N.C. State had some significant hype heading into the 2017 season. Thanks in part to SEC Network analyst Cole Cubelic calling for the Wolfpack to advance to the College Football Playoff, many outside observers believed this could be a surprise team in the ACC. Cubelic may have had the right game but possibly chose the wrong team playing in Bank of America Stadium Saturday afternoon.

From the opening play of the game, a 98-yard kickoff touchdown by receiver Deebo Samuel, South Carolina controlled the game against the Wolfpack and looked like the real contender out of this matchup in the 35-28 win in Charlotte.

In particular, Samuel and sophomore quarterback Jake Bentley showcased their massive upside in the game. The two not only combined for maybe the touchdown of the year in the third quarter, but both showed all the hype surrounding the Gamecock offense was worth the build up.

What I liked:

If there was any question which quarterback was the best in the SEC East, and maybe the entire conference, Jake Bentley silenced all doubt. Displaying an uncanny pocket presence, the ability to move the chains with his feet, and the big arm to successfully push the ball down the field to make all Gamecock fans happy. He finished the game with 215 yards and three touchdowns while completing 17 of 29 passes.

For as well as Bentley played, Samuel may have been the team’s best player during this game. From the opening kickoff, the junior receiver put on a show against a defense many were proclaiming to be among the ACC’s best. He had five catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns in addition to his score to open the contest.

Not to be lost in the shuffle, the South Carolina defense really had a solid debut in this game. The Gamecocks forced two turnovers and consistently got to NC State quarterback Ryan Finley all game long. While N.C. State did score on its first two possessions of the game, the unit really tightened up in the second half. In fact, at the three-minute mark in the third quarter, the Wolfpack had -3 yards of total offense in the quarter. The defense also kept the Wolfpack out of the end zone to win the game on a 4th and goal with less than 10 seconds in the game.

What needs work:

While Finley faced some decent pressure, he threw for 415 yards against the Gamecocks and completed 45 passes against the Gamecock secondary.

For as well as Bentley performed overall, he did miss some throws he has the talent to make. Bentley also made a bad decision and threw a toss up that was intercepted late in the game. The play gave N.C. State some life late in the game that could have really cost the Gamecocks. He’ll need to sharpen up his accuracy if this team is going to make some noise in the SEC East this season.

The Gamecock defense played well in the second half but allowed the Wolfpack to comeback late in the game. It would appear the depth of that unit will be tested all season long and will need some young players to help contribute to the unit in a hurry.