believer in you play like you practice," O'Brien said. "We practiced better the last couple of days, and that led to a better scrimmage. Hopefully we'll build on that."