In Jeopardy: Hokies sink NC State hopes
Alex Trebek: This psychiatric term, referred to as a dissociative identity disorder and also known as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde has been observed recently in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Contestant: What is NC State football?
Alex Trebek: That is correct.
Friday Night Lights
On a rare Friday night game, NC State’s ACC title hopes in all likelihood went down the drain with a 28-13 defeat to a Virginia Tech football team riddled with injuries and desperate for a victory. The game was slightly delayed when pre-game warm ups were interrupted by lightning. This actually may have worked to the Pack’s advantage for once the game commenced, it was well into the second quarter before the stands re-filled (after being cleared) with Hokie fans notorious for their rowdy behavior and rabid support. As fans trickled back into Lane Stadium, NC State held Va. Tech defensively, then drove the ball deep into Hokie territory where Kyle Bambard successfully booted a 33-yard field goal. NC State 3 – Va. Tech 0
Aside from the dreary wet weather conditions, NC State caught another break when it was learned prior to kickoff that Hokie quarterback Michael Brewer, who had missed the past 4 games because of a broken collarbone, would not play. Earlier during the week, the redshirt senior Brewer had been medically cleared to return and it was anticipated that he would play. Instead, Brenden Motley, who was 2-2 this season as Brewer’s replacement, again took the helm.
More from Old North Banter
- Carolina Panthers: Secondary battles to watch in training camp 2020
- Carolina Panthers: 2020 training camp kicks off on Tuesday
- NC Colleges Provide Coronavirus Results from Athletic Departments
- Court alleges Zion’s Stepfather received $400k
- UNC Football gets Commitment from Top Cornerback
NC State would hold defensively on the Hokie’s second possession.
The Wolfpack jumped out to an early 10-0 lead when junior WR Jumicahel Ramos caught an 8 yard fade from Jacoby Brissett to the left corner of the end zone. Everything was clicking for the Pack offensively and defensively in the first quarter. Virginia Tech was held to just 29 rushing yards in the quarter.
Live Feed
Busting Brackets
Second Quarter
The second quarter proved to be the turning point of the game. Virginia Tech caught fire offensively and their defense stiffened. NC State went in the opposite direction. The Wolfpack running game evaporated and Brissett was suddenly being pressured from all over the place. Hokie receiver Isaiah Ford would have a career 2nd quarter. Ford caught a 27 yard touchdown pass from Motley at the 11:41 mark of the quarter. Ford then caught his second and then a third touchdown that would prove to be the backbreaker with :18 seconds left in the first half. The Hokies outscored NC State 21 – 0 in the quarter.
HALFTIME: NC State 10 – Va. Tech 21
The second half did not produce much success for the Wolfpack. Though they did manage to slow the offensive juggernaut that the Hokies were able to put on them in the second quarter, the Pack failed to capitalize time after time.
Live Feed
Busting Brackets
Kyle Bambard kicked his second field goal of the evening with :51 remaining in the 3rd quarter to pull NC State to within eight. NC State 13 – Va. Tech 21
However, Virginia Tech (3-3, 1-1) sealed the win when freshman Travon McMillian busted a 59 yard touchdown run with 7:12 left in the game. The Wolfpack (4-2, 0-2) wound not recover.
FINAL: NC State 13 – Va. Tech 28
Final stats
- Jacoby Brissett- 12 of 25 for 113 yards (TD) (Int) (sacked 4 times)
- Matt Dayes– 14 carries for 66 yards
- NC State was held to 270 total yards
- NC State had 9 penalties for 81 yards
- Va. Tech QB Motley- 14 of 28 for 158 yards (3 TD’s) Attendance of 61,183
UP Next: Bye Week
At Wake Forest 10/24/15