Saturday Blitz
Fansided

NC State Football: 3 takeaways from devastating loss to Wake Forest

By Connor Muldowney

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 08: Kelvin Harmon #3 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack makes a catch against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the second half of their game at Carter-Finley Stadium on November 08, 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 08: Kelvin Harmon #3 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack makes a catch against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the second half of their game at Carter-Finley Stadium on November 08, 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next

NC State football was leading for most of Thursday night’s game against Wake Forest, but the Demon Deacons pulled off the upset.

Going into Thursday night’s game against Wake Forest, NC State looked to have some momentum and a shot at moving up in the College Football Playoff rankings. However, the Demon Deacons put up a bigger fight than expected, taking the Wolfpack down on the road.

Yes, you read that correctly, Wake Forest pulled off the upset of No. 14 NC State, 27-23.

NC State looked to have the game in the bag, holding the lead the entire way, but the Wolfpack surrendered a touchdown to the Demon Deacons with under a minute left. This loss had to be devastating for the Wolfpack who were hoping for a New Year’s Six bowl berth.

What’d we learn from NC State’s disappointing loss to Wake Forest?

3. Run game continues to disappoint

On the season, NC State has ranked in he bottom-third of the country in rushing yards per game with about 134 heading into Thursday night’s contest — and that didn’t change.

The Wolfpack rushed for just 47 total yards on 26 carries, averaging 1.7 per rush which dropped their season average to 124.4 rush yards per contest, ranking 112th nationally. Reggie Gallaspy II was the lead rusher with 46 yards on 14 carries and this season has been a struggle for him in terms of yards per carry.

The offensive line isn’t creating wide enough lanes to run through and, in turn, the ground game has suffered tremendously. This could be the biggest disappointment for the Wolfpack this season, seeing as the aerial attack has been elite with Ryan Finley having a big season.

Home/NC State Wolfpack