Kicking Game No Hobby For Gano

Now that the dust has settled from the Thursday night victory, here are my grades for the Noles:

Offensive Line: The offensive line play regressed against NC State. The line was as bad against NC State as it was good against Miami. Inexperience and youth has a way of doing that. The line gave up three sacks against the Wolfpack.
Grade: D

Running Game: The running game was not a deciding factor in the game as Smith did not have an outstanding game. However, I personally think that he ran with more determination and abandon than I have seen all season.
Grade: B+

QB: Ponder completed 23-of-35 passes for 254 yards and one touchdown. He threw no interceptions and did scramble well when he needed to gain some yards. He looked poised and managed the game well.
Grade: B+

Offensive Coaching: The first half was awful but they made needed corrections in the second half.
Grade: B-

Receivers: Receivers have yet to play up to their potential. Surrency has been a disappointment and dropped two easy balls against NC State.
Grade: B-

Defense and Defensive Coaching: Not a good day for Mickey Andrews and his defense. NC State gained a huge chunk on the ground and the secondary once again got burned for a TD. Not a good effort.
Grade: C-

Penalties: Still too many penalties but the Noles actually had less than NC State. First half penalties were ridiculous.
Grade: C

Special Teams: Special teams had some goofs once again. Bert Reed bobbled a ball on a punt return and almost lost it, a bad punt snap, a shanked punt and not great kick coverage gives Nole fans a concern as we head to matchup against the Hokies.
Grade: C-

Kicking Game: Graham Gano once again was excellent. He did what he needed. He was perfect on his field goals which included a 53-yarder.
Grade: A