NC State football juggling its offensive line this week. Which players are affected?
N.C. State’s offensive line will look different than usual when Clemson comes to town Saturday.
Timothy McKay, normally listed as a right tackle, was listed on the two-deep depth chart as a right guard Monday. He’s started each game this season at right tackle, though he’s also played in the guard rotation.
Saturday, the redshirt junior had his left ring finger and pinkie bandaged together in a splint. Head coach Dave Doeren said many offensive linemen experience small hand or finger injuries at this point in the season, and McKay is no different. He practiced Sunday.
Redshirt sophomore Matt McCabe was previously listed next on the list at right tackle, but instead redshirt freshman Jacarrius Peak is posted in the starting role. He’s played minutes at guard and tackle, appearing on 131 snaps over six games.
“Just going through the games that we have, I feel like Jacarrius Peak has really strained and fought and gives us an opportunity to get Tim inside some,” Doeren said. “When you look at what we’re blocking on the line of scrimmage, we want to get an opportunity with him to match up with these really good defensive tackles, too, but we will rotate at different spots.”
Additionally, Lyndon Cooper is listed as the reserve center behind grad student Dylan McMahon. The redshirt sophomore started at left guard against Duke, while also getting snaps at right guard and center this year.
Cooper finished with three penalties in the first half against Duke. He’s played 308 snaps and appeared in six games, starting five.
“Looking at the body of work, for not just him but other guys, it’s trying to give some guys an opportunity to compete that have shown that they deserve that opportunity, as well,” Doeren said. “I fully expect him to compete his butt off and try to win his job back. He might by the end of the week.”
Doeren said the staff isn’t giving up on Cooper and believes the young player has a “bright future” with the Wolfpack.
The offensive line has struggled with consistency through the Pack’s first seven games. N.C. State has averaged 143.3 rushing yards per game, has been held under that average in five games, and under 100 yards twice.
Additionally, the Pack’s offensive line has allowed 13 sacks for a loss of 93 yards. N.C. State is No. 57 nationally in sacks allowed, and No. 78 in rushing offense.
Doeren said previously he was not overly concerned about pass protection, but the Wolfpack needed a stronger run game.
N.C. State’s average yardage on the ground is up about 30 yards per game from 2022, and it was one of the better teams last season in sacks allowed, finishing fourth in the ACC, allowing 26 for a loss of 148 yards.
The Pack hosts Clemson at 2 p.m. on Saturday for homecoming.
