Why NC State football’s win over Virginia left the Wolfpack with mixed feelings
There was one overarching message from the N.C. State football program (3-1, 1-0 ACC) on Friday night: It’s happy for the 24-21 win over Virginia (0-4, 0-1 ACC), but it’s not happy about the way it happened.
The team left points on the board and gave up too many explosive plays. It struggled on third down and long in the red zone. Things shouldn’t have come down to a couple of UVA penalties and a second-chance field goal.
“I’m bad at taking wins when the offense doesn’t do their job,” N.C. State quarterback Brennan Armstrong said of his return to UVA. “I’ve got to obviously be better at that. A win’s a win, but still I run back plays through my head. …There’s stuff to improve on, but to start with ACC with a win on the road, it’s a great thing. It’s hard to do.”
He noted the two opportunities to seal the game, when redshirt sophomore Sean Brown and junior Aydan White recorded interceptions on a pair of fourth-quarter Virginia drives. The offense didn’t capitalize on either, with one being a three-and-out.
Armstrong said he wanted to see the Pack extend the drive. He knew the defense gave them the opportunity to come up big, and he wanted to give them a chance to rest on top of adding more points to the board. The QB didn’t like the lack of results.
“I just look back at those things, and it’s frustrating to me,” Armstrong said. “I want to help those guys out when they play so hard.”
Linebacker Payton Wilson shared similar sentiments, but from the defense’s perspective.
“A road win in the ACC is always great, but you know, it’s not the way we wanted to do it,” he said. “We have continued to go to practice and practice our tails off; continue to get better, continue to be hard on each other. I think that’s one thing that’s great about this team is how tough we are on each other.”
The Wolfpack allowed 246 yards on big plays — a gain of 15-plus yards passing or 10 yards rushing — which was roughly 65% of Virginia’s total yardage. That has been an issue this season, and it continued to be one against the Cavaliers. Plus, UVA scored the late touchdown and two-point conversion.
Sure, N.C. State had some great defensive plays, but Wilson said the group has to keep working to prevent the breakdowns it’s seen in recent weeks.
Pack head coach Dave Doeren said he’s pleased to come away with the win, as well. There are things that need to be cleaned up and adjusted, but his team finished. Plus, it staved off UVA’s late-game heroics, despite N.C. State’s personnel changes.
Devan Boykin started at strong safety but was injured on the second play of the game. Cecil Powell entered the game in Boykin’s spot but was injured shortly after. Bishop Fitzgerald, who hadn’t practiced at the position, moved from free safety.
Linebacker Devon Betty missed practice the entire week after his fiancee gave birth, while the running back corps was also thin due to injuries.
“Those are the things that are going on that you guys don’t understand. We played really well under the circumstances of what we had,” Doeren said. “Those things are real, and people want to bitch at play calling and this, that and the other. There’s other stuff going on.
We found a way to win on the road against an inspired football team. (Expletive), be happy we won. It’s a good win. I’m excited to go home 3-1 and get ready to play Louisville.”
This story was originally published September 23, 2023 at 9:41 AM.
