Wolfpack cranks up rushing attack with freshman
North Carolina State needed more balance with its offense. The Wolfpack has discovered that, to some degree.
The passing attack has been solid, and the ground attack was unleashed in the Virginia game, particularly with freshman tailback Ricky Person tallying 108 yards on 14 carries.
“We needed to let people know we can run the ball,” Person said.
It’s a breakthrough for several reasons, particularly with Person missing the previous couple of games because of a hamstring injury.
But he gave the Wolfpack a bit of dash in the backfield. That goes along with Reggie Gallaspy, who has seemed more prone to short-yardage situations.
“Reggie is the one who has been helping me,” Person said of the senior teammate.
The upgrade on the ground is something that could be important as the Wolfpack will want to try to match visiting Boston College’s potent rushing attack in this week’s Atlantic Coast Conference matchup.
The best could still be to come from Person.
“He’s still not 100 percent,” coach Dave Doeren said. “That is as good as he has felt in a while and he really wanted to play.”
Person became the first N.C. State true freshman to rush for more than 100 yards in a game since Shadrach Thornton in 2012.
“He’s a change-of-pace back and makes people miss, and we’ve been missing that,” Doeren said. “You want that guy that can put his foot in the ground and change direction and he can do that.”
N.C. State has won of the best passing offenses, directed by senior quarterback Ryan Finley. The benefits of a consistent ground attack could propel the Wolfpack to more fluid offense.
“It takes a lot of pressure off (Finley),” receiver Emeka Emezie said. “It helps a lot.”
No. 23 N.C. State is 4-0 for the first time since 2015. The Wolfpack has won six straight games dating to last season.
“We’re excited to be where we are right now,” Doeren said.
But the team hasn’t been 5-0 since 2002.
N.C. State reached as high as No. 14 last year, so for most players a national ranking is something they’ve dealt with before.
The Wolfpack won its ACC opener for the third consecutive season with Saturday’s home victory against Virginia.