Box Score

(Yds/carry stats are calculated after removing sacks from the equation.)

It's not often you can win a conference game while averaging less than four yards per play, much less win a conference game without having to sweat the last few minutes. NC State's defense was just that good on Saturday; or  Carolina's offense was just that out of sorts. Either way.

Statistically it was the best performance by State's defense since it held Murray State to 36 total yards in 2009. Excluding I-AA opponents, it's the best performance since at least 2006. As it relates to this season, it's another indicator of progress in the second half of the season. Sandwiched around that Florida State game are two fantastic defensive efforts. If they can maintain that focus the rest of the way, 7-5 will seem more doable than it did a few weeks ago.

State's offense, on the other hand, is sputtering pretty badly right now. The Pack's been held under 300 total yards and 4.0 yards per play in two straight games and hasn't cracked five yards per play since October 1st.