* Is it really a surprise that ECU scores their only offensive touchdown of the half on a play that gains more yards than all of their previous plays combined on the the second play from scrimmage after Nate Irving gets hurt?
* Despite Harrison Beck’s two turnovers in the first half, there is a reason why the dynamics of the quarterback decision just got more difficult — NC State’s offensive line is pass blocking as well as they have in years. State’s quarterbacks have longer to sit in the pocket and let wide receivers get open than normal. Beck’s ability to stretch the field and throw the long ball increases his value if the offensive line continues to pass block this well.
*If you couldn’t figure it out before — our kicking game is horrible. Thusfar this season we have missed easy field goals and had one of our only extra points blocked. Coach O’Brien has little faith in getting the ‘sure’ three points, hence his decisions to go for it on fourth down more than one would expect.
* They have announced that Nate Irving has a lower leg injury and is questionable for the remainder of the game. Irresponsible speculation from the announcers was that it could be a high ankle sprain.
* Joe Gilgio has first half comments from Carter-Finley here.
Contrary to popular pre-grame opinion, red still rules at Carter-Finley Stadium. There are pockets of purple, notably in the end zone underneath the Murphy Center, but it’s not the fan takeover that was expected
