Here we go.
Well, CJ Bailey, welcome to the party, pal. Dave Doeren announced Monday that the true freshman will make his first career start this weekend. Grayson McCall does not have a season-ending injury and Doeren called him day-to-day, but he will not be ready by Saturday.
Doeren: “It’s not a season-ending thing. It’s a day to day thing. We’re gonna take our time with it until Grayson’s healthy. CJ’s gonna run the show until Grayson is healthy.” Seems like a good chance Tigers will see a true freshman starting QB on Saturday https://t.co/REJPdkvHMV
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) September 16, 2024
Tough circumstances, but this is a low-pressure situation in the sense that NC State is a substantial underdog, and maybe that will help. Expectations aren’t huge, and State can overcome one loss in the league standings. State’s prospects in this game probably aren’t that much worse with Bailey under center, anyway; it’d be nice to have your veteran guy starting a tough road game, but Bailey looks like he might bring more playmaking ability to the table.
In more encouraging injury news, State should be with both starting corners in Death Valley.
NC State coach Dave Doeren says starting cornerback Aydan White (who missed La Tech game with injury) is “fine” and should be ready to go against Clemson this weekend. Says another starting CB, Brandon Cisse, will also be ready after leaving midgame with injury last Sat
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) September 16, 2024
I thought the reserves handled themselves pretty well against Louisiana Tech but there were some critical mistakes that need to be avoided for State to have a chance against the Tigers.