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N.C. State’s offense has ruled the field the past two years, partially because of talent that emerged on that side of the ball, but some was by necessity.
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Injuries, coaching changes and other variables impacted the defensive efficiency. This season, the Wolfpack wants to see the defense reemerge as a major factor.
Harvey Dyson, a hybrid linebacker and Tulane transfer, said the defense wants to “run this thing.” It wants to be the unit that leads the team and picks it up and not have to rely on CJ Bailey and the offense to outscore opponents.
N.C. State is in its second season under defensive coordinator DJ Eliot, who replaced Tony Gibson, and transitioned from a 3-3-5 defense to a four-man front. Eliot said last season was about recruiting to the scheme and teaching existing players the new system.
A year later, the defense feels more settled. The coaching staff is closer to the personnel, knowing each player’s strengths and weaknesses after coaching or recruiting each player. After teaching almost everyone the fundamental scheme, there is a greater understanding — at least among the veterans — about the expectations and what on-field success looks like, too.
“When we got here, we needed to recruit to the scheme,” Eliot said. “That’s when we signed those guys last year. A lot of those guys are gone, but we were able to recruit freshmen, and we were able to recruit new transfers to fill those spots, too. We feel like we’ve got a good amount of guys that fit what we’re trying to do.”
N.C. State focused heavily on cohesion, accountability and urgency, Dyson and safety Ronnie Royal said.
“If we don’t have accountability, then you’re not gonna never be able to achieve what you want to achieve,” Dyson said. “You gotta be accountable in everything you do.”
That collective mindset is manifesting in on-field growth and progress. Defenders are hitting hard, swarming to the ball and putting pressure on the offense.
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Eliot said the defense has prioritized getting to the quarterback and sacking him, football included. Former N.C. State defenders Cian Slone and Sabastian Harsh made a lot of tough contact, but they didn’t record as many sacks as they wanted.
There is a clearer sense of confidence after struggling with those areas in the past two years.
“I love it. That’s our identity,” Royal said of the defense’s toughness. “All we do is work. We get out each and every day, and we just grind. Seeing that we are taking off-season (work) to the field in fall camp is amazing. We can just keep growing from there.”
In 13 seasons under head coach Dave Doeren, the Wolfpack held opposing teams under 30 points per game. It held opponents under 25 points in five different seasons. The Wolfpack allowed fewer than 20 points per game in 2021 and 2022, ranking in the national top 15.
Its best number came in 2022, when it held teams to 326.9 total yards, 100.7 rushing yards and 19.2 points, ranking No. 11.
Last fall, the Pack allowed opponents to score 27.2 points per game, ranking No. 82 in the country. It ranked No. 109 in total defense, giving up 411.9 yards per game. N.C. State, however, held UNC (19), Florida State (11) and Memphis (7) under 20 points to close out the season. It recorded six of its 20 sacks in the final two games of the season.
N.C. State started to find its groove in November and wants to build on what it began.
“When I hear N.C. State, I think about defense,” Dyson said. “Even if that mindset has transferred the last few years, well, we’re here to bring it back.”
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