NC State picks up fourth straight win. Here’s what changed on offense to spur success

Offensive lineman Jacarrius Peak lifted tight end Trent Pennix over his head in the end zone, while quarterback Brennan Armstrong skipped off the field at Lane Stadium.

N.C. State (8-3, 5-2 ACC) scored its fifth straight touchdown against Virginia Tech (5-6, 4-3 ACC) in a 35-28 win. It used a handoff from Armstrong to Kevin “KC” Concepcion, and a trick pass from Concepcion to Pennix. The Wolfpack hasn’t celebrated like that very much this season.

N.C. State did a lot of soul searching after a 24-3 loss to Duke on Oct. 14. a game head coach Dave Doeren previously described as one of the worst he’s been part of.

The Pack is now 4-0 since then, and it’s the first time the program recorded at least eight wins in four straight seasons. Every part of the team has improved in recent weeks since it had a bye week after the Duke loss.

Photos: NC State football defeats Virginia Tech

But the offense, specifically, took major strides.

“I knew it would take time,” Doeren said. “And, the players have to play well for the coach. When you’re dropping passes and false starting all the time, like we were in the Duke game, I don’t care who’s calling plays, you’re not going to be very good.”

What changed? A lot, actually. There’s not a singular thing that led to the turnaround. It’s been a combination of positives.

First, the team’s mentality improved. N.C. State took the loss to heart and committed to more disciplined play and better execution.

“That helps Robert (Anae) as a play caller,” Doeren said. “If we’re efficient, man, he can do a lot of good things.”

NC State football tops Virginia Tech. Pack wins in Blacksburg for first time in 19 years

Second, Armstrong has elevated the offense since returning to the starting role two weeks ago. He felt like the time away from the starting job helped him recalibrate, the graduate student said a 26-6 win at Wake Forest on Nov. 11.

Armstrong isn’t afraid to take contact. Against Virginia Tech, he recorded 203 passing yards and 89 rushing, after all. He had more than 100, but rushes for a loss of yardage to run down the clock reduced the numbers. The quarterback blocked for Concepcion on a run, too, shoving a Virginia Tech defender out of the way.

He’s still enjoying his final games as a college football player, instead of letting the pressure get to him. His fun is equaling personal success and inspiring his teammates to play with just as much toughness.

“It’s funny, because every time I see him take it down (from) the sideline, I’m grabbing all my teammates,” Pennix said, laughing. “I’m like, ‘Bro BA is hard.’ Nobody really messes with him.”

What NC State football believes helped it win at Wake Forest for first time since 2015

Lastly, the staff hasn’t been afraid to move pieces around. Freshman Isaiah Shirley played at tight end against the Hokies, helping block for multiple scores. Shirley is listed as a defensive end. Jordan Poole moved from the linebacker room to running backs.

Though it wasn’t an offensive change, Jakolbe Baldwin went from the receiver room to safeties earlier this season when the team had multiple guys out with injuries.

Doeren said he doesn’t view these moves as a risk but as trying to find the right places for the various pieces. Those have equaled some top-notch plays in recent weeks.

“Scared money doesn’t make money,” Doeren said. “To me, some of these guys are on film, not getting it done. We could keep doing that, and that’s the definition of insanity: repeating something and hoping it gets better. Or, we can put someone else in there and see if they can do it. That’s what we’ve done.

“To our players; credit they want to just play. They don’t care what position they play. They just want to get out there and play. I love that about them.”

All of that turned into four straight wins, an upcoming bowl game and a lot of pride around the Pack. Could anyone have predicted it? Doeren doesn’t try to predict things anymore, because the seasons are long and a number of variables can impact the outcome.

Regardless, the Pack has one game left in what it’s calling a five-game season and more momentum than ever to get things done.

“I’m just proud of how we’ve gotten better,” Doeren said. “We’re peaking at the right time, all the guys are pitching in and the coaches are doing a good job.”