NC State averaged 24 points in first 2 games. It hopes for more against VMI
Offense didn’t exactly shine in N.C. State’s loss against Notre Dame. It was better against UConn, but that still wasn’t an exceptional outing.
The Wolfpack hopes its game against VMI can spark some confidence and consistency going forward.
“I look back on these first two games, and we need more points,” graduate student quarterback Brennan Armstrong said on Tuesday. “Our defense is doing a really good job, we just need to score more points. However that looks, I don’t really care, we just need to do it.”
N.C. State scored 24 points in both contests, totaling 708 yards of offense and going 5-of-6 on scoring chances in the red zone.
“To win games, 24 is just not enough,” Armstrong said. “I just don’t think 24 is that great as an offense, so that’s kind of where we’re at now. We’re just trying to figure out how we can get more points on the board.”
Much of that comes from pregame preparation and having good attitudes, redshirt junior right tackle Timothy McKay said this week.
The team is being deliberate in practice, performing with intentionality. The offensive line wants to limit opposition contact with Armstrong, giving him more time in the pocket to work through his reads. Tight end Trent Pennix said there’s been an emphasis on eye discipline and internal calmness; not allowing nerves to ruin routine catches.
Wide receiver Porter Rooks finished with 31 yards on three receptions against the Irish. He could’ve done more, though. Armstrong targeted the junior twice on third-down attempts, but the passes were incomplete. The passes looked like drops, but Notre Dame received credit with pass breakups.
Regardless of the official scoring, the team wasn’t happy with the outcomes. Rooks slammed his helmet on the sideline bench after both plays.
He felt better on Wednesday and mentioned his brother, Patrick. Rooks said the former Clemson men’s basketball player taught him to keep shooting. Or, in this case, keep catching. He’s spending this week getting ready for VMI, when he looks for redemption on the field.
“I really feel like I let the team down, but I’m human,” Rooks said. “I’m looking to take it off film; be that guy that a team can rely on in those crunch time situations.”
Armstrong said on Saturday that he also made some “boneheaded” plays and didn’t perform well. He still recognized on Tuesday the lack of execution but had a positive outlook about the growth possibilities.
“If we can learn from that game, really push forward, become better and learn from our mistakes, I think that game – when we look back – it’s going to help us more than hurt us,” Armstrong said.
Beyond the plays, N.C. State remains focused on cultivating a healthy locker room environment and positive self talk. The Pack acknowledges where growth has taken place, while upholding standards and continually pushing for more.
“Football is a big mental sport, so we’re trying to go out there keeping that confidence. It’s really important,” McKay said. “If you don’t have confidence in the game, you’re not gonna play your best. We’re just keeping everyone in the offense uplifted, everyone on the team uplifted.”
This story was originally published September 14, 2023 at 10:00 AM.
