NC State Football: Key Takeaways from victory over JMU

RALEIGH, NC - SEPTEMBER 01: Jakobi Meyers #11 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack reacts after making a catch for a fist down against the James Madison Dukes during their game at Carter-Finley Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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RALEIGH, NC – SEPTEMBER 01: General view of the game between the North Carolina State Wolfpack and the James Madison Dukes at Carter-Finley Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Ibrahim Kante steps up

The Wolfpack’s defensive line is clearly in transition after having to replace all four starters from a season ago, who were selected in the NFL Draft. The coaching staff had an extra challenge though as they saw two starters, James Smith-Williams and Eurndraus Bryant, have to leave the game due to injuries.

This gave redshirt freshman Ibrahim Kante a chance to see extended playing time and it didn’t take long for him to make an impact. He entered the game with the Dukes facing a third and goal down 10-7 however Kante was able to sack the quarterback and force a fumble, which was recovered by the Wolfpack. That play kept his team ahead and on the next drive, the Wolfpack extended their lead 17-7.

He finished the game with two tackles and two sacks.

It will be hard to keep Kante off the field if he keeps producing the way he did against James Madison.

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