NC State vs. Maryland Game Notes

Pack Gets On Board Early: The Wolfpack scored its first touchdown just 52 seconds into today’s game on a 17-yard pass from Russell Wilson to George Bryan. That was the earliest offensive score for NC State since the Nov. 5, 2005 game versus Florida State, when the Pack scored just 17 seconds in on a 65-yard run by Andre Brown. Earlier this season versus Murray State, the Pack scored 1:16 into the game.

Bowens Scores First TD in Two Years: When Donald Bowens scored on a 35-yard reception in the first quarter today, it marked his first score since Oct. 27, 2007. Bowens missed the entire 2008 season with a back injury and didn’t return until the third game of the 2009 campaign. For his career, Bowens has six TD catches.

Czajkowski Kicks Career Long: It might not have been good from 49 yards, but Josh Czajkowski’s 48-yard field goal at the 3:57 mark in the first quarter was the longest of the junior’s career. It marked only the second time he attempted a kick over 45 yards (49 yards vs. USC in 2008), and his previous career long was a 43-yarder in the 2009 season opener against South Carolina.

Offensive Line Shuffle: NC State used its fourth different starting lineup of the season on the offensive line. Before today, the Pack had used the same starting combination in the last five games, but had to make two switches today. Redshirt freshman Andrew Wallace started the game at left tackle for Jake Vermiglio, and senior Andy Barbee filled in at right guard R.J. Mattes, who started the first eight games of the season.

Wilson the Touchdown Maker: With his three touchdown passes on the day, Russell Wilson continues to sit in third place in the NCSU record books with his 24 TD passes on the season. Philip Rivers is the only player ahead of Wilson in the NC State record book, as Rivers threw 34 in 2003 and 25 in 2000. As far as touchdown responsibility, Wilson’s 28 combined touchdowns are only behind Rivers’ 37 in 2003 and 30 in 2002 for most in a single season.

Wilson Goes Over 300 Yet Again: For the fourth time this season, Wilson threw for over 300 yards in a game, when he finished with 343 today. Wilson has now gone over 300 yards four times this season, tying Jamie Barnette’s total from 1998 for third-most times in a single season. Only Rivers had more, nine in 2003 and five in 2000.

Williams Goes Over 100 Yards: For the second time in his career, junior wideout Jarvis Williams went over 100 yards in a game. Williams’ 107 receiving yards today was the second-highest total of his career, only behind his 126 in last year’s bowl game against Rutgers.

Defensive Line Interceptions: The NC State defense has registered seven interceptions on the season, but the most surprising stat is four of those have been by defensive lineman. On the first play of the day, senior defensive end Willie Young picked off his second career pass. The Pack has more INTs by its front four players (4) than by its back seven (3).

First Downs: The NC State offense finished with a season-high 31 first downs on the day, the eighth-highest total for a game in NC State history, and the most since the 2003 bowl game against Kansas.

A First Since 2004: For the first time since the 2004 season, an opponent returned a kickoff for a touchdown against the Wolfpack. Maryland’s Torrey Smith returned a third quarter kickoff 82 yards for the score today.

Information provided by NC State Media Relations