Let me say this again, so there is no confusion and let me say it emphatically. THIS YEAR’S NC STATE DEFENSE IS BETTER THEN LAST YEAR’S. Now there are those out there that will tell me I’m wrong and that I have no idea what I’m talking about. And those people are what I like to call WRONG. Not only wrong but LOUD WRONG! The argument that having lost all 4 starting defensive linemen to the NFL and having lost 8 starters in total is a ridiculous statement. Those people making that argument failed to realize that last year, NC State ranked 103rd in passing yards per game. That the secondary had a converted Wide Receiver playing Corner who had his struggles. They had a true freshman nickle who had to start at the end of the year (Oh look, Tabari Hines scored again).
This defense does not have the star power of Chubb, Street, Hill, and Jones, all who’s legacy at NC State was solidified. However, what this NC State defense does have is athleticism at ever position. Louis Acceus and Germaine Pratt are sideline to sideline linebackers who are faster and more athletic then the previous linebackers. Chris Ingram (the nickle back who Tabari Hines torched last year), is playing at a high level and has improved. Tanner Ingle is a true freshman who is physical nickle back. While this defensive line doesn’t have a Bradley Chubb (he’s an all-time great), it does have at least one NFL draft pick next season, in Darian Roseboro and might have another one in Eurndraus Bryant. The defensive line does not get the splash plays but it does get consistent pressure and tackles for loss.
NC State is off to a 4-0 start and while they missed a really good opportunity to see how they stacked up against a top 12 team in West Virginia, they just soundly beat a decent Virginia team. This defense has a tough 3 game stretch with BC, Clemson, and Syracuse which offer 3 different offenses. We are going to see how good this defense is, and I think it’s really really good…..
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1 ping
Hokie Mark says:
October 1, 2018 at 7:37 am (UTC -4)
I think I see where you’re going with this… defensive strength is determined, not by its strongest players, but by its weakest. The chain breaks at the weakest link.