Whether it’s M.J. Morris, Ben Finley, or Jack Chambers under center for the Wolfpack on Friday afternoon, the quarterback needs to be able to operate with a clean pocket. UNC has yet to register more than two sacks in any game this year against an FBS opponent, but NC State’s offensive line has struggled this year. On four different occasions, the Wolfpack have allowed more than two sacks, including a season-high five given up in last week’s loss to Louisville.
The line has been especially poor since the loss of center Grant Gibson. Not only has pass protection been suspect (at best), the run game has suffered.