MJ Morris leads NC State to comeback win over Virginia Tech
NC State defeated Virginia Tech 22-21 on Thursday night in Raleigh.
It was a comeback win for the Wolfpack, who trailed 21-3 at one point in the second half before mounting a massive comeback.
The effort was led by true freshman quarterback MJ Morris, who completely transformed NC State’s offense in the second half. He finished the game 20-of-29 for 263 yards and 3 touchdowns in the win.
The offensive outburst was necessary for NC State to have any chance in this game — let alone complete the comeback victory. Jack Chambers was ineffective as the starter, completing just 6-of-13 passes for 31 yards.
Here are a few highlights from Morris’ performance:
MJ Morris with an absolute DIME to Thayer Thomas for the 35 yard TD! #NCState pic.twitter.com/SED8PWNqTP
— 𝗙𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪 @𝗙𝗧𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱𝟳 (@FTBeard7) October 28, 2022
NC STATE IS BACK IN IT!! Ridiculous 43 yard catch by Terrell Timmons, next play MJ Morris hits Trent Pennix for the 7 yard TD! #Wolfpack pic.twitter.com/6XOMQvo7i1
— 𝗙𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪 @𝗙𝗧𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱𝟳 (@FTBeard7) October 28, 2022
It’s not often that a quarterback provides a revelatory performance like this midway through a season, but that’s exactly what happened on Saturday night in Raleigh.
Morris’ play is significant for reasons beyond this game. He gives NC State hope of finishing this season on a high note despite Devin Leary’s season-ending injury.
NC State is now 6-2 on the season and officially bowl-eligible for the third consecutive season under Dave Doeren. The Wolfpack also now have a reasonable path to 10 wins — with a bowl game victory — with Morris under center. It would require NC State winning three of its final four regular season games, but it’s possible. The Wolfpack have not won 10+ games in a season since 2002.
NC State faces Wake Forest in Week 10.