NC State Postgame Notes
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NC State at Virginia
Oct. 22, 2011
NC State Postgame Notes
Pack Gets Win at UVa: Today’s win marks the first Wolfpack victory at Virginia since taking a 30-27 decision on Nov. 25, 1994. State had lost its previous five appearances in Charlottesville before today.
Wide Outs Out: The Wolfpack was down two before the first kickoff today at Charlottesville. Senior wide receiver/returner T.J. Graham did not play in the first half for ‘not living up to the expectations of a State football player.’ In pregame warmups, wideout Tobais Palmer suffered a concussion and missed the game.
Smith Gets Start: Redshirt sophomore Rashard Smith started his first game at cornerback since Oct. 17, 2009 today when he got the nod at the boundary corner. Smith started three games as a true freshman that season, before suffering a torn ACL that kept him sidelined for the entire 2010 campaign. He was also the Pack’s starting returner in the first half, as T.J. Graham and Tobais Palmer were both out.
Players Boast First (and second) Scores: Redshirt freshman halfback Tony Creecy and redshirt freshman wide receiver Bryan Underwood each scored their first career touchdowns today – both in the first half. Creecy’s was on a five-yard pass from Glennon, while Underwood’s was a 33-yarder.
Creecy accounted for 64 of the Pack’s 185 yards in the first half today, scoring the Pack’s first touchdown on a five-yard catch. Underwood accounted for 12 of the Pack’s 28 points today, as he also scored on a 79-yard pass in the third quarter for his second career score.
Underwood Boasts Longest Catch by Pack Freshman: Bryan Underwood’s 79-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter was the longest catch by a freshman in school history.
Amerson Steals Two More: Sophomore cornerback David Amerson picked off his seventh and eighth passes of the season today, solidifying his status as the FBS leader in interceptions. He returned his 12-yard swipe in the fourth quarter for a touchdown – the Pack’s first pick-six on the year.
Amerson’s eight picks ties the NC State single-season record, which was set by Art Rooney in 1937 and matched by Rooney in 1938. He has now picked off two passes in three games this year, including back-to-back games following today’s performance.
Pick Parade: In addition to David Amerson’s two interceptions, Brandan Bishop pulled in a pick of his own in the fourth quarter. He now has four for the year. State has picked off two or more passes four times this season, and now owns 15 for the year.
Glennon Moves Up Single-Season List: With three touchdowns this afternoon, quarterback Mike Glennon now has 19 for the season. With five regular season games left to play, he now ranks tied for sixth with Jamie Barnette (1997) on the Wolfpack single-season list and is just two scoring throws from taking sole possession of fifth place.
Defense Stands Strong: Virginia picked up just 12 first downs on the evening, the fewest total of any Wolfpack opponent this season. The Cavaliers only averaged 3.7 yards per play, also the fewest of any State foe this year.