Film Study: NC State and Duke lay eggs

Maurice Canady (26) pulls down Quintin Payton (88) after a reception during the Virginia vs. NC State game on November 3, 2012 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

By Mark Thomas
Nov 5, 2012

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With only two of the three Triangle schools in action Saturday, we take a look at two losses by NC State and Duke. The game film for both teams wasn’t pretty to watch. Actually some of it was down right pitiful.

1. Virginia 33 – NC State 6
There are times when it seems that everything you do on a football field turns out right. The ball bounces your way. You make a mistake, and somehow you get positive yardage.

Then there are times when just about everything you try turns out positive for the other team.

The latter was what the Wolfpack saw this weekend against the Cavaliers. It’s tough. Slideshow Cavs dump NC State, 33-6

Virginia was very prepared for what State was trying to do on offense. Mike Glennon came into the game as the leading passer in the ACC (306 yds per game). To this point in the season State’s passing game had found success on underneath crossing routes and deep passes off of play action. The Cavs were well prepared for both. It seemed to throw Glennon of early on.

But the most amazing thing was five sacks and constant pressure given with the four down lineman. Virginia didn’t do a lot to confuse State up front. It was pressure from guys getting beat at the line of scrimmage.

Of course it didn’t hurt that the Pack struggled to get the running game going.

On the defensive side of the ball, NC State’s linebackers seemed to be a step behind getting to the point of attack. However, as the game went on they seemed to catch up. There was a stretch where they forced five three-and-outs. But you could tell that the lack of offensive production kept the defense from being able to capture the momentum.

Best part about the game: It’s over. NC State’s leaders have to be able to rally the focus of the team and get ready for Wake Forest.

2. Clemson 56 – Duke 20
This seemed to be the first game that Duke’s secondary was completely outmatched. Clemson's DeAndre Hopkins and Sammy Watkins looked liked NFL wideouts. And it didn’t help that Tajh Boyd had plenty of time to get the ball out. Duke couldn’t get Clemson into a third down and 6-plus situation all night. More Info ACC Leaders

The Tigers offense looked as good as I’ve seen them all year. Usually they will misstep early with a false start or six. Every first-down play was explosive.

Duke’s offense started off strong. It seemed that as the game moved on into the second quarter, Clemson began to realize the short passing game of the Blue Devils on first down.

Then I saw the opposite of what Duke couldn’t get on defense. Their offense was getting into difficult third-down situations. Before you know it I’m turning on the second half film realizing that the offense is going to have to throw up four touchdowns just to keep this thing close.

The defense played much better in the second half, but it was too late.

Best part about the game: yep, you guessed it, it’s over.

Now it’s time for the Blue Devils to lick their wounds and finish this thing strong. They have two winnable games left. They also get an extra week to prepare for the option of Georgia Tech.

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RE: Film Study: NC State and Duke lay eggs

Virginia played a flawless game and punched State in the nose. State never recovered. Pretty simple really.

I just hope VA doesn't have that same type of game against UNC which they typically do at their place. We must play with that same intensity for the rest of the season. NONE of our remaining games are in the W column yet.

GO HEELS!!

RE: Film Study: NC State and Duke lay eggs

^^^^I meant to say that Clemson had a highlight reel game.
- Posted by Hokie 94

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RE: Film Study: NC State and Duke lay eggs

^^^^I meant to say that Clemson had a highlight reel game.

RE: Film Study: NC State and Duke lay eggs

schools fight while the rest of the country moves on. Start recruiting like you do in basketball and it will come. Until then, keep saying wait until basketball season.
- Posted by wtrskitiger

Tiger, one of TOB's traits is that he doesn't even attempt to recruit the 3, 4 and 5-star high school athletes...he doesn't want to deal with their "lofty" personalities, or so I've heard.
- Posted by london12

And we are told that stars don't matter...

RE: Film Study: NC State and Duke lay eggs

State nor any team can win with 5 TO's. UVA played soundly and was well coached. Duke was beaten by the speed of Clemson. Boyd, Hopkins, and Watson had a light-light reel game. Clemson's defense did the job too.

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Mark Thomas