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Doak Campbell Stadium
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NC State (1-4) vs. Florida State (3-1)
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Tallahassee, Florida
Florida State Links
Roster
Schedule/Results
2007 Statistics
Game Notes
NC State Game Notes
NC STATE VERSUS FLORIDA STATE
NC State and Florida State have met 27 times on the gridiron, with the Seminoles holding a 18-9 advantage. The squads met from 1952-57, from 1963-69 and then resumed a yearly rivalry when Florida State joined the Atlantic Coast Conference in 1992.
In 2001, NC State became the first ACC team to beat Florida State in Tallahassee since FSU joined the ACC with a 34-28 win, then followed that up with a 20-15 win in 2005 to become the only ACC team to defeat the Seminoles at their house twice.
WOLFPACK, SEMINOLES PLAY IT CLOSE
The last six games between NC State and Florida State have all been nail-biters.
The largest margin in those six contests was the Wolfpack's 10-point victory
(17-7) in Raleigh in 2002. The last six games, in which NC State has posted a 4-2 mark, have been decided by an average of just 6.2 points.
Last season in Raleigh, Florida State was up 20-10 late in the third quarter when Daniel Evans, in just his second career start, threw a pair of touchdown passes to Geron James and John Dunlap. The Wolfpack defense never allowed the Seminoles back into the endzone and the Pack edged out a 24-20 win.
In 2005, NC State’s victory over the ninth-ranked Seminoles came down to the last play of the game, when Garland Heath had to pick off a pass to seal a five point win. In 2004, FSU won 17-10 in a contest that saw just 16 combined first downs and 244 yards of total offense (for both teams!).
In 2003 at Tallahassee, it was an offensive shootout, with the 'Noles winning 50-44 in double-overtime.
The 2002 Wolfpack win was another defensive fight, while NC State's win in 2000 was a more offensive battle (34-28).
HIT THE ROAD, PACK
After playing four of its first five games at home in Carter-Finley Stadium, the Wolfpack has just one home game between now and November 11. NC State will play three of its next four games on the road, traveling to Florida State this week, then to East Carolina on October 20 following an open week. The Pack will be back at home on October 27 for a Homecoming contest against Virginia, then will be back on the road at Miami on November 3.
BECK AND FORTH
The Wolfpack will be without the services of quarterback Harrison Beck in Tallahassee, as the starting signal caller in the last four games has been sidelined with a separated shoulder.
Beck suffered the injury in the third quarter of the loss to Louisville. He was sacked for a nine-yard loss on a first down play and was called for intentional grounding. Although he got up holding his arm gingerly, on the next play, a second-and-19, Beck completed his longest pass of the year, a 53-yard beauty to Donald Bowens down the Wolfpack sideline that moved the Pack to the Louisvile 14. After that throw, Beck came out of the game and went straight to the X-Ray room, and missed it when four plays later, Daniel Evans hooked up with fullback Ced Hickman for the Pack’s only touchdown of the day.
Beck sat out last season after transferring from the University of Nebraska, but was named the Wolfpack starter after leading the Wolfpack to 20 unanswered points and a near comback (23-25) to Central Florida in the opener. Against Clemson, he played just 10 snaps before hobbling out of the game with a knee injury.
EVANS AGAINST THE 'NOLES
Daniel Evans led NC State to just two victories as a starter in 2006, but both of those wins were against ranked teams and both were thrillers. After throwing the winning ball to John Dunlap with eight seconds left in the game the week before against Boston College, Evans did it again versus No. 17 Florida State on October 5, 2006. He threw for three TDs in the game, going 13-22 for 190 yards and no interceptions.
Evans, who started the 2007 season opener against Central Florida, has come off the bench in each of the past two games for NC State. In those two contests, he has completed 64% of his throws (23-36) for 191 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
The junior now ranks 15th in school history with 2,129 career passing yards, 13th in completions (196), and ninth in completion percentage (.549).
WE NEEDED KNEE'S
Nine! That’s the number of knee surgeries that have been performed on Wolfpack
players since the spring of 2007.
Six! That’s the number of players who were listed as starters on the preseason depth chart (or have since become starters) that have undergone knee surgery.
Although the Pack has been hampered by various other injuries as well, that particular body part has definitely been the biggest problem.
Over the spring and summer, wide receiver John Dunlap and quarterback Harrison
Beck both had their knees scoped and walkon Zach Williams had reconstructive
surgery. Beck and Dunlap missed training time during the offseason (Dunlap missed part of fall camp as well) but were back for the first game.
Three other Wolfpack starters, all of whom were honors candidates heading into the season, have been sidelined by knee injuries. NC State lost its leading receiver and rusher from last season, as well as one of its top defensive players.
In the last week of July, tight end Anthony Hill underwent reconstructive knee surgery for a torn ACL, just a few days after he was named to the preseason ‘watch’ list for the John Mackey Award. His injury will keep him out for the entire 2007 campaign.
In the season opener, just a few days after he was named to the preseason ‘watch’ list for the Doak Walker Award, tailback Toney Baker suffered a knee injury that also brought his season to a close. Baker, who led the Pack in rushing last season with 688 yards, will undergo reconstructive surgery on October 11.
And just two days before the Boston College game, defensive tackle DeMario Pressley twisted his knee and underwent surgery on September 9. Although his injury was not season-ending, it came just after an elbow injury that kept him from starting the season opener. Pressley, who is on the preseason ‘watch’ list for the Lombardi Trophy, missed the Boston College and Wofford games and was not full speed for the Clemson contest.
Those key players aren’t the only ones who have had knee problems. True freshman offensive lineman Mike Golder, who was more than likely going to redshirt the season, also suffered a knee injury and will have to undergo reconstruction
in October.
Following the Clemson game, starting fullback Patrick Bedics and second-string offensive tackle Jerrail McCuller both went down with knee injuries and had surgery this week. McCuller will be out 3-4 weeks, while Bedics will miss 2-3 weeks.
DEFENSE DECENT VERSUS LOUISVILLE
Obviously, the only number with any real meaning following the Louisville game was the final score, but the Wolfpack defense can still take pride in some of the numbers they turned in against the high-octane Cardinal offense.
Louisville came into the contest averaging 50 points and 620 yards of total offense. On Saturday, the Cardinals scored just 29 points and 498 total yards. Quarterback Brian Brohm, who was ranked second in the nation in passing yards and had thrown for more than 300 yards in his last seven outings, was held to 251 yards.
Two of Louisville’s three touchdowns were on two and four-play drives after the Wolfpack offense turned the ball over.
The defense was on the field almost 17 minutes longer than the offense and at halftime, the difference in the time of possession was Louisville 22:25, NC State 7:35.
TURNOVERS COSTLY
NC State is currently tied for dead last in the nation in turnover margin. Through five games, the Wolfpack has committed 18 miscues (12 interceptions, six lost fumbles), while taking the ball away from the opposition just five times (2 INTs, three fumbles). What’s even more costly is that 65 of the opposition’s total points this season have come following a Wolfpack turnover.
At Boston College, the Wolfpack turned the ball of seven times, negating 407 yards of total offense in that 37-17 loss. That was the most in a game since 1995 (seven versus Clemson).
Against Louisville, the Pack turned the ball over five times, with three leading to scoring plays. The other two turnovers, although they didn’t lead to Louisville scores, killed NC State drives deep in opponent territory.
Turnovers are anathema to any football coach, but especially to the 2007 Wolfpack staff. Head coach Tom O’Brien’s 2006 Boston College squad led the ACC and tied for second nationally in turnover margin, while defensive coodinator Mike Archer’s Kentucky squad led the SEC in that same category last season and tied BC to rank second nationally.
THIRD AND LONG, FIRST AND STRONG
NC State’s defense has been solid on third down so far this season, holding opponents to a third-down conversion mark of .333. The Wolfpack was leading the ACC heading into the Clemson game, but has dropped to fifth.
NC State’s opposition has gained three yards or less on first down 77 times this season and has gained no yards or been knocked for a loss on first down 49 times. On second down, Mike Archer’s defense has held the opponent to three or less 66 times and to zero or negative yards 38 times.
OPENING DRIVES STALL PACK
NC State has dug an early hole for itself in its four losses this season. In the games against Central Florida, Boston College and Clemson, the Wolfpack was intercepted on its opening drive and all three times the opponent went on to score after getting the ball. Against Louisville, the Cardinals took the opening kickoff 68 yards in 10 plays for a touchdown.
The only times in five games that NC State has not been picked off on its opening
drive was against Wofford, when the Pack scored on a nine-play, 74-yard drive and against Louisville, when the Pack was forced to punt. NC State was intercepted in its second offensive drive against U of L.
BREAKING UP, BUT NOT PULLING DOWN
In five games this season, the Wolfpack has broken up 32 opponent passes. In other words, 21% of the pass attempts by the opposing quarterbacks have been batted down or broken up by a Wolfpack defender. However, NC State’s defense has just two interceptions for the season - Jeremy Gray’s 15-yard return against Boston College and Alan-Michael Cash’s pick against Louisville.
Free safety Miguel Scott leads the Wolfpack with four PBUs this season, while linebacker Ernest Jones has three.
SECOND SET OF SIBLINGS START
When the Bedics brothers both started the Central Florida game, it marked the first time brothers have started in the same game for the Wolfpack since 1995. Now, it’s happened to another set of brothers just four games later.
Redshirt freshman DeAndre Morgan earned his first career start against Louisville,
lining up at cornerback, while his older brother DaJuan was at his usual strong safety spot.
The Morgan brothers combined for 17 stops and two pass breakups in the contest.
DeAndre blocked a Louisville field goal in the contest.
At the end of the 2005 season, the Wolfpack saw another Morgan brother at the Meineke Car Care Bowl. Darren, their older sibling, played for South Florida at that time.
Florida State Game Notes
It will be a battle of old versus new as NC State head coach Tom O’Brien
leads the Wolfpack to Florida State to take on Florida State and former Pack
coach, Chuck Amato. After falling to Louisville last weekend, State desperately
needs a win but won’t find an easy opponent in the Seminoles. Pack Pride takes a
look at the Florida State football program.
Record 3-1 (0-1 ACC)
Florida State National Statistical Rankings
Rushing offense...89
Passing offense...71
Total offense...91
Rushing defense...10
Passing defense...66
Total defense...32
Recap of Florida State’s last game versus Alabama from
Collegefootballnews.com
Florida State 21 ... Alabama 14
After a 0-0 defensive slugfest at
halftime, the two offenses woke up in the second half with Xavier Lee taking
over at quarterback for Florida State and working with DeCody Fagg for touchdown
passes from seven and 70 yards. Antone Smith ran for a five-yard score for a
14-0 Seminole lead held late in the game, but the Tide got a seven-yard D.J.
Hall touchdown catch with just over five minutes to play, and Keith Brown caught
a 17-yard touchdown pass with just over a minute left to pull within seven. The
Tide recovered the onside kick, but it was ruled FSU ball since the ball bounced
off a Tide player.
Player of the game: Florida State QB Xavier Lee
completed 12 of 19 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns with an interception,
and ran 11 times for a team-leading 59 yards
Stat Leaders: Alabama -
Passing: John Parker Wilson, 28-53, 240 yds, 2 TDs
Rushing: Terry Grant,
9-36. Receiving: D.J. Hall, 7-83, 1 TD
Florida State - Passing: Xavier
Lee, 12-19, 224 yds, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Rushing: Xavier Lee, 11-59. Receiving:
Greg Carr, 5-107
What does it all meanl? ... It's not like Xavier Lee
hadn't gotten his shot in the past, but against Alabama, things started to
click, and the talented receivers made the most of the switch. Lee not only
threw well, but he finally showed off his mobility that makes him such a
dangerous option in place of Drew Weatherford. Now the coaching staff has to
pick him for next week's game against NC State, and stick with him. Lee can't be
looking over his shoulder. Can there be a running game at some point? Alabama's
defense might be nasty, but the ground game simply didn't work.
Florida State versus NC State
Florida State leads 18-9
Home: 10-4 / Away: 8-4 / Neutral 0-0 /
ACC: 10-4
First Meeting: Oct. 25, 1952 / Away / L 13-7
Last Meeting: Oct. 6, 2006 / Away / L 24-20
Most points scored vs. NC State:
Overall: 77 (77-17 win on Sept. 16, 1995)
Most points given up vs. NC State:
Overall: 44 (50-44 win on Nov. 15, 2003)
No. of shutouts:
FSU: 3, Last: 14-0 on Nov. 16, 1963
NC State: 2, Last: Nov. 13, 1965
Largest Margin of Victory:
(60) 77-17 on Sept. 16, 1995
Narrowest Margin of Victory:
(6) Twice, Last: 50-44 on Nov. 15, 2003
Florida State players to watch
QB Xavier Lee...Lee has started just one game and has completed 12 of 19
passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns. He has also rushed for 59 yards.
RB Antone Smith....Smith leads the Noles in rushing with 235 yards on 65
attempts. He is averaging nearly 60 yards per game mon the ground.
WR Greg Carr...Carr is the Noles main receiving threat and he has 13
receptions for 260 yards and one touchdown.
WR Preston Parker...A former NC State recruit, Parker has emerged as a threat
for the Noles. He has 13 catches for 170 yards so far in 2007.
LB Derek Nicholson...Nicholson leads FSU in tackles with 35. He’s also
recorded 1.5 tackles for loss and .5 sacks.
DE Neefy Moffett...Moffett leads the Seminoles with 5 tackles for loss and
2.5 sacks.
DE Everette Brown...Brown has four tackles for loss and three sacks.
NC State Two-Deep Depth Chart
| 2007 NC State Depth Chart |
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Florida State Two-Deep Depth Chart
FSU Offense
WR 81 De’Cody Fagg ................. 6-3, 215, SR .............. Has caught a
pass in 18 straight games and coming off the best game of his career (95 yards
& 2 TD).
89 Greg Carr ............................6-6, 215, JR .............. After
just two seasons Carr is already 13th for career TD receptions in ACC history
and sixth in FSU history.
1 2 Damon McDaniel ....... 6-0, 200, SO ........... After touches in
back-to-back games versus UAB and Colorado, he did not get a touch versus
Alabama.
LT 76 Daron Rose .................... 6-5, 286, SO ........... Started the
first game of his career at Clemson on Monday night. Started all three games in
2007.
6 1 Tyler Graves .................... 6-6, 270, FR ............ Moves back to
the offensive line from TE due to injuries to David Overmyer and Antwanee
Greenlee.
LG 6 2 Rodney Hudson ........ 6-2, 285, FR ............ True freshman has
started three of four games. Had been to just two college football games before
Clemson start.
75 Will Furlong ...................... 6-5, 265, FR ............ Another true
freshman who has quickly moved up the depth charts since stepping on campus in
June.
C 6 0 Ryan McMahon .......... 6-3, 275, FR ............ Converted defensive
tackle moved to the offensive line this spring and beat out a r-JR and a SR for
the job.
57 Brandon Davis ................. 6-2, 275, FR ................. Lost over
30 pounds since last season and is considered one of the toughest linemen by his
teammates.
R G 68 Jacky Claude ................. 6-4, 283, SR ............ Pre-season
All-ACC second team selection who has started 29 games in his career.
75 Will Furlong ...................... 6-5, 265, FR ............ True
freshman will back-up both gaurd positions due to injuries along the line.
R T 7 3 Shannon Boatman 6-7, 312, SR .............. Has moved back to the
tackle spot he used to play due to David Overmyer’s knee injury.
71 Evan Bellamy .................. 6-4, 289, FR .............. Redshirt
freshman who has played in just one game in his career seeing action versus UAB
in 2007.
INJ 79 David Overmyer .......... 6-5, 275, SR ........... One of the most
reliable linemen this season for FSU. Missed half of the Alabama game due to a
knee injury.
TE 87 Caz Piurowski ..............6-7, 276, SO ............With the TE
position ravaged by injury, Piurowski moved back and started FSU’s win over
Colorado.
45 Charlie Graham ........... 6-3, 238, SO ........... Suffering from a
hamstring injury. Played with the injury at Alabama and should see an increased
role.
WR 9 Richard Goodman.. 6-0, 186, JR .............. The junior started the
first game of his career at Clemson. Tied for the team lead in TD catches.
5 Preston Parker ............ 6-0, 190, SO ............. Turning into one of
the most dangerous all-around threats in the ACC as a receiver and punt
returner.
QB 1 1 Drew Weatherford .... 6-3, 215, JR .............. Started the 27th
game of his career versus Alabama. Has over 6,000 career yards and 500
completions.
1 Xavier Lee .......................... 6-4, 234, JR ............ Came off
the bench to lead FSU to a 21-14 victory over No. 22 Alabama in
Jacksonville.
FB 42 Seddrick Holloway .. 5-10, 248, SO ......... More of a blocking back
than Sims who will be seeing more action with Sims now sidelined.
46 Antonio White ............... 5-10, 230, JR .........Walk-on has moved up
on the depth chart due to the injury to Marcus Sims.
INJ 3 5 Marcus Sims................. 6-0, 230, SO .......... Brother of Lions
linebacker Ernie Sims. Fractured his right ankle in FSU’s win over Alabama.
TB 6 Antone Smith ............... 5-9, 187 JR ................. Has 65 of
FSU’s 147 rushes this season and he has accounted for 36% of FSU’s offensive
plays.
3 3 Jamaal Edwards ......6-0, 210, JR .............. Named the most
dependable back following the spring. Is seeing more playing time behind Smith
each week.
Special Teams
PK 1 2 Gary Cismesia ............. 5-11, 210, SR .............. Hit almost
98% of extra points in his career and 73% of his field goals. Has hit 41
straight extra points.
43 Graham Gano ................... 6-1, 195, JR .....................
Starting punter who battled Cismesia for starting field goal duty as well. Could
handle longer field goals for FSU this season.
DS 65 Garrison Sanborn ......... 6-1, 221, SR ..................... Handled
all special teams snaps in 2006 and is expected to do the same in 2007.
58 Jay Culpepper .................. 6-4, 270, FR .................Walk-on who
will back up Sanborn.
H O 1 6 Brent Moody ................... 6-2, 185, SR .............. Transfer
from Louisville. Punted in HS at Tallahassee Lincoln. Awarded a scholarship this
season.
KO 4 3 Graham Gano .............. 6-1, 195, JR ................. Gano will be
counted on in 2007 with kick-offs moved back five yards. Has seven touch backs
in 20 kicks.
1 2 Gary Cismesia ............. 5-11, 210, SR .............. Handled kickoffs
during the early portion of the ‘05 season. Kicked two squibs vs. UF in the last
game of 2006.
P 4 3 Graham Gano .............. 6-1, 195, JR ................. Averaging
over 41 yards per punt this season with a long of 56 yards and put six inside
the 20.
1 6 Brent Moody ................... 6-2, 178, JR ............... Punted for
Louisville in ‘04 and ‘03. Has punted three times this year. Will be the primary
‘pooch’ punter.
KOR 29 Michael Ray Garvin 5-8, 180, JR ................ Averaging over 22
yards per return. Longest return of the season was 35 yards versus UAB.
5 Preston Parker ............ 6-0, 190, SO ............. Returned kicks in
FSU’s first four games replacing Joslin Shaw.
P R 5 Preston Parker ............ 6-0, 190, SO ............. Ranks among the
nation’s leaders for punt returns (32nd). Averaging almost 13 yards per
return.
83 Bert Reed ............................. 5-11, 165, FR ....................
Talented true freshman who has been timed at 4.2 in the 40. A high school QB who
is playing receiver for the Seminoles
FSU Defense
LE 59 Neefy Moffett 6-1, 254, JR ........ Off to one of the best starts on
the team before a hip pointed put him on the sidelines during the Alabama
game.
94 Justin Mincey 6-5, 265, SO .... Being counted on to a greater extent due
to a injury fueled position shuffle at NG and DT.
NG 5 6 Kendrick Stewart 6-2, 270, SO..... Moved out to end before injuries
struck the inside of the line. Started the first game of his career versus
Alabama.
54 Paul Griffin 6-2, 286, JR ...... Saw more snaps versus Alabama with Budd
Thacker sidelined.
INJ 7 2 Budd Thacker 6-2, 268, SO ..... Starter who fractured a toe on Sept.
20. Will be a game time decision versus NC State after missing the Alabama
game.
DT 93 Letroy Guion 6-4, 295, JR ...... Having a monster start to the season.
Started for an injured Fluellen versus Colorado and Alabama.
INJ 96 Andre Fluellen 6-4, 280, SR ......A member of the Outland Trophy watch
list, Fluellen will be a game time decision versus the Wolfpack.
RE 98 Alex Boston 6-3, 263, SR ..... Has started at all four spots along the
line in his career. Seven of his 19 career starts have come as the right
end.
99 Everette Brown 6-4, 255, SO ..... The best speed rush end on the team.
Coming off a dominant performance versus the Crimson Tide.
SLB 3 6 Dekoda Watson 6-2, 230, SO ....Watson has big shoes to fill stepping
in for Steelers’ first round draft pick Lawrence Timmons.
7 Marcus Ball 6-0, 215, SO ...... Had a brilliant start to his career in 2006
before tearing the ACL in his left knee in the fourth game of the season.
MLB 30 Derek Nicholson 6-2, 226, JR ........... The only player on the
defensive side of the ball to tear his ACL last year and win a starting job on
opening day in 2007.
48 Recardo Wright 6-2, 220, SO .......... One of 17 true freshmen who played
for FSU last season. Played in 10 games in 2006.
WLB 1 0 Geno Hayes 6-2, 218, JR ........ Leads the team with five tackles for
loss and two forced fumbles. Also has 26 tackles, second best.
3 1 Toddrick Verdell 6-3, 222, JR ..... Had a strong preseason and started
his first game versus Alabama while Hayes sat out the first quarter.
LC 4 Tony Carter 5-9, 175, JR .........A candidate for the Thorpe and
Bednarik Awards, Carter has already matched his interception total from 2006
(2).
18 JR Bryant 6-1, 180, SR ............... A former starter and HS
All-American who has worked his way back up the depth chart with a great
offseason and strong preseason.
20 Jamie Robinson 6-2, 186, SO ............ An All-ACC freshman team member
by the Sporting News last season. Started four games on the boundary as a
freshman.
FS 8 Roger Williams 6-0, 200, SR ..... Led the team in interceptions last
year starting all 13 games. Has started all four games this season as well.
24 Darius McClure 5-11, 200, JR ...... Has played in 28 games in his career.
Winner of the 2006 Bob Crenshaw Award given to the player with the biggest
heart.
RV 3 Myron Rolle 6-2, 215, SO ............ Sporting News ACC Def. Freshman of
the Year. Candidate for the Thorpe and Bednarik Awards. Started the final 10
games in 2006.
46 Anthony Houllis 6-0, 210, SR ....... Has climbed to second team after a
left knee injury forced him to miss 10 games. Challenging Rolle for playing
time.
RC 29 Michael Ray Garvin 5-8, 180, JR .........An All-American sprinter for
the FSU track team, Garvin started six games in 2006. Also FSU’s kick
returner.
2 1 Patrick Robinson 5-11, 184, SO ........ Has switched from the left side
after playing in 12 games last season and serving as Tony Carter’s back-up.
2 2 Korey Mangum 6-0, 190, SO .......Moved to the boundary after spending
last season as a back-up to Tony Carter and Patrick Robinson as a field
corner.
Thanks to NC State and Florida State Athletics for much of the information in this preview.