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NC State Football: Quarterbacks – Upgrade or Downgrade?

By Christian Candeloro

LOUISVILLE, KY - NOVEMBER 17: Matthew McKay #7 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack runs for a first down against the Louisville Cardinals in the fourth quarter of the game at Cardinal Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. The Wolfpack won 52-10. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY - NOVEMBER 17: Matthew McKay #7 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack runs for a first down against the Louisville Cardinals in the fourth quarter of the game at Cardinal Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. The Wolfpack won 52-10. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 25: Ryan Finley #15 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack throws against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Carter Finley Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 25: Ryan Finley #15 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack throws against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Carter Finley Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

2018

Starter: Senior Ryan Finley

Back-up: Redshirt-freshman Matt McKay

Last year, the position was locked down for the third straight season by Finley. Finley started 39 straight games for the Wolfpack, providing a remarkable amount of consistency for Doeren’s offense.

Finley improved in every facet of his game over his career, culminating in a senior year in which he threw for 3,926 yards and 25 touchdowns. He led the team to nine wins and an appearance in the Gator Bowl against Texas A&M, where he posted one of his worst performances of the year, throwing for just 139 yards and two interceptions.

Finley finished sixth in the NCAA in passing behind Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. He finished second all-time in N.C. State passing yards, only behind future NFL Hall of Famer Philip Rivers.

It was hard to imagine that Finley would be this successful in his N.C. State career. When he arrived in 2016, he was taking over from a successful quarterback in Brissett. He out-dueled a fan favorite in Jalan McClendon to begin the season and never looked back.

Replacing Finley’s production won’t be easy as he was a sixth-year senior, bringing a wealth of experience to the position. It certainly shouldn’t be expected of a first year starter.

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