NC State Falls to Louisville 30-18

Saturday afternoon under dark skies at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, the Louisville Cardinals did what they needed to defeat a desperate NC State Wolfpack football team 30-18.  The rain may not have come, but the gloomy weather was a symbol of the frustration and struggle that has  afflicted the Pack much of this season.  The  Cardinals (6-2, 4-2) are now in control of their own ACC destiny as they prepare for  a Thursday night showdown at home against #2 Florida State.

The Wolfpack (4-4, 0-4) next will have a bye week to lick its wounds before travelling north to visit Syracuse.

Playing without two offensive and five defensive players who were suspended, the Pack still put up an excellent fight and gallant effort.  Suspended starters Jerod Fernandez (LB) and Josh Jones (S) were sorely missed, but as coach Dave Doeren said before the game, “It is an opportunity for others to step up.”  They did.  In fact, the team showed heart and desire even if it was not one of their better overall performances. 

The game began when Louisville’s sophomore quarterback Will Gardner, starting his first  game this season, marched the Cardinals down the field on an 8 play 75 yard scoring drive.  After stalling on its initial offensive drive and a defensive stop, the Wolfpack responded with an impressive drive of its own.  Redshirt junior quarterback Jacoby Brissett masterfully engineered a 10-play 61 yard drive that culminated with a 16 yard TD pass from Brissett to receiver David Grinnage.  Niklas Sade missed the extra point.  Louisville 7-  NC State 6

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The shorthanded Wolfpack defense held its own for the most part against a Louisville offense that has had its own struggles.  As luck would have it the Cardinals welcomed the return of NFL caliber receiver DeVante Parker back into the lineup for the first time this season after missing the first half due to a foot injury.  Parker’s return immediately paid dividends as he finished with 9 catches for 132 yards.

At the 8:36 mark of the 2nd quarter Louisville’s John Wallace kicked a 40 yard field goal to lead 10-6.  For most of the second quarter the Wolfpack offense was stymied by the stout Cardinal defense; one that ranks #1 nationally in total defense.  Louisville would go on to take a critical 17-6 lead after an 11-play 80 yard drive and touchdown pass on 4th down with 21 seconds remaining before halftime.

Halftime: Louisville 17- NC State 6

Oct 18, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack running back Matt Dayes (21) runs with the ball as Louisville Cardinals linebacker James Burgess (13) defends during the second half of play at Papa John

The 3rd quarter began without much promise as the Cardinal defense held the Pack to a 3 and out.  After a missed Louisville field goal, NC State was able to mount a successful 9-play 49 yard drive that led to a successful Sade 48 yard field goal to cut the lead to 17-9.

The Play

If you belive in Karma, this is the play that mattered most.  On a pivotal play, the Wolfpack suffered a 10 point swing in momentum.  On first and 10 at the NC State 22 yard line, Louisville quarterback Will Gardner tripped and fell while handing the ball off in the backfield. Wolfpack linebacker Airius Moore scooped tha ball up and rambled  76 yards for an apparent touchdown.   After further review the officials determined that Gardner’s elbow was down, thus negating the fumble and subsequent return.  Instead of the Pack being down 17-16, Louisville retained possession of the ball and ended up kicking a 38 yard field goal to lead 20-9.   Bad Karma.

After both teams exchanged field goals in the 4th quarter, NC  State gave it one last shot.  The offense scored on another Brissett to Grinnage 21 yard touchdown pass with 2:21 remaining in the game to cut the lead to 23-18.  A 2-pt. conversion attempt failed as did a subsequent onside attempt that was recovered by Louisville.  One final insult to this inspired Wolfpack effort occurred when Cardinal running back Michael Dyer dashed 46 yards for the final margin.  Dyer finished with 173 yards rushing.

On a positive note, NC State managed two touchdowns on a defense that had not given up a touchdown in its previous 17 quarters.  The Pack also had 351 total yards (223 passing and 128 rushing) on a team that averaged giving up 230.7 yards in total defense.

Final: Louisville 30- NC State 18