NC State Football: Two players named to PFF Team of the Week
The NC State football team had two players named to Pro Football Focus’ Team of the Week after their performance against Virginia.
The NC State football team have started the year 4-0 and broke into the Top 25, ranked 23rd, after their 35-21 victory over the Virginia Cavaliers.
While quarterback Ryan Finley will get most of the praise, and rightfully so after 257 passing yards and three touchdowns, there were some unsung heroes along the Wolfpack’s offense and defensive line that had big performances against the Cavaliers.
According to Pro Football Focus guard Joe Schulthrope finished the week with the highest ratings among offensive guards. Cam Mellor wrote about Schulthrope’s performance:
"OFFENSIVE GUARDJoe Schulthorpe, NC StateWeek 5 Grade: 86.3Splitting time at both right and left guard, Schulthorpe didn’t allow a single pressure on 24 snaps in pass protection. He also helped pave the way for the NC State rushing attack that gained nearly five yards per carry against Virginia."
The offensive line as a whole has done a good job this year, especially with keeping Finley upright in the pocket. He is one of the best quarterbacks in college and if he has time to find his weapons like Kelvin Harmon or Emeka Emezie, this offense is going to be very tough to stop.
Meanwhile on the defensive side of the ball, it was Larrell Murchinson who helped lead the defense of the NC State football team. He finished the game with three of the four team’s sacks and played a big role in keeping Bryce Perkins off balance in the pocket.
"DEFENSIVE INTERIORLarrell Murchison, NC StateWeek 5 Grade: 91.4Capping off what could essentially be called the ACC defensive line of the week, Murchison recorded eight total QB pressures against Virginia, on just 24 pass-rushes from the inside. He brought in three sacks, two QB hits and another three hurries as he proved unblockable all afternoon."
The defensive line was a big question mark for the Wolfpack entering the season with all four of their starters from last year heading to the NFL Draft, including Bradley Chubb who was selected fifth overall by the Denver Broncos.
dark. Next. NC State Football jumps into the Top 25
The NC State football team will be hoping to get similar performances this week as they face a Boston College team with an excellent running back in AJ Dillon. If Murchinson, along with the rest of the defensive line can win the battle at the point of attack, the Wolfpack has a very good chance of remaining undefeated.