How does NC State describe its 45-7 win over VMI? A confidence builder
Getting a win is a big deal, no matter who is playing. Getting a commanding win, even if the team was favored, helps build confidence. That’s what N.C. State wanted going into its game against Virginia Military Institute.
The Wolfpack (2-1) defeated VMI (1-2), 45-7, at home. It scored in all three phases and saw improvements from multiple players. It was a much-needed comeback after the performance against Notre Dame.
“These kids are very quick to respond and bounce back more so than the adults,” N.C. State head coach Dave Doeren said. “I think, as coaches, we dwell on these things a lot longer than the young guys. They’re just excited to get back in and prove that they’re better than the play that somebody’s remembering.”
Doeren said freshman wide receiver Kevin “K.C.” Concepcion made some freshman mistakes after the team’s loss against Notre Dame last week. He responded with a perfect day against VMI. Concepcion caught all seven passes thrown to him for 62 yards.
NC State football rebounds in a big way: Wolfpack runs over VMI, 45-7
All seven players with 10 receiving yards or more and at least two receptions were perfect in the outing.
Kendrick Raphael, another true freshman, led the team in rushing yards with 85 yards on 16 carries.
Porter Rooks is a junior, but he struggled against Notre Dame and was unable to haul in two passes on third down.
“I really feel like I let the team down, but I’m human,” Rooks said earlier in the week. “I’m looking to take it off film; be that guy that a team can rely on in those crunch-time situations.”
Photos: NC State football defeats VMI
He grabbed three passes against the Keydets, two of which were more than 10 yards.
The defense, despite some mistakes, kept responding. When it gave up two pass interference penalties in the third quarter, the Pack immediately responded with two sacks for a loss of 10 yards.
Nickelback Robert Kennedy added a pick-six in the first quarter and 1.5 sacks. He feels confident in himself, Kennedy said, but the graduate student plans to use this performance as motivation.
“It obviously builds confidence, but to be honest, I’m a ‘one more’ type of person,” Kennedy said. “Like, 1 1/2 (sacks). Why can’t that be three? Then one pick. Why can’t it be like two or three?”
Plus, the special teams squad scored and provided great field position. Simply put, the Pack is pleased with what it saw on the field. It was a well-rounded effort, and the talent N.C. State sees in practice showed up in a game. And it did so in a consistent manner.
With a tough ACC schedule ahead, that’s what this team needs. It needs that confidence and mental fortitude. It needs to know it can make adjustments when teams throw in new schemes that weren’t on film.
After two lackluster outings, N.C. State knows it can perform well in front of the crowd.
“That’s what the game’s about,” Doeren said. “It’s execution and Xs and Os, this, that, and the other, but it is a confidence game. As a player, you’ve got to believe in yourself.”
