Rarely do defensive linemen substantially impact the result of a game. But N.C. State defensive end Bradley Chubb is a rare talent.
The Wolfpack defeated Louisville 39-25 in a game that, if not for their college football ranking, may be considered an upset victory.
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But N.C. State, on the back of their future NFL star, held firm at home against the reigning Heisman winner, earning their spot among the ACC’s elite this season and building the legend of Bradley Chubb, the best Wolfpack defender since Mario Williams.
The Wolfpack entered the year with arguably the ACC’s most talented defensive line, bu fell flat in their Week 1 loss to South Carolina, looking porous on defense and inconsistent on offense against the Gamecocks. But since then, the defense has improved each and every week, with Chubb taking the biggest step forward as a decisive, powerful pass-rusher and leader of the Wolfpack defense.
Entering the team’s game against Louisville, N.C. State appeared poised to rise up against their most difficult opponent yet. Against Louisville's offense — which is similar to Florida State’s — Chubb and Co. could feel confident their defensive depth could prevent big chunks of yards against a dual-threat passer.
Holy smokes Bradley Chubb is good. Bend and tilt around the edge. pic.twitter.com/M8y12XSEBZ
— Riley Auman (@junioraumanac) October 6, 2017
Lamar Jackson is an entirely different player to plan around altogether, however. He has Michael Vick-esque running ability and a developing vertical passing game. It would require a heroic effort by the Wolfpack defense just to give their offense a chance to score in the 30s. Chubb emerged as the hero their defense needed. His two-sack game against Florida State served as the appetizer for Wolfpack fans. Chubb’s disruptive, dominating play against Jackson was among the best performances any defender has had this season, and against the country’s best playmaker.
N.C. State’s game plan against Jackson proved perfect. They pressured him early and often, cautious in their pursuit so as not allow open interior running lanes. They trusted their defensive front seven to contain and chase Jackson when he tried to run, and persistently closed down the option game. And, most importantly, they greatly reduced the quick slant throwing opportunities Jackson thrives on to keep drives alive.
The execution, of course, wasn’t perfect: No team can expect to completely shut down Jackson. But Bradley Chubb, who had one sack, two tackles for loss and persistent pressure all game long, came close. His pressure and disruption of Lamar Jackson’s comfort made all the difference.
Bradley Chubb is having a football game tonight. Not many defensive ends you see can chase down a sub 4.4-quarterback like Lamar. pic.twitter.com/Spd6fC1A5s
— Riley Auman (@junioraumanac) October 6, 2017
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Chubb was not only able to finish on Jackson and Louisville's running backs in the backfield, but was also consistently in the quarterback's line of sight thanks to his remarkable win percentage as a pass-rusher.
Chubb won his matchup and pursued Jackson on 28 of 36 passing plays he played at defensive end. The best pass-rushers at the college level win, on average, 60 percent of their reps in pass defense. Chubb finished with 78 percent. Almost four out of every five passing plays, Bradley Chubb worked around, underneath, or through his blocker and had his eyes on Jackson.
Jackson, clearly uncomfortable for much of the game, struggled to sustain multiple long drives and take chances vertically, suffering through multiple receiver drops.
This loss all but cost Jackson his chance as a repeat Heisman Trophy winner. But as his star fades from the national spotlight, another shined at Carter-Finley Stadium.
Chubb and the Wolfpack defense, with help from proficient passer Ryan Finley and do-it-all offensive weapon Jaylen Samuels, are making good on the preseason optimism that made ACC coaches circle N.C. State on their schedules. Now, after one of their biggest wins in recent history, the Wolfpack have two straight road games against Pittsburgh and Notre Dame before returning home for a Nov. 4 game against Clemson.
In Thursday night prime time, Chubb outshined Jackson. Chubb, Optimum Scouting’s top-ranked senior for the 2018 NFL Draft before the season, won’t receive Heisman excitement, and may even be a forgotten story after Saturday’s college football weekend (one that saw undefeated teams in Oklahoma and Michigan suffer upsets against unranked opponents).
But, for the electric N.C. State student section, the heartbroken Louisville fans and the 22 NFL scouts at the game, Bradley Chubb is a name that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.