North Carolina State Missing Two Linemen Vs. Miami

According to News Observer, N.C. State will be without two of their starting big men this Saturday at Miami.  “Right tackle

Sept 22, 2012; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack cornerback David Amerson (1) gestures to the crowd during the first half of a game against the Citadel Bulldogs at Carter Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-US PRESSWIRE

Andrew Wallace and left tackle Rob Crisp will both miss the [Miami] game with injuries.”

“Wallace, a senior, injured his left foot in last Saturday’s 52-14 win over The Citadel and will miss his first game of the season.  Crisp, a junior, will miss his fourth straight game with a back injury, according to the injury report released by N.C. State on Thursday morning.”

Also listed on the Wolfpack’s injury report:

OUT FOR GAME

* RB James Washington – ankle

* OT Rob Crisp – lower back

* OT Andrew Wallace – foot

OUT FOR SEASON

* DT Jacob Kahut – knee

* LB Michael Peek – knee

North Carolina State (3-1) has struggled with their offensive line all year.  Protecting QB Mike Glennon is going to be a challenge for the Wolfpack and they have given up 3.5 sacks per game on the year.  Against UCONN, the Pack gave up a total of six sacks.  It is crucial that the ‘Canes establish a pass-rush early on (note to D’Onofrio) as Glennon is not the most mobile of quarterbacks.

If Stephen Morris can continue to work the short pass and limit his turnovers, Miami (3-1) should be okay.

The Wolfpack’s best defensive back is David Amerson and Morris should know where he stands at all times.  Amerson is considered by most to be a first-round NFL pick when he decides to enter the draft.

Although Miami as a team has been inconsistent this year – especially of defense – they must continue to pressure the QB, feed RB Mike James the ball and let QB Stephen Morris control the offense.

If the defense remembers their assignments and Morris leads a balanced attack, Miami will escape Sun Life Stadium with a win.