Reviewing Grades for NC State's Offense Against Virginia Tech

NC State’s 23-21 home loss to Virginia Tech, featuring just 59 rushing yards and five sacks, suggests bettors should be wary of Wolfpack rushing props and may favor Virginia Tech to cover spreads in similar matchups; consider under on NC State team totals until the offensive line and run game show improvement.

NC State’s Offense Stalls in Narrow Loss to Virginia Tech

NC State dropped a 23-21 decision to Virginia Tech at Carter-Finley Stadium, snapping momentum after a strong start to the season. The Wolfpack’s previously potent offense produced its poorest rushing output of the year, managing only 59 yards on the ground while quarterback CJ Bailey absorbed five sacks. Virginia Tech’s defense dominated the trenches and limited big-play opportunities throughout the night.

Rushing Attack Neutralized

Hollywood Smothers was bottled up all evening, finishing with his lowest PFF grade of the season as the line failed to open consistent running lanes. Redshirt freshman Duke Scott got a short touchdown plunge and offered a spark, but overall the Pack’s ground game could not sustain drives. The team’s inability to run the ball forced a heavier reliance on an under-fire passing attack.

Passing Game and Playmakers

Terrell Anderson continued to stand out among receivers, delivering another quality outing. Keenan Jackson scored the receiving touchdown, while Teddy Hoffmann — after an explosive opener — has seen four straight games graded below 60 and appears to be fighting through freshman inconsistencies. CJ Bailey showed grit, finishing with a solid efficiency marker despite constant pressure.

Offensive Line Breakdown

The offensive line struggled to protect Bailey and to create running lanes; the unit allowed five sacks and posted several subpar run-blocking grades. Only center Jalen Grant recorded a run-blocking grade above 60, while tackles and guards struggled on the edges and inside, a primary factor in the team’s stalled ground game.

PFF Grades and What They Reveal

Pro Football Focus metrics highlighted the uneven performances across the roster. Context: PFF grades in the 70s–80s denote good-to-elite play, 60s are average, and below 60 indicates below-average showings. Sophomore Keenan Jackson: 52.9 Sophomore Noah Rogers: 54.8 Sophomore Terrell Anderson: 71.7 Freshman Teddy Hoffmann: 47.4 Senior Wesley Grimes: 53.5 Senior Justin Joly: 71.4 Senior Cody Hardy: 41.8 Senior Dante Daniels: 79.4 Freshman offensive guard Spike Sowells: 58.4 Senior offensive guard Anthony Carter: 62.6 Senior center Jalen Grant: 66.0 Sophomore right tackle Teague Andersen: 61.9 Junior left tackle Jacarrius Peak: 67.7 Sophomore Hollywood Smothers: 62.4 Redshirt freshman Duke Scott: 73.0 Sophomore CJ Bailey: 73.3 Freshman Will Wilson: 76.9

Key Takeaways and Outlook

Virginia Tech’s defensive game plan successfully shut down NC State’s identity as a run-first offense and disrupted pass protections. For the Wolfpack to rebound, the offensive line must tighten up and the run scheme needs adjustments to free Smothers and create manageable passing situations for Bailey. The narrow margin leaves room for optimism, but immediate corrections are required if NC State hopes to regain its early-season form.

How did Pro Football Focus view the Wolfpack's offense in the loss to the Hokies?

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