Tech staves off late push by Wolfpack, wins 28-26

Photo courtesy of Taylor Gray, Student PublicationsFor a team that turned around following a shutout by a top-25 team to play a primetime game less than a week afterwards, Tech showed no sluggish effects from the get-go. It took all of three plays for the Jackets to march to the end-zone on the first play of the game, with a pair of James Graham passes to Malachi Carter and Ahmarean Brown, respectively for 71 yards on the short drive. That drive set the tempo for the Tech offense —the Jackets busted open the NC State defense to the tune of 395 yards and 28 points. Even though those eye-opening numbers came against a middling NC State defense, it was still a promising showing for a Tech offense that has produced thus far this season only in fits and starts.The second half was another story, as Tech slowed offensively and allowed NC State to get back into the game. Tech was outscored 23-7 in the second half, with a Graham touchdown providing the only score for the Jackets. Tech held firm, however, when it mattered most — thanks to pressure from Christian Campbell, NC State failed a game-tying two-point conversion, and Tech was able to run out the clock for the victory, 28-26. Here were the biggest takeaways from Tech’s penultimate game of the season.

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