What they said: NC State excited for bowl game with interim DC, looks to create momentum

Twinkling lights, ornaments and glitter adorn homes, businesses and even vehicles, signaling the arrival of the most wonderful time of the year. But for college football programs, the holiday season isn’t all tinsel and trees.

N.C. State is among the 80 teams playing in a bowl game this season and has been practicing for about two weeks. On top of typical game preparation, the Wolfpack is busy signing new players from high schools; working to retain players on the current roster; recruiting players out of the transfer portal — there are more than 6,000 in the portal — watching film of potential recruits, and evaluating candidates for its defensive coordinator opening. And that’s just on the athletic side of things. It doesn’t account for players taking finals or making time for loved ones.

Head coach Dave Doeren said on Thursday that all of that combines to be one of the busiest Decembers he’s had.

The Wolfpack plays East Carolina on Dec. 28 at the Military Bowl in Annapolis, Maryland. Most of its starters are expected to play, pending any injuries, and there will be a handful of new coaches on the sideline as Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay leads the defensive play-calling effort and alumnus Isaiah Moore leads the linebackers.

There’s plenty of movement within the sport and a lot to manage within the program. Despite the hectic nature of it all, N.C. State looks forward to stepping on the field again. That’s a Christmas gift all on its own.

“There’s a lot. It’s multitasking at its finest right now,” Doeren said. “I’m looking forward to just getting to the bowl, to be honest, and coaching. It’ll be fun just to get there and be a part of that with the families, the coaches, the players, and get into that competition.”

Here’s what players and coaches said in the week leading up to the holiday break and bowl game departure.

Meaning of playing in a bowl game

N.C. State had the talent and schedule this season to be among the teams in contention for a College Football Playoff berth. It did not earn a spot in that conversation and finished the regular season 6-6 overall; a result some fans called “worst-case scenario” heading into the season.

Now, it’s playing in what some consider a lower-tier bowl, but that’s not an issue for the Pack.

Defensive end Travali Price understands the privilege of playing in a bowl game, regardless of its rating.

“I’m always excited, because I’m just excited for the opportunity. The opportunity is once in a lifetime,” Price said. “You don’t get to play college football for the rest of your life, but I’m just thankful to be out there playing with my guys.”

Doeren, quarterback CJ Bailey and defensive lineman Brandon Cleveland are excited about the finale. The Wolfpack might not be in the playoff, but it can end well and set itself up to become a top team next season.

“I want to be on that stage. There’s no question about it. It’s not about the opponent. It’s about winning a bowl game, and it helps momentum,” Doeren said. “But to me, it’s more about closure for the season that you were just in and finishing it with an exclamation point.”

Aughtry-Lindsay takes over defensive duties

Players and coaches talk a lot about the bowl season allowing teams to get more reps in practice and in their respective games. The bowl opportunities aren’t only a good thing for the guys making the plays — they can be helpful for those on the sidelines.

Nickelbacks coach Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay was named interim defensive coordinator after Tony Gibson was hired to become the next head coach at Marshall. Aughtry-Lindsay is a program alumnus, playing from 2001-04 and graduating in 2006.

Aughtry-Lindsay said becoming a position coach and now having the opportunity to call the defense at his alma mater — where he grew as a man and player — is a “pleasure and a privilege.”

“I thank Coach Doeren for giving me this opportunity,” Aughtry-Lindsay said.

Doeren previously said Aughtry-Lindsay has a goal of becoming a defensive coordinator, and one thing he enjoys as a head coach is giving assistants their own chances to develop. Aughtry-Lindsay hopes to earn the full-time position and has spoken with Doeren about it. Right now, the fifth-year assistant is all in on the final game and proving himself.

“My opportunity right here is right now to lead these guys and coach them in this bowl game,” Aughtry-Lindsay said. “We’ll see what God has going forward.”

In addition to his work with the secondary, Aughtry-Lindsay leads the program’s Freshman Focus class that teaches players about the team, university and expectations. This is not limited to defense, so Aughtry-Lindsay knows players from offense and special teams, too.

Doeren said the players have a special relationship with Aughtry-Lindsay that others might not have. There’s a certain depth and care Aughtry-Lindsay has, no matter the role.

Cleveland and Price are excited to play for him. They both have close relationships and hope the team can perform well for him.

“I want to help Coach Freddie get to where he needs to get to,” Price said. “I want to promote him. I think it’s very important.”

Retaining most of the eligible starters, including the QB

Bailey was thrust into the spotlight early this fall after graduate transfer Grayson McCall’s concussions ultimately led to McCall’s retirement. The freshman quarterback often looked comfortable in the backfield and ranked No. 1 among quarterbacks in his class.

According to Pro Football Focus, Bailey received an overall grade of 76.2, nearly four points higher than the next-best freshman QB, Danny O’Neil from San Diego State. Upon breaking down his efficiency between run and pass plays, Bailey is not the highest ranked in either category, but his versatility makes him a threat to opposing defenses.

That, and his fearlessness in the backfield, made him a potential target for other programs. The rookie, however, was the first major player to re-sign with the Wolfpack’s NIL collective.

“I always had plans of coming back. I enjoy my time here, and I enjoy being with these coaches and these guys and everything. The fan base is amazing. Why would I leave?” Bailey said last week. “(There’s) no reason for me to leave, go anywhere. I’m not in it for no money. I’m trying to play, win games and go to the next level. That’s really my goal.

“This is where my heart’s at. This is where my head’s at.”

Doeren said retaining the majority of N.C. State’s starters, including Bailey, speaks to the program’s environment and values. Players are treated well and the staff works to provide development opportunities on and off the field.

“They know they’re getting better,” Doeren said. “I think they enjoy the daily interactions. They see the progress. They’re excited about what’s happening within the walls.”

Players making improvements

There are several players who have stood out during bowl preparation that fans could see next week.

Freshman receiver Jonathan Paylor was praised for his athleticism and fundamental improvements.

“He’s been an athlete the whole time, but you can see the improvement in his route running and his ball catching,” Doeren said. “He’s always been fast, super competitive, but those two things have been fun to watch.”

Bailey complimented his fellow rookie as well, calling Paylor an explosive player with good hands and body control.

Josh Alexander-Felton and Justin Terrell earned props for their work on the defensive side of the ball during practices.

Price, Davin Vann, Noah Potter and Isaiah Shirley are all listed on the bowl game depth chart, but it wouldn’t be surprising if the staff gave Alexander-Felton and Terrell playing time.

“Those guys have really worked their butts off. I mean, put their head down, no complaints, and just get out there and work,” Price said of his younger teammates. “I’ve seen a lot out of those guys.”

This story was originally published December 24, 2024 at 5:00 AM.

Jadyn Watson-Fisher

The News & Observer