Dave Doeren Impressed by Wolfpack’s Effort in Week 1 but Must Put More Pressure on the Opposing QB

RALEIGH NC – Now that head coach Dave Doeren had a handful of days to break down the film and gather his thoughts about the Wolfpack‘s 45-0 shutout victory this past Thursday. He was incredibly proud of how his unit responded in the season opener against USF and will like to see even more improvement entering week 2 against the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

“I was really proud of our staff and players and how the guys prepared. It was great to be at home in front of the crowd. I felt like we played physically and played fast. I think our guys executed the game plan in many ways, and we were able to come out of the game healthy, which is always a critical piece.”

Staying healthy was key to open the season, and it shows the value of offseason workouts and what they can do to prepare the player’s bodies to keep them on the field. Health will be a must for QB Devin Leary, who waited almost a year to get back on the field. The redshirt sophomore went 17 of 26 (65.4 CMP %) in the air while going for 232 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception against the Bulls.

“Devin at quarterback, you know I thought played really well. He got the ball to a lot of people, and I know he had some plays he wishes he had back. I do like how he got better as the game went on. I know there was some rust at the beginning for him, and then he just settled in and played pretty good football for us.”

The run game certainly took the pressure off Leary and the rest of the offesne, as the offensive line was able to open up holes all night for Zonovan Knight, Ricky Person Jr., and Jordan Houston, who combined for 293 total rushing yards.

“Offensively, we rushed the ball well. You know Bam, Ricky, and Jordan were all very productive. The oline, tight end group, and receivers all battled in the run game. You know we rushed for 290 plus and did not have any balls on the ground from a fumble standpoint, and proud of those guys for that” said Doeren. 

The Pack will be moving forward as they prepare for Mississippi State (1-0) this upcoming Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium. The Bulldogs are coming off a thrilling 35-34 season opener win versus LA Tech. The one focus Doeren and the Pack will like to improve on heading into the matchup is getting to the QB. Despite forcing four 3 and outs, earning a 4th down stop, and committing three takeaways, they did not record a single sack.

“We didn’t have any sacks, and that’s probably one area you probably love us to get some sacks there, but you know at the same time we got three takeaways and a 4th down stop and a handful of 3 and outs.”

In their contest versus LA Tech, the Bulldogs clearly showed that they can be an explosive offense and will continue to throw the football. QB Will Rogers attempted 47 passes and completed an impressive 39 for 370 yards, 3 touchdowns, and an interception.

The Pack will need to create pressure to avoid Rogers from repeating a performance like this. Getting after the opposing signal caller will be a point of emphasis when chalking up the game plan for Saturday.