Jackets’ victory leaves Wolfpack licking its wounds
By Scott Meuleners / STUDENT PUBLICATIONS
No. 5 Nate Curry dives into the end zone for a five yard touchdown pass. Ball had thrown the fade pass to Curry with just 15 seconds left in the first half. Ball had earlier thrown a 42 yard touchdown pass to Jonathan Smith.
Heisman hopeful Phillip Rivers threw for 334 yards and two touchdowns, but N.C. State did not have enough to overcome the Yellow Jackets. Tech continued its winning ways with an impressive 29-21 victory over the visiting Wolfpack.
The campus was already buzzing with excitement due to the Homecoming festivities of the week, and the football game brought on a perfect ending to a fun weekend. N.C. State has now not won a game at Bobby Dodd Stadium since 1987.
The game started quickly, with the Jackets driving easily down the field, only to miss a 38 yard field goal. N.C. State then took the ball back down the field for a 41 yard field goal, after the Jackets muffed a punt return.
On the next drive, quarterback Reggie Ball completed a 42 yard touchdown pass to Josh Smith to make the game 7-3. Tech went on to cruise to two more touchdowns and three field goals.
Ball, who was named the ACC Rookie of the Week for the third time this season, stole the show with 291 yards passing and three touchdowns. Josh Smith also had an amazing game, catching nine balls for 159 yards and a touchdown. Smith was named the ACC Offensive Player of the Week as he moved into the second spot in the ACC in receiving yards for the season.
Tech dominated on the defensive side of the ball as well. They came into the game with the No. 25 best rushing defense in the nation and did not disappoint. The Jackets held the Wolfpack, who have averaged over 120 yards a game on the ground, to an ACC low of negative eight yards rushing for the game.
Tech’s defensive performance moved the Jackets to the top of the ACC in rushing defense. Sophomore backup Chris Reis also had a breakout game for the Jackets. Reis recorded eight tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery.
The win improves the Jackets record to 3-3 overall and 1-2 in the ACC. With games against Wake Forest, Maryland, Duke and North Carolina coming up, the Jackets have a chance to move atop the ACC standings and receive a bowl bid. The Wolfpack fell to 3-3 overall and 1-2 in the ACC with the loss.
