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

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RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 08: Ryan Finley #15 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack rolls out against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the first half of their game at Carter-Finley Stadium on November 08, 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

2. Ryan Finley can only do so much

The offense usually goes as Ryan Finley goes, and that can either be a good thing or a disaster. Rarely is Finley off his game and even when he is on, the run game has been mediocre and the defense couldn’t get the biggest stop of the game against Wake Forest on the final drive.

With a three-point lead and under a minute to play, the Wolfpack allowed the Demon Deacons to drive down the field and score the go-ahead, and eventual game-winning, touchdown.

Finley still had a strong game, passing for 374 yards and a touchdown on 35-of-52 completions, but his one interception was the mistake Wake Forest needed. Moreover, the fact he only reached the end zone once through the air kept the Demon Deacons in the game. Obviously you can’t blame the loss on a quarterback who had a decent game and nine times out of 10, he wins, but this just shows that he can’t always do it all on his won — he needs some help.

The pressure on his shoulders is immense seeing as Reggie Gallaspy II and the run game have been non-existent this season and the defense couldn’t get a crucial stop.

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