NC State Football: Key Takeaways from victory over JMU

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RALEIGH, NC – SEPTEMBER 01: Ryan Finley #15 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack scrambles under pressure from Matt Terrell #55 and John Daka #97 of the James Madison Dukes during their game at Carter-Finley Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 24-13. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

These are the key takeaways for NC State football in their 24-13 win over James Madison University.

It was not an easy day for the NC State football team going up against James Madison University. While they are an FCS school, they are one of the best finishing 14-1 last year and reaching the FCS Championship Game. On Saturday, they showed why they have had so much success.

The Dukes hung around with the Wolfpack almost the entire game until the final minute when a Reggie Gallaspy touchdown build a double digit lead that secured the victory for the Wolfpack.

While the Wolfpack did enough to make sure they weren’t the next FBS school to lose to an FCS school, there is certainly plenty of room for development. As expected the passing attack looked good led by Ryan Finley however the run game struggled until late and finished averaging only 2.9 yards per carry.

The big question though was on the defensive side of the ball and how a revamped defensive line would look for the Wolfpack. They had flashes but in the most part have things they will need to improve, specifically stopping the run. The Dukes ran for 163 rushing yards, including two runs that went for more than 20 yards.

These are the top takeaways from the NC State football game against James Madison University.

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