By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Devin Leary throws a late game-winner to Emeka Emezie to give NC State a 30-29 win.

1. That’s an impressive victory against a very good Pittsburgh team for Dave Doeren and NC State. What a game it was, too. Quarterback Devin Leary led a late 8-play, 79-yard game-winning drive that ended with a clutch 13-yard touchdown pass to Emeka Emezie. Leary and Emezie were the stars of the afternoon for the Wolfpack and made big play after big play, especially down the stretch. In a wild fourth quarter, NC State proved true in a clutch moments in a dramatic 30-29 win.

2. Quarterback Devin Leary had the game of his career against an elite defense. He completed 28-of-44 passes for 336 yards and four touchdowns, two of them coming over the final 8:16 of the fourth quarter. On the late game-winning drive, Leary was unflappable: 6-for-8 for 79 yards and the memorable game-winner to Emeka Emezie.

3. Give a lot of credit to the NC State offensive line. Pittsburgh, which led the nation in sacks per game game in 2019 and entering this weekend ranking number one in the country with 17 total sacks, boasts a NFL defensive front. The Wolfpack gave up just two sacks on 44 pass attempts. The job NC State did up front was quite remarkable and the set the tone for an afternoon of offensive production.

4. In addition to the perimeter work of Emeka Emezie, tight end Cary Angeline continues to prove why he is one of the nation’s best. Angeline caught four passes for 60 yards and two touchdowns, a key fourth quarter 25-yarder included.

5. The offensive production was there for Pittsburgh, with quarterback Kenny Pickett throwing for 411 yards, but it was an atypical defensive showing. The Panthers also committed 13 penalties for 125 yards.