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NC State's Wide Receiver C.J. Riley Talked To Local Media About Starting For The Wolf PackWolfpack Outlast the Dukes 24-13
Raleigh- NC -With much of the talk around the ACC being centered around the Clemson Tigers the N.C. State Wolfpack are quietly flying under the radar with arguably the best quarterback in the conference in Ryan Finley. Finley, who amassed over 3500 yards passing last year is back with new weapons and the same accuracy that enabled him to complete an average of 24 passes per game last year, good for 9th best in FBS. Although the Wolfpack had seven players selected in the first seven rounds of the NFL Draft the Wolfpack are still a force to be reckoned with thanks to the consistency of Finley. The Wolfpack have the ninth toughest schedule in the country which will challenge any team but especially a young one. Facing NC State in the opener were the James Madison Dukes who must feel like the Rodney Dangerfield of college football because they get no respect. I don't care what level of football you play in if you compile a 28-2 record over two seasons you are doing a fantastic job. More importantly they have beaten their past two FBS opponents so needless to say the Wolfpack weren't going to overlook the Dukes. On the Wolfpack opening drive Finley reminded the N.C. State faithful that despite loosing a ton of talent to the NFL, that he was back and with him the hopes of an ACC Championship are still in sight. He was razor sharp completing six of eight passes for 53-yards but the 12-play drive stalled when running back Baker Williams fumbled giving JMU the ball with some momentum. James Madison quarterback Ben DiNucci would lead his team on an eight play 68-yard touchdown drive that was capped off with a 5-yard touchdown reception by wide reciever Riley Stapleton that gave the Dukes a 7-0 lead with just over four mintues left to go in the first quarter. The redshirt junior transfer from the University of Pittsburg played well completing 23-of-27 passes for 197 yards and a touchdown. On the ensuing Wolfpack possession Finley would drive the Wolfpack again but the JMU defense would stiffen forcing the Pack to settle for a 25-yard field goal from kick Christopher Dunn to cut the JMU lead to 7-3. Special teams would then make a big play for the Wolfpack. Redshirt freshman punt returner Thayer Thomas who had just earned a scholarship as a walk on fielded a punt at his own 22-yard line and scampered up the left sideline for a 40-yard return. Finley and the N.C. State offense were set up with great field position at the JMU 38 and they didn't let it go to waste. At the JMU 16-yard line Finley would hit Thomas on an outside fIair pass that Thomas promptly turned up field down right the right sideline to pay dirt. What a way for a true freshman to start his collegiate career! The reception gave the Wolfpack their first lead at 10-7 while seding the 56, 073 fans at Carter-Finley Stadium into a frenzy. With JMU driving with under four minutes to go in the half it was time for the Wolfpack defense to leave their imprint on the game. On a third and goal from the Wolfpack six-yard linebacker Ibrahim Kante sacked DiNucci while he was scrambling that caused a fumble that was recovered by Eurndraus Bryant and returned for 20 yards to the NC State 30 and then he fumbled but State retained possession. The turnover was a huge turn of events and with just over three minutes to go in the half Finley would take the field again smelling an opportunity to widen the Wolfpack lead. On a 3rd and two from the JMU 14-yard line Finley found his 6'5 wide receiver C.J. Riley for a touchdown. Riley made a fantastic leaping catch with a defender draped all over him but Riley simply would not be denied. His spectacular catch put the Wolfpack up 17-7 entering halftime. "It was a great play," remarked N.C. State head coach Dave Doeren. "Last year he would of been a bit more nervous and timid in those situations but now he's playing more like he's 6'5. He's got strong hands and for him to go up and come down with the ball was a really big play." It was a heck of a catch," added Finley. I just gave him a shot up there and he's a tall guy so he just went up and got it. It was fun to see him get in the end zone." Riley shared these emotions about his fantastic catch after the game , "It meant alot to me (catching the touchdown pass). I have alot of friends and family here watching me and I was just prepared for the moment." The sophomore who had just nine catches last year promises to get more big play opportunities following a catch like that. JMU played especially tough defense in the second half allowing a mere touchdown but their offense was shutdown and the Wolfpack went on to win 24-13. "James Madison is a really good football team," remarked Doeren. "Our red zone defense was exceptional, they got down there five times and we only gave up one touchdown." Finley was efficient and took care of the football. He finished completing 29-of-43 passes for 309 yards and two touchdowns. "Having a quarterback who is going to play in the NFL is a huge deal," added Doeren. "He's so calm and is so level headed and it just gives you that comfort as a coach." "I think we have to do better," remarked Finley after the game. It was good to get out of here with a win but there's alot to clean up." JMU played hard in the defeat as they will move on to face Georgia State. Meanwhile next week the Wolfpack take on Georgia State before their biggest test in week three when they host potential Heisman candidate Will Grier and the high flying Mountaineers from West Virginia. By: Euan McCreath
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