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Last week, the Yellow Jackets made some notable changes among the defensive starters, and it seemed to play out very well. In the process of winning, the defense held UVA's offense to only 10 points and shut them out completely in the second half.
Now, let's take a look at what I'm keeping an eye out for this week.
1. The Defense
Me mentioning the defense every week seems to be starting some sort of trend. I did it against Pitt and the defense forced a bunch of fumbles. I did it last week, and they shut UVA out in the second half.
The defense will definitely have their hands full, however, with a very talented QB going at it for the Wolfpack, which also happens to be number two on this list.
2. Jacoby Brissett
The former-Gator QB has been somewhat of a miracle worker for the Wolfpack this year. Coming in and starting immediately, Brissett has performed quite well, leading NC State to five wins already this season.
He's also put up pretty good numbers this season. He has completed 61.3 percent of his passes, passing for 1982 yards, seven touchdowns and only three picks. He hasn't been super effective on the ground (only averaging 2.5 ypc), but he is still a threat to run in this offense.
Dave Doeren definitely knows how to use a running QB, as evidenced by Jordan Lynch during his tenure at Northern Illinois. If Ted Roof and the defense want to keep up the good work they were doing last week, it all starts with finding away to put some consistent pressure on Brissett.
3. Pat Gamble's Health
Speaking of putting consistent pressure on the quarterback. Pat Gamble went down during the game last week with what looked to possibly be a severe injury.
In his first start of the year last week at DE, Gamble played very well according to the eye test. He only registered two tackles on the stat board, but he looked to be aiding in the effort to get consistent pass rush against UVA. The pass rush as a whole looked far superior than it had in any other game this year.
Gamble is not currently listed on the injury report, much to my surprise, but that does not necessarily mean that he is 100 percent, or that he will even start. The coaching staff will definitely need to keep an eye on him this week to prevent him from getting hurt more severely.
That's what I'm looking for. What are you keeping an eye on?