Saturday, October 30, 2021

NC State Tricks Louisville, Outscoring Cardinals 21-3 in the Fourth Quarter to Treat Fans to Win on Homecoming


RALEIGH – It was homecoming under the lights at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday during the Halloween weekend. The Wolfpack, fresh off a disappointing loss at Miami the previous Saturday, looked for a treat in a rebound win against Atlantic Division rival Louisville. The Cardinals, coached by North Carolina native Scott Satterfield, looked for the trick in ending NC State's seven-game home winning streak.

Going into the fourth quarter, Coach Satterfield thought he had a basket of full-size chocolate candy bars with the home team seemingly asleep with the light off. In the end, it ended up being a bucket of black licorice for Louisville as the Wolfpack came alive in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Cardinals 21-3, on their way to a 28-13 win.

In the spirit of Halloween, here are a few tricks and treats from tonight's game.

Trick

After starting the game with two nine-play drives, the second of which ended in a touchdown catch by Emeka Emezie, the Wolfpack offense went stagnant over their next six drives, punting each time.

Treat

The Wolfpack finally woke up early in the fourth quarter, with Devin Leary hitting Porter Rooks and Trent Pennix for two long passes, with Pennix's reception resulting in the Pack's second touchdown of the night.

Trick

The Wolfpack defense got hit with two personal foul penalties on a Louisville drive in the fourth quarter.

Treat

The defense rebounded and forced Louisville to kick a field goal.

Trick

The Wolfpack only rushed for eleven yards through three quarters.

Treat

Eleven NC State players recorded at least one reception on the night.

Trick

Louisville QB Malik Cunningham led the Cardinals in rushing and passing for the night.

Treat

The NC State defense stepped up when it mattered, stopping the prolific dual-threat quarterback on a fourth-down twice in the fourth quarter.

 

Notable North Carolinians

Drake Thomas (Heritage) – the sophomore linebacker had fifteen tackles, two sacks, and a pass breakup.

Emeka Emezie (Marvin Ridge) – the senior wide receiver had five catches for ninety-one yards and a touchdown.

Trent Pennix (Sanderson) – the redshirt sophomore running back came alive in the passing game, scoring the go-ahead touchdown early in the fourth quarter.

 

Up Next

Both teams stay in Atlantic Division action next week as NC State (6-2) travels to take on Florida State while Louisville (4-4) hosts Clemson.