Durham, NC – In a postgame press conference following a disappointing 45-33 loss to Duke, NC State’s Head Coach Dave Doeren acknowledged the team’s struggles and highlighted critical mistakes that contributed to the defeat. With a two-score lead at one point in the game, Doeren emphasized the importance of accountability and execution, noting that turnovers and penalties ultimately derailed the Wolfpack’s chances for victory. As the team prepares to regroup, Doeren remains optimistic about their potential to learn from this setback.
The Game Overview: A Missed Opportunity
The Wolfpack entered the game against Duke with high hopes, aiming to build on their previous successes. However, the game quickly turned into a missed opportunity as NC State failed to capitalize on key moments. Doeren opened his remarks by congratulating Duke for their performance, recognizing their ability to come back and seize the win. “We had a chance with a two-score lead,” he lamented, “but there were a lot of mistakes in that game that hurt us.”
Special Teams Struggles
One of the most significant issues highlighted by Doeren was the performance of the special teams. The Wolfpack faced challenges that included a missed extra point and a blocked kick, which shifted the momentum in favor of Duke. “We’re chasing points after a missed extra point,” Doeren explained, indicating how such errors can change the course of a game. Additionally, a penalty on the first punt allowed Duke to convert a crucial fourth down, further compounding the Wolfpack’s troubles.
Turnovers and Defensive Breakdown
Turnovers have been a recurring theme for NC State this season, and the game against Duke was no exception. Doeren noted that the team turned the ball over too many times, which not only affected their offensive rhythm but also placed additional pressure on the defense. “You can’t give up that many points,” he stated, acknowledging the defensive lapses that allowed Duke to capitalize on their mistakes.
The coach pointed out that the defense had moments of success, including two stops during sudden changes after turnovers, but ultimately failed to contain explosive plays. “You can’t give up explosive touchdowns,” he emphasized, underscoring the need for the defense to tighten their performance moving forward.
Bright Spots: Individual Performances
Despite the overall disappointment, there were bright spots in the game, particularly with the performance of wide receiver Terrell Anderson, who recorded a career-high of 166 yards. Doeren praised the depth of the receiving corps, noting that different players have stepped up in various games this season. “It’s a good room,” he said, referring to the wide receivers, “and CJ trusts those guys.” This trust allows for a more dynamic offense, as players know they can be called upon at any moment.
Momentum Shifts and Game Dynamics
The dynamics of the game shifted significantly during critical moments, particularly around halftime. Doeren discussed the importance of momentum, especially after scoring before halftime and receiving the opening kickoff. “That middle part of the two minutes before the half, two minutes after the half, can flip the score,” he explained. Unfortunately for the Wolfpack, they failed to regain momentum after halftime, allowing Duke to capitalize on their mistakes.
Accountability and Moving Forward
As the team prepares to analyze the game film, Doeren emphasized the importance of accountability. He conveyed a message to his players that they are better than what they showed on the field. “Talk is great, but action is what matters,” he stated, urging his players to learn from their mistakes. The upcoming days will involve tough discussions and a focus on improving execution in practice, as the Wolfpack aims to bounce back from this defeat.