Pack doubles up Virginia

Posted by J.J. Greenstein on October 26, 2011 under Other ACC Coverage | Comments are off for this article

In typical Tom O’Brien at N.C. State fashion, the Pack (4-3, 1-2 ACC) came out looking much improved in their game against Virginia (4-3, 1-2 ACC) following the bye week.

Once again, State limped into the bye week. The defense decimated by injuries, an offense still looking to improve on the little things, and an overall lack of passion from both sides.

But Saturday was a different story, as State went in to Charlottesville, a place they hadn’t won at since 1994, and doubled up the Cavaliers 28-14 behind three touchdown passes from Mike Glennon and two interceptions from the nation’s leader, David Amerson.

The second of Amerson’s two interceptions was returned 12 yards for a touchdown with just over six minutes left in the game, sealing the win for the Wolfpack. That pick was his eighth of the year and not only did it tie him for the N.C. State single season record, but put him three interceptions ahead of the next best total in the country this season.

Glennon finished 20 of 36 for 231 yards, tossing three touchdowns and two interceptions. It was just his second multi-interception game of his career, both coming on the road. An underrated stat from the game was that the Pack did not allow a sack in the game, showing the solid effort put together by the Pack’s offensive line.

While Glennon may not have had his best game through the air, he was missing a couple of weapons he’s become accustomed to having with him. Senior T.J. Graham, the Pack’s leading receiver and the ACC’s leader in all-purpose yards, was suspended for the first half for “not living up to the expectations of a State football player.” To make things more difficult for the passing game, receiver Tobias Palmer suffered a concussion during warm-ups after running into fellow receiver Jay Smith.

Down two receivers and All-ACC tight end George Bryan, who did not have a catch in the game, having just an atrocious season hanging onto the ball, the Pack desperately needed someone to step up.

In came redshirt freshman Bryan Underwood, a speedster with little experience and only five catches in his career. He’d only have three catches in the game, but two of them were huge as he pulled in a 33 yard touchdown pass against single-coverage in the first half and tight-roped the sideline beautifully in third quarter for a 79 yard touchdown strike on third and long. He would finish the game with three catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns.

The running game that had produced back-to-back 100 yard efforts from James Washington was held in check by a Virginia defense that has been stingy against the run this season. Washington would finish with 82 yards on 25 carries, and freshman Tony Creecy added 28 yards on nine carries.

On defense, Amerson’s two interceptions were followed by a pick from safety Brandan Bishop to close out the game. Linebacker Terrell Manning had nine tackles and Markus Kuhn had the Pack’s only sack of the day.

State held Virginia to just 249 yards, an impressive feat. That, along with forcing four turnovers was the reason the Pack won this football game.

Player of the game: Sophomore corner David Amerson. Amerson’s two interceptions helped the Pack hold down Virginia’s offense. The second one he took back 12 yards for the sealing touchdown. He now leads the nation in interceptions by three over the next closest player.

What went right? Forcing turnovers. State picked off Virginia three times (Amerson, 2, Bishop, 1) and Earl Wolff recovered a fumble. State’s defense was much improved following the bye week.

What went wrong? Special teams. The Pack played a pretty solid game, but special teams could have made it an easier afternoon. Freshman kicker Niklas Sade was 4-4 on extra points but had his only field goal attempt blocked. Freshman punter Wil Baumann punted nine (yes, nine) times for just a 34 yard average. That must improve to help the Pack win the field position battle.

What’s next? State’s toughest test to date, at Florida State (4-3, 2-2 ACC). The two teams have split the last ten meetings at five a piece, eight of which were decided by ten points or less. The winner keeps themselves alive in the Atlantic Division race.