00:00
Logan Brumley
Hello and welcome to WKNC's official sports podcast in the Den. Today we're going to be going over the ECU football game that happened last Thursday and the upcoming Virginia football game. We'll be going over the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Classic for women's volleyball, which should beginning as of the time this episode's released. And we will be going over men's soccer as they head off against Chapel Hill I think this Friday. So, you know, get your headphones on and let's get straight to it. All right, we'll start with the football game. So NC State, they took care of business and beat ECU 24-17 and I think overall everyone's really happy with this win.
00:57
Logan Brumley
NC State, I think they took care of stopping that rushing game and forcing Kaden Houser to pass as I mentioned before, with only 1.9 yards per run since some big stops on third or fourth down when ECU ran the ball. However, they did get as many Russian touchdowns as they did pass in as even though Kaden Houser was able to extend drives with his arm, they weren't necessarily able to score, which is pretty big step down from last season's performance. And while I guess this is kind of a different roster from what were seeing last year, I think that still not, I guess it is an excuse, but I don't think they're going to take it as one. But I digress.
01:49
Logan Brumley
Both teams played clean when it came to the turnover game with the only turnover for NC State being a interception by CJ Bailey which was I think looking back at it, I think it was just a real shallow throw and a really good coverage by that cornerback Teagan Wilkes near the end zone. ECU had to force fourth down plays and it resulted on three turnover on downs which was key to helping NC State maintain the momentum in the final minutes of play. I think the only big issues that are appearing just looking at the box score and the highlights is I guess I'd expect more first downs from Hollywood's mother. So I'll get a little bit more into his performance later on.
02:43
Logan Brumley
And there was some foul issues on NC State's part and crucial parts of the drive which is, you know, that's not great. I think there was one in the second quarter where it would have been they probably would have gotten a first down if it wasn't for a hold in penalty. That just kind of took it all away I guess. Some other key takeaways, Wesley Grimes, he is the receiver number one. But what I don't think anyone is really expecting was for true freshman Teddy Hoffman to really pop off and to become a key part to the passing game with I think about 170 yards. I don't think he got a touchdown though, but he got a big part of the receiving game. I really was happy with Hollywood smothers with the 3.5 yards per carry and a touchdown with 22 carries.
03:46
Logan Brumley
I think it is pretty much confirmed that he's going to be our running back for the future and I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing at all, really. Let's see. I. I think Sean Brown and Kaden Fordham, I think they're a great duo. CN Sloan. I thought he was kind of questionable. I think Coach Doran was happy with his performance, so I'll kind of back off. I think I would have liked to see some more big plays from our hybrid linebacker though. Another defensive player I was really happy with is Devin Marshall with the two pass deflected. I think even though this passing defense is far from perfect, I think he had a pretty good show in this game and I guess the last kind of big question I had is who on earth is Nick Konicky?
04:46
Logan Brumley
I don't know how to pronounce it either, but he went 1 for 3 on field goals. Dave Doran mentioned in his press conference that just when it came time to like game situations, Nick really showed himself to be the superior kicker right off the bat even. And I think that he is a either a trio redshirt freshman. So I think there is some leniency on just one bad kicking game that really didn't change the outcome of the game. It's just that, you know, hopefully he will get better as the season goes on and as the games get tighter. I would wish they also didn't really slow down in the second half. I think they had a real explosive second quarter.
05:38
Logan Brumley
But if things start slower against better opposition, especially when that second half is supposed to be about adjustments and getting better, you kind of know what you need to do to win. That could leave NC State in the dust. I don't think it's a major issue, but when I wrote it down that was something I was kind of whining about. Especially since ECU did outscore them in the second half again, didn't matter much. There wasn't really much of a comeback. I guess I like to do like offensive and defensive MVPs. Hollywood smothers with 103 total yards in both passing and running. I think he had the third most amount of yards in the receiving game. He and Teddy Hoffman are tied for first downs total.
06:26
Logan Brumley
But you know Smothers I think kind of popped off more, especially since he's got more experience in this offense and defensive MVP. I have Kaden Fordham with 11 tackles, two tackles for Wallace and a sack. I think this is a great bounce back performance for him after injury and I cannot wait to see what more we can get from him. Honorable mention to Sebastian Harsh with 2.5 tackles for loss and a pass deflected as a defensive lineman. I think getting a pass deflection as a defensive lineman is always a good thing to get opposing mvp. I have Tegan Wilkes just for the interception really now I'll move on. We're going to take a quick look at Virginia. The last time we played them 2023 we're able to beat them in 2024.
07:20
Logan Brumley
However you know since it's early in the season I'm kind of going off 2024 stats. They're pretty middle of the road and most offensive and defensive stats in the conference and our 3, 7 record in the conference kind of reflects that. I mean if you name it they're about like in like the 7th to 10th region when it comes to like passing yards a lot passing yards in general, scoring offense, scoring defense and this team is completely new look with about 54 total new players on the roster and a completely new look on our starting group.
07:58
Logan Brumley
I don't can't really name anyone off the top of my head who is a noteworthy starter in last season and again I didn't watch Virginia because then again 3 and 7 but I think you do kind of have to give some leniency because Coastal Carolina is not what it was with Gracie McCall know sucks what happened to him. I don't think it's much of an indicator but they did have 50% third down efficiency which I thought and about 63% when it comes to passing. That's so kind of. I'll talk a little bit more about that later but I'm going to kind of just break down the six five major elements. Russian offense for NC State As I mentioned before, Hollywood's mothers is really good and C.J.
08:53
Logan Brumley
Bailey got some touchdowns on the ground and helped to get some first downs as well with this legs I'm very nervous about him run it but I think he does look kind of physically bigger than he did last season so I think that will help. You know this I think this Russian team saw figured out for NC State while Virginia, they did give up similar yards and rush performance that Hollywood Smothers had against ecu. Like, you know, playing against Coastal Carolina, they had about. They had a Russian fumble taken away from Coastal Carolina and they did stop some big Russian plays overall. But there was a touchdown. The only touchdown Costa Carolina got was in the rushing game. Coastal Carolina did have three running backs to get close to 30 yards, but none of them did.
09:51
Logan Brumley
And all of their tackles for loss came from the rushing game as well. Which I mean, I guess that's kind of expected. I did not include sacks because tackle for a loss and sacks are kind of recorded differently. But you know, advantage NC State on that. Now the flip side of rushing game, 53 total yards and 1.9 yards per carry looks really good for NC State, especially since they have a really strong defensive line with Harsh Sloan. I think there's some other names I'm forgetting and I think the linebacker corps maybe not necessarily with Sean Brown, but Kaden Fordham was really good and I just think this is a pretty good indicator because I don't think that the running backs are huge step up on their own, but Collectively they're pretty good. 177 yards with about 4.2 average yards.
10:55
Logan Brumley
There's, I think their number one running back, their tailback Jamari Taylor had two touchdowns while Shandra Morris was able to get 50 yards on the zone. The quarterback and Noah Fawn also carried the ball a lot. So that's three people who can run the ball. So that's three different players you kind of have to watch out for. When in the ecu they kind of did shut down the rushing game for Kaden Hauser. I guess everyone got a piece in that kind of low level blowout. But Taylor fond or the centerpieces. Shandra Morris also has that dual threat to him and that could be fido to giving him the edge in a game that could end up also being a quarterback duel. I'll kind of get more into that later, but I guess it's kind of what do you really want.
11:50
Logan Brumley
I mean this is like the weakest unstoppable force immovable object debate. But you know, we gotta go State. We're biased here. Let's see. So kind of going back to the shootout game that I think could happen. The C.J. Bailey Heisman run will keep going. You know, he looked better than architecture, at least 70% passing percentage. One touchdown and sure an interception. But I guess was sort of his fault. I think then again it was great coverage. I Can't. I can't tell you for sure. You know, I think I mentioned everyone else. Wesley Grimes, Teddy Hoffman, Hollywood Smothers, Justin Jolly, Noah Rogers. I think there's one more guy I'm forgetting. I'd like to apologize to every name that I forget. Don't take it personally. You're probably not even gonna listen to this. Hold on. I'm completely spacing out right now. Let's see.
13:05
Logan Brumley
No, no, I guess not. Keenan Jackson and Terrell Anderson, I guess there's a lot more that are out there. They have a lot a deep wide receiver core I believe. And C.J. Bailey has shown that he can improve by improving. So I think this is a really strong passing offense, especially since, I mean, I guess you have to keep going back to how inflated everything is with low level competition. But you know, Virginia had nine past deflections, an interception for this Coastal. Their quarterback, M.J. morris, who I think is an NC State guy, I can't tell you that for sure. Now we're going to go look at that. Okay? Yeah, yeah, I remember him okay. Yeah, he started NC State, went to Maryland and now he's at Coastal where he threw an interception against Virginia.
14:08
Logan Brumley
I think they have a great passing defense and I think they have everything working together so far. But Nancy State will be a tough challenge. Some Virginia defensive players I'd like to give a shout out to Maddox RA Marcellus had a pass deflected, half a sack and half a tackle for loss while Ethan Minter got the interception advantage in C State though. And now for Virginia, Chandler Morris had also 70% accuracy with two touchdowns. Cam Ross is their best receiver by far with 124 yards which is close to half trail. Harris and Jamal Andreen kind of round out the starting three for receivers and I think they both have a challenge facing tether opposition and they'll just come down in January to who you have more faith in when it comes to this quarterback duel.
15:09
Logan Brumley
I think Chandler Morris is a very mature, intelligent quarterback. I think it'll be tough for this passing defense to get especially since NC State wasn't incredibly effective against ECU in the passing defense with about you know, 30 completions I think for almost 200 yards touchdown and I think they. And they completed a lot on third down when it comes to passing. I was wrong about Jacquia's payaway but the Smith duo took care of the business. Rox Baldwin also gets a shout out average 12 yards reception. I think even though this corner group is way improved from last year. I think there still is a lot more that they need to prove and I think beating Chandler Moore's Cam Ross, I think this is where they can. However, I'm going with Virginia again. Special teams.
16:14
Logan Brumley
Nick Kosinski didn't seem that great as a kicker, but he's going to be our kicker for the foreseeable future. I believe only a higher 29 yards like his only field goal completed was a 29 yarder which isn't great. I have faith in him though. You know this is first ever game and you know we got to be there to support him when he comes back out. Our punter Nooncaster did well with 4 punts or soldier than 2 behind the 20 yard line and 46 yard average no returner stats for NC State they were able to or at least their ECU punter was able to kind of keep them from getting any notable yards on returns. Virginia's kicker Will Betridge had did a bit better two or three with a high of 41 and they used two punters.
17:13
Logan Brumley
But I think Daniel Sparks will likely be the starting punter the future since he had a 48 average two punts versus Elijah Woodbeck with a 55 for one. I guess that'll be the position battle to watch out for even though it's probably going to be Daniel Sparks. Yeah, especially since oh, preseason All American a few years ago. I thought that was just now. Oh well. At four scale position players to turn the ball up only average 7 yards unless returned. However, a kickoff return by Cam Moss. Not Cam Ross. Cam. I spelled it two different ways. I'm sorry, I kind of rushed through this. Cam. Is it Cam Moss or Cam Ross? It's Cam Ross. Camros. I was right. He returned a kickoff for a touchdown.
18:15
Logan Brumley
How NC say can win Vantage Special teams Virginia kind of let me clear my head a little bit. I love the offensive performance in the first half for NC State and you know, they showed a winning recipe. I think definitely the best way of beating them would probably be in the rushing game. Just because I think it's going to be a shootout either way I believe. And it's all going to come down to basically once the arms start to kind of lack a little bit who has that cutting edge on the passing or rushing game And Hollywood's mothers I think is better than the Vaughn and Taylor duo and you know, quarterback running.
19:09
Logan Brumley
I think CJ Bay always got the edge so you know they should force mistakes and turnovers on the passing defense which I think if their passing defense can really show up, I'll shut up and I won't really have any questions. You know, improving on their faust and crucial place. I think it's just kind of come down to coaching, which I have full faith in Dorian on. So ultimately I have a. A 3524 NC state, so, you know, pretty good. All right, coming up next, the volleyball Blue Cross and Blue Shield Classic. All right, so the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Classic. All right, so a bit of a recap from the last tournament. The spacing out in the name, but it went 3 and 2 against Akron, 3 and O against army, and 3 and 2 against Green Bay.
20:27
Logan Brumley
So I think some of these start in six and some of the Noble rotation players are starting to fill themselves out. I think most. The ones who got most the reps are Courtney Bryant and Clara Fondren as the outside hitters. Jordan Smith I think beat out Tamira Dorsey on the opposite hitter rotation for the wibero. Susia Mashewicz one out, of course, Ashley Mullen as the setter and always, I think it was always a Filar as the middle back. Although, hold on, let me double check. Okay. No, it was Talia Frank Holmes. Nothing on Sophie Groom. I don't know if she got injured or if she just did not play. I don't know if she graduated. She's listed on the 2025 roster last I checked, so I'm not sure what's happening there.
21:36
Logan Brumley
Little nervous about that, but I think it'll be fine for the most part. Let's see. I'm gonna double check the roster. Yeah, okay, she's there. I don't know. I'm going crazy. Jordan Smith was the big star with 11 kills per game and about 2.54 per set. Some compliments to the offensive game. Courtney Bryant with two kills and 0.62 aces per set, which leads the team and of course team assist. Waiter. As expected, the transfer from ucla, Ashley Mullen were good. Some defensive stars were Talia Francom and Susia Mashisiewicz. 4.38 dicks per set from her Natalia swimming three blocks. So I think that's why she's middleback because she has that 1.3 blocks. Claire Foundron found her home being 2 to 3 on majority and major stats. She's kind of the glue guy, I'd say just because she's consistent all around the board.
23:03
Logan Brumley
Samira Dorsey and Aleja Folar came off the bench to produce when needed, which rounded off a pretty efficient squad that did their job in a tournament I think they thoroughly dominated their opponents and you know they gotta get ready for Manhattan Classic in Kansas. Not the Manhattan, it's in Manhattan Kansas because Kansas State and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Classic where they'll play number 14, Kansas State. Although I think they double. I think they updated the women's volleyball top 25. I'm checking NCAA.com right now. I'm saying number 14 because that's where they were. But however they did have a pretty big loss over the weekend I think right before Labor Day. So yeah, okay, so I think it's an unranked Kansas State and again the confusion. Kansas again one one all time against NC State.
24:12
Logan Brumley
But 1017 last season they had one of the most efficient offenses in the league and took care of business this year with wins against UMBC and Delaware in A K State Invitational. Right now they're leading their league in assists and top two in kills, opponent kills, assists and accuracy percent of a shot. However, they are middle of the league and most defensive stats such as blocks and digs. So this is definitely a team where a lot of the offensive firepower is something to take note of and kind of looking at some of the notable players to watch out for. Ava Legrand is kind of the head honcho for this star offense with, you know, assist sticks and aces.
25:09
Logan Brumley
She's kind of done it all for the team and Shaylee Myers has taken care of most of the scoring when it comes to overall kills and kills per set and that kind of cleared this kind of three headed monster. That's Kansas State retro freshman Anaya Quinton second and third and most. So it's Ava Legrand and Anaya Clinton who are kind of the two most productive players. But Shaylee Myers is the one to worry about when it comes to the potential scoring. I think they're probably going to lean a bit more towards those three. It's going to be kind of firepower versus firepower. Especially since Clinton with grand Myers they're going to ball out because they have not shown that they can slow down just yet.
25:55
Logan Brumley
They're likely going to lean like NC State are going to lean more towards their defensively powerful upperclassmen to take care of business. You know, Sophie Groom as she shows up. Luisa Folar. I think even though Soshia Mashersewitz did kind of help her case, the libero. That may change just depending on how well Kansas State's offense looks. I kind of hate to put that doubt in her. Claire Fondren, Talia Francombe. I think they're going to lean a bit more of those people and then when it comes to trying to outscore them, just kind of keep what's working with Jordan Smith and Courtney Bryant. Let's see. I think they'll take care of business. Four to five sets. Another win for them and another team that they're playing for the first time ever. Nevada. Oh no, all time. But they did go 1716 last season.
27:03
Logan Brumley
They're relatively middle of the road, but they have notable losses against Weber State and UC Irvine. So their future is kind of looking bleak, having to rely on a lot of their younger stars to take care of things. Right now they're last in a conference when it comes to like hits, percentage, assists, kills. But they're pretty middle road in defensive stats. So it's another case where it's kind of the flip where we see stronger defensive identity similar to what we saw with Army. Army. But it's not that great either. You know, army was the one we had the most convincing win against and I think the similar thing will happen here. This is kind of a don't look past Nevada, but this is probably going to be a tune up game for the South Carolina showdown at the net, which is another one.
28:00
Logan Brumley
I'll really go in deep when that comes up. So notable players for Nevada, their team leader and assist is their freshman setter, Audrey Jensen. Jess Walkenhorse and Haley Brown are their kind of dynamic duo of points and kills. And our wibero Kingsley Singleton leads a team in Diggs. So while I don't really expect anyone to have a big star performance, I'm trying to think of a weakness NC State had that Nevada could potentially exploit. But it's just NC State just can't look past them. And I think they'll take care of things in three sets. If they. If it takes four sets, I think it's a failure. I don't mean to be hateful, you know, just kind of. Let's see how they, you know, calibrate after the Kansas State game though.
29:00
Logan Brumley
I mean, with a win they just kind of keep things going and prepare for South Carolina if they lose. You know, maybe it'd be time to give some of these older players a little bit more reps. Maybe we might see a bit of Rebecca Ring or maybe Sophie Groom might show up again. Willie Cropper. I'm not sure what to see. I'll definitely be watching again to see what happens, but I think they'll take care of business in both games. All right, so the final part is UNC Chapel Hill Gaming to Raleigh and men's soccer. All right, I don't mean to hold you all for too long, but we're going to talk just about how great NC State men's soccer is for a little bit.
29:51
Logan Brumley
I beat FIU with two goals in the second half to go 20 and have not lost a game yet in the season. I think they played like four, maybe five matches and haven't lost at all and have even had to worry about losing so far. NTC only had 10 fouls to their opponent's 20, so I like seeing that kind of clean up with the foul trouble even though they are bottom in the league when it comes to it. And those 20 fouls included a penalty goal for Drew lovelace in the 79th minute, which kind of sealed the game. Defensively, NC State was really dominant this Fieu only got two shots on goal and six total blocks were kind of towed against them.
30:44
Logan Brumley
So three times the amount of blocks as there was shots on goal for them, which is really impressive, especially since I was a bit worried about FIU offensively heading into the game. Our goalie Logan Earp, he has life on easy mode as he was able to turn both of those shots and goals into saves and has the best save shots on goal efficiency in the league right now. When I say league I always refer to the ACC. FIU had to have 11 shots on goals dealt with since NC Stages continues to be an offensive powerhouse. Philip Donovan of course, and substitute Frankly DeFrancesco both had three shots on goals, but Justin McLean and Drew Wealthlace got the goals in that mid second half like that 72, 79 minute range.
31:48
Logan Brumley
As expected, everyone showed up for the work that they were promised to do and I have no critiques except seeing a bit more from Tag Healy. But you know, shout out to the defensive group of Ryan Maloney, Nikola Markovich and A Isaac Hefts who have been the front line of this defensive group playing about 90 minutes every night. You know, I said there's no complaints, things are kind of riding high and I just hope that it stays that way heading into conference competition because you know, historically UNC has not been anything to scoff at. Maybe as of late you could really try to argue it. I think they fell. Yeah, they fell at the top 25 recently while NC State's at 5. So let's see.
32:46
Logan Brumley
UNC, they're 3 and 1 so far with wins against Seattle, UCF and Evansville, but they lost to Charleston on Monday night. Their goalie Andrew Cordes has a 56% save accuracy which is about bottom three, five saves and four goals given up. However, they are third in the ACC and fouls and bottom four goals allowed. Like they gave up four goals, which is more than most of them can say. Remember, out of conference schedule. Take it all with a bit of a grain of salt. Offensively, Ryan Dugan is the only guy with multiple goals. However, they have seen a lot of players get to kick it in. Luka Nikolai, Gabriel Bracken, Sarah Nacho Abel. Wow. Nicole Ice I mentioned the name I mentioned before.
33:45
Logan Brumley
Andrew Sech are both tied with one assist and Nacho Abeo has five shots on goal, which is about eighth in the entire acc. This UNC team's a failure. They are fairly low in every conference stats and their wins also come from low competition. Both teams are in for trouble with this ACC record season opener. I will give UNC credit because of just increase the competition. I think it's supposed to get harder and harder as you head into the conference schedule. I can't really say that's the case here. Defensively, I think NTC just cannot let them kind of gel together and start dishing out kicks because they can get multiple shots for multiple players going as long as they kind of keep their momentum high. And I think NC State will kind of have to put in this fiu.
34:50
Logan Brumley
Maybe not completely, but just kind of half if they want to kind of keep themselves from losing. You know, anyone could come alive in this UNC games, I feel like. So they need to kind of steal the momentum early on with goals, you know, within. Like if they can get a goal within the first 20 minutes, then I'll turn off the TV and head to bed. I think neither goalie has faced competition like they have now, so they both need to be in top shape for this increase in competition. While it does feel like this should be a safe win for NC State, they should stay smart and take advantage of the weak spots like Charleston College did. It's going to be fun to watch our rival get beat. I have them losing 3:1 Tennessee State.
35:49
Logan Brumley
It's going to be fun, I think, and it's going to be a great way to build some positive momentum, head into the ACC schedule. Especially since I think it's far from the easiest thing in the world. Like some of the games in the men's soccer schedule that I'll probably be talking about in the future. Let's see, I don't actually talk about them for a couple weeks. Dang a while actually. I have to fix that Men's soccer versus Virginia. I have late September, Clemson in early October. Let's see Notre Dame head into fall break and then we kind of start going into conference tournaments around Halloween. I'll definitely see if I can squeeze in another one. I think I've talked more about women's soccer so far, so I've kind of leaned more into it. But I think we'll probably change that in the future.
37:02
Logan Brumley
All right, I guess one more thing before I kind of head out. I will be talking more about this later on as I do my in depth preparation for women's soccer headed into the regular season but they did release as of recording they released their out of and in conference schedule and I would just kind of want to see just some of the biggest questions. NC State men women's sock basketball. Whoo. I'm all over the place. Women's basketball troubles heading into out of conference schedule. Who's going to be the number two guard to Zoe Brooks, for instance? Asia James, Nia Rivers and Hayes. They all left. I would like to see Kaden Samuel, the Yukon transfer, our four star recruit, Attaway Jernigan or Samuraiah Jones try to take that mantle. I think Samurai Jones has the best shot just because she's been here before.
38:05
Logan Brumley
Seven points a game, about two rebounds, two assists. I think Attaway Jernigan's a great prospect who can, who definitely have a role with Zoe Brooks. Like I say, I'll go more into it as we get there. And Caden Samuel, Yukon transfer. She's got to be good, right? Guess the other big question is what is our forward position looking like? You know, Maria Arwell, Tilda Trigger, Mallory Collier. There's no depth. Westmore is definitely going to have to lean more into the small ball style. It'll be interesting to see how this works out and just, you know, I'm worried about it but at the same time I'm not. I think that, you know, they got there before to probably get back there. I just, I don't love it. I don't love it.
39:12
Logan Brumley
Well, we'll see what happens with this in the future, but I guess that's all for today, really. Hope you enjoyed listening today's episode. Let's see in our next episode we'll be going over Wake Forest. It's our next opponent, Notre Dame. Women's soccer might switch out to the men's just depend on how the women's soccer is looking and then that showdown, the net volleyball against South Carolina. So thank you for listening have a good day and go pack.
