GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: DE Malik Carney and DT Jason Strowbridge’s ability to get pressure on N.C. State QB Ryan Finley will be needed to slow the Wolfpack’s passing game. Finley has passed for an average of 318 yards a game with 21 touchdowns against only seven interceptions. The Wolfpack has provided him good protection in allowing only six sacks for the year. Carney and Strowbridge have combined for 11 of the team’s 30 sacks for the year.
DRAFT SLANT
–DE Malik Carney has missed three games while serving a suspension for his involvement in the sale of school-issue shoes, but he has made up for missed time. He is tied for third on the team in tackles with 50 and is tied for the team lead in sacks with 5.5.
ROSTER REPORT:
–QB Manny Miles, a walk-on senior, and TE Jake Bargas combined for a 38-yard touchdown on the final play of the first half against Western Carolina for their first touchdown pass/reception. Coach Larry Fedora had a simple reason for inserting Miles for the play. “Stronger arm,” he said. Miles completed one of his three other attempts for 12 yards and Bargas had a second catch for three yards for the game. Miles is the son of Les Miles, hired this week as Kansas’ coach.
–RB Javonte Williams had a big day against Western Carolina, rushing 17 times for a game-high 93 yards and three touchdowns. The true freshman entered the day with just 49 yards rushing on the year. He also had two receptions for 38 yards.
–RB Jordon Brown, last year’s leading rusher, had 13 carries for 79 yards and a touchdown and also caught three passes for another 30 yards.
–QB Nathan Elliott became the 15th quarterback in program history to reach 3,000 yards passing in his career with his 308 yards against Western Carolina giving him 3,148 for the junior. His 54-yard touchdown pass to WR Toe Groves was the longest scoring pass of the junior’s career.
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