After a tough loss to Notre Dame last week, the NC State Wolfpack were looking to get back on the right track when they hosted VMI on Saturday.

The Wolfpack entered the game as 42.5 favorites, and it was clear from the very beginning of the game that VMI was no match for NC State.

NC State got up in this game early, and never looked back en route to the 45-7 victory.

Here are some takeaways as Dave Doeren’s team turns its attention to their first conference game at Virginia next Saturday.

Robert Kennedy had the Game of his NC State Career

Kennedy is currently in his 4th season as a member of the NC State football team, and he entered this game with 0 sacks and 1 career interception.

In the win against VMI, he had a 30-yard interception for a touchdown, 4 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He was all over the field for the Wolfpack defense, providing the team with numerous big plays.

The Wolfpack had only 1 interception entering the game, so forcing turnovers is something the defense needs to do.

Get the ball in Julian Gray’s hands

Gray touched the ball a total of 4 times in the win, but he had 174 all-purpose yards when he had the ball in his hands.

He got his day started with a 60-yard reception that helped the Wolfpack to a touchdown. He had 2 catches for 80 yards on the day.

However, it was in the special teams game where he also made his mark, as he returned a kickoff 82 yards for a touchdown right after VMI had scored their lone touchdown of the game.

As the Wolfpack get into ACC play, they are going to need to be able get big plays, and Gray showed he is more than capable of doing that.

Balanced Offensive Attack Key Moving Forward

NC State had the type of balance that coaches dream of. Brennan Armstrong was incredibly efficient all day, completing 27-of-32 passes for 264 yards and 1 touchdown. He didn’t force throws where they didn’t need to be thrown, but he also did a great job of giving his receivers a chance to make a play with the ball.

On the ground, the Wolfpack were equally as balanced. No one jumps off the page in terms of rushing yards, but the team carried the ball 36 times for 203 yards. Kendrick Raphael (16 carries for 85 yards) and Michael Allen (6 carries for 47 yards) led the way, but III Delbert Mims also carried 7 times for 35 yards and 2 touchdowns.

If NC State is able to run the ball like this moving forward, it should allow what can be a very dynamic passing game more opportunities for the big play.