What are we watching for against Vanderbilt?
Welcome to Week 3, everyone. 1.) You get one mulligan. CJ Bailey looked like a freshman in the Virginia game, and the team overall was so bad that I have to think that it’s front of mind as they get ready for Vanderbilt—that performance was not just bad, it was embarrassing. State was DOA at […]
As NC State prepares to face Vanderbilt in Week 3, there are three key aspects to watch for. First, the impact of the recent performance against Virginia on CJ Bailey and the team's overall execution. The 1-3 loss to Virginia saw Bailey struggle significantly, with his mechanics poor and the defense faltering under pressure. This may have been a significant blow to the team's confidence heading into the Vanderbilt game.
Second, the defense's ability to create "havoc plays" will be crucial. Historically, NC State's defense has struggled in this area, a trend that appears likely to continue. However, the extent to which this will be a liability in the Vanderbilt matchup remains to be seen. The team will need to find a way to generate more turnovers and pressure on Vanderbilt's offense.
Third, generating turnovers will be essential for NC State's chances of winning. While a modest ask, two turnovers could be the difference maker in a game where competitive pressure is key. The defense will need to be more effective than they were against Virginia, and Bailey will need to step up and make impactful plays. If the defense can generate those turnovers, it could open up opportunities for a competitive NC State team to pull off an upset against Vanderbilt.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
