RALEIGH – It was homecoming under the lights at Carter-Finley
Stadium on Saturday during the Halloween weekend. The Wolfpack, fresh off a disappointing
loss at Miami the previous Saturday, looked for a treat in a rebound win
against Atlantic Division rival Louisville. The Cardinals, coached by North
Carolina native Scott Satterfield, looked for the trick in ending NC State's
seven-game home winning streak.
Going into the fourth quarter, Coach Satterfield thought he
had a basket of full-size chocolate candy bars with the home team seemingly asleep
with the light off. In the end, it ended up being a bucket of black licorice
for Louisville as the Wolfpack came alive in the fourth quarter, outscoring the
Cardinals 21-3, on their way to a 28-13 win.
In the spirit of Halloween, here are a few tricks and treats
from tonight's game.
Trick
After starting the game with two nine-play drives, the
second of which ended in a touchdown catch by Emeka Emezie, the Wolfpack
offense went stagnant over their next six drives, punting each time.
Treat
The Wolfpack finally woke up early in the fourth quarter,
with Devin Leary hitting Porter Rooks and Trent Pennix for two long passes, with
Pennix's reception resulting in the Pack's second touchdown of the night.
Trick
The Wolfpack defense got hit with two personal foul
penalties on a Louisville drive in the fourth quarter.
Treat
The defense rebounded and forced Louisville to kick a field
goal.
Trick
The Wolfpack only rushed for eleven yards through three
quarters.
Treat
Eleven NC State players recorded at least one reception on
the night.
Trick
Louisville QB Malik Cunningham led the Cardinals in rushing
and passing for the night.
Treat
The NC State defense stepped up when it mattered, stopping
the prolific dual-threat quarterback on a fourth-down twice in the fourth
quarter.
Notable North Carolinians
Drake Thomas (Heritage) – the sophomore linebacker had fifteen tackles, two sacks, and a pass breakup.
Emeka Emezie (Marvin Ridge) – the senior wide receiver had five
catches for ninety-one yards and a touchdown.
Trent Pennix (Sanderson) – the redshirt sophomore running
back came alive in the passing game, scoring the go-ahead touchdown early in
the fourth quarter.
Up Next
Both teams stay in Atlantic Division action next week as NC
State (6-2) travels to take on Florida State while Louisville (4-4) hosts Clemson.
