NC State Loses to Rutgers in PapaJohns.com Bowl

Just as we all thought the injury stricken season was over, it came back to bite us in a 29-23 loss in the PapaJohns.com bowl to Rugters on Monday. With an estimated 9,000 to 10,000 of the total 38,000 fans to be the Wolfpack Faithful, it brought record attendance for the bowl only in it’s third year.

NC State was up 17-6 at halftime, led by starting quarterback Russell Wilson who went 11-23 passing for 186 yards and a score. Late in the first half however Wilson left the game with a strained knee and did not return. The second half didn’t fair so good for second and third string quarterbacks Harrison Beck and Daniel Evans, who threw a combined 5-16 passing, 3 interceptions and one score for a total of 83 yards.

With scoring a mere impossibility with Wilson out, NC State turned to it’s defense to try and hold the 11 point lead. The defense however turned out a disappointing performance and left the game with 0 sacks, 3 quarterback hurries, and a single interception.  With the Wolfpack defense not playing its A game, Rutgers offense came alive and put up 23 points in the second half.  With the loss, NC State fell to 6-7, for its third straight losing season.  The game really showed how much Russell Wilson contributed to the Wolfpack’s success, and why he deserved to be ACC rookie of the year.

Looking forward to next years starters, Willie Young, the Wolfpack’s sack leader, should be back at defensive end. Solid safety Clem Johnson will be a senior and returning next year as well as Javon Walker who will be coming back from injury.   At the quarterback spot look for current starter Russell Wilson and Redshirt Freshmen Mike Glennon to battle it out.

Photo Courtesy of Flickr, maggieandcharles

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