Pack fall to Jackets in the Snow

RALEIGH — The 2006 NC State squad now has something very much in common with the 2002 version: both teams took an 8-0 record into its home game against Georgia Tech and both ended the game in heart-breaking fashion at 8-1. 

Andre Brown was held under 100 yards for the first time all season and Marcus Stone threw four interceptions while the Yellow Jackets showed near flawless execution of their running game to set up the big pass play en route to a 35-21 victory over the host Wolfpack on a rare cold and snowy afternoon in Raleigh (November 4).

The Pack came into the game with the #1-ranked defense in the nation, allowing an average of only 134 total yards per game, but they were ill-prepared to deal with the ACC’s leading receiver Calvin Johnson.  Reggie Ball connected with Johnson for 432 total yards and four touchdowns, all of 25 or more yards. 

“He was making catches in stride that no one else in this game could ever make,” A.J. Davis said after the game.  Davis, who is an impact player with eight interceptions on the year, was burned on almost every big play by the Tech duo.

Almost all of Johnson’s yards were after the catch.

The game was sloppy early, with both teams ending their first two drives with interceptions in the end zone.  Pat Lowery stole a touchdown with a leaping grab and Garland Heath picked off an errant throw to the corner of the end zone.  Marcus Stone looked like Jay Davis circa 2004. 

The Pack got on the board first early in the second quarter with an 80-yard drive, capped off by an 8-yard TD pass from Stone to John Dunlap, who leads all ACC receivers in touchdowns. 

On the ensuing Tech possession, the Pack D stepped up again, sacking Ball twice and forcing a Yellow Jacket punt deep in their own territory.  After a series of Andre Brown 25- and 17-yard runs, the Pack looked to take total control of the game just before the half.  But on the next play from the Tech 18, Stone underthrew Lamart Barrett and Kenny Scott picked off the pass and returned it for a touchdown.

With the score tied 7-7 at the half, Tech set the tone for the rest of the game with their first drive of the second half.  Davis had done a remarkable job of containing Johnson to that point, but Ball and Tashard Choice began working the option effectively, frustrating the Pack linebackers and forcing them to honor the run.  This opened Johnson up for big play after big play.

State chased Tech the rest of the way and had many opportunities to force a punt, but Johnson came through on every single third down of the second half, establishing himself as the ACC’s premier receiver. 

And so the Wolfpack, who believed they had garnered no respect nationally, are now fighting an uphill battle to win their division and play in the ACC Championship game in Jacksonville for a shot at their first BCS bowl.  You know, that same one that Chuck Amato keeps talking about but never puts them in a position to actually get to.