N.C. State plans to get offense in gear vs. William & Mary

RALEIGH

N.C. State was shut out in its season opener, losing 34-0 at South Carolina nine days ago.

The Wolfpack was shut out in its 2007 season finale, losing 37-0 to Maryland in a game that had bowl implications for both teams.

That's the first time N.C. State has laid back-to-back goose eggs since 1956.

So the story line going into tonight's home opener against William & Mary at Carter-Finley Stadium is clear. Can the offense get its act together, and can it outscore a William & Mary team that traditionally scores a lot of points and gives up a lot of points?

Quarterback Daniel Evans, who is expected to start in place of injured Russell Wilson, summed up the challenge succinctly.

"For our own confidence, I think it would be huge for us to come out and really just move the ball well," Evans told reporters early in the week.

The problem has been compounded because injuries continue to plague the offense. Wilson suffered a Grade III concussion against South Carolina and is listed as questionable. Tight end Anthony Hill is out with a bruised chest, and running back Jamelle Eugene is out for the second straight week with an ankle injury.

Coach Tom O'Brien talked of a "Curse of the Wolfpack" when the team lost wide receiver Donald Bowens, running back Toney Baker and others in the preseason, and he is even more concerned now.

"I was kidding then," O'Brien said. "It's starting to get serious now. But it is what it is. The best thing we can do is move forward, and other guys are going to have to step up."

N.C. State managed a mere 138 yards in total offense against South Carolina, with tailback Andre Brown accounting for 101 yards on 21 carries. State committed four turnovers, an ominous start after it had the most turnovers in the ACC last season. Turnovers led to South Carolina's first two scores, after N.C. State's defense had played well in the early stages.

N.C. State also was limited to 10 first downs, and its longest drive against South Carolina stalled after covering 41 yards.

"We have to start making first downs," Evans said. "That's what Coach was talking about. First downs produce touchdowns. You can't have the touchdown before the first down. As a whole and for me personally, (it's about) just taking what the defense gives me and staying on schedule. Getting it in third and short, and second and manageable, so that we have a chance to keep making first downs."

O'Brien wants to see improvement in the passing game in particular. Evans (4 of 12 for 37 yards, two interceptions), Wilson and Harrison Beck combined to go 5 of 20 for 49 yards against South Carolina. Owen Spencer was the leading receiver with three catches for 27 yards, and others either dropped passes or struggled to get open.

"When we got into the throwing portion of the game, we weren't good in any phase whether it be offensive line, whether it be the quarterback, or whether it be the wide receivers," O'Brien said. "So we've had a lot to chew over and digest, and there's certain things that we have to do as coaches and they have to do as players to be much more successful if we have to get into a throwing contest at the end of the game."

William & Mary will be playing its season opener.

The Tribe finished 4-7 last year and was picked to finish fifth in the Colonial Athletic Association's Southern Division preseason poll. But it has plenty of experience, with nine starters returning on defense and eight on offense.

Coach Jimmye Laycock, in his 29th season at William & Mary, will use the talents of quarterback Jake Phillips and receiver Elliott Mack, who were All-CAA picks last season. Phillips threw for 2,801 yards and 19 touchdowns, and Mack caught 46 passes for 849 yards. The Tribe averaged 396.2 yards and 29 points a game last season.

Courtland Marriner, last season's leading rusher, has been injured throughout the preseason and won't play tonight.

"You know Jimmye Laycock's going to have a good offensive football team," O'Brien said. "He's got a four-year quarterback, he's got a four-year wideout. He's solid in the middle, he returns both guards and the center. So, you know, he has some weapons. It sounds like his tailback's hurt, which is probably to our advantage because he's a real good player.

"Defensively, I think they grew up a lot last year. They've got three guys back up front, two linebackers and three guys in the secondary. They've got a lot of experience. They haven't played a game. They've gotten to watch us and know what we do. So they'll come in here, and we're well aware of what they can do."

Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. State officials said they will monitor weather conditions, with heavy storms forecast for this morning and afternoon. Conditions are expected to improve by late afternoon.

■ John Delong can be reached at jdelong@wsjournal.com.