Behind the numbers: NC State’s secondary depth steps up in win at UNC

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Nov 30, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack cornerback Jackson Vick (22) sacks North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Jacolby Criswell (12) leaving 7 seconds in the fourth quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Before the ball left the tee on the opening kickoff at North Carolina’s Kenan Stadium, NC State was already down a starting cornerback as senior Aydan White wasn’t dressed. By the time the first drive of the second quarter rolled around, the Pack’s other starting corner, sophomore Brandon Cisse, exited with an injury after a late hit from a Tar Heels offensive lineman. It wasn’t the spot NC State expected to be in, but the Wolfpack was quickly playing with a pair of backup cornerbacks in its season finale against its arch rival. Oh, and NC State had to turn to reserve safety Rente Hinton after starter (but really backup since Devan Boykin has been out all season) Bishop Fitzgerald left early with an injury. Add in a rotation with backup nickel Isaiah Crowell as Tamarcus Cooley wasn’t 100% and the Wolfpack’s secondary was piecemealed together.