The NC State football staff has made the decision to go with true freshman CJ Bailey against the #21 Clemson Tigers.
Clemson suffered a terrible defeat to Georgia to kick off the 2024 season but has since begun to play better football. NC State, however, has had one issue after another this season between a close win over Western Carolina and a blowout loss to Tennessee.
Now the NC State Wolfpack must enter one of their toughest games of the season without starting quarterback Grayson McCall. McCall has been around quite a while and notably was the starting quarterback of Coastal Carolina the past few seasons.
McCall went down with an awkward injury after a rush against Louisiana Tech in the 30-20 Wolfpack win. The quarterback was shaken up by what appeared to be a shoulder injury, but the NC State football staff did not disclose the actual injury. McCall has since been listed as ‘Day-to-Day’ for the Wolfpack but had not been a participant at practice for the team.
BREAKING: NC State head coach Dave Doeren has announced that true freshman quarterback CJ Bailey will make his first collegiate start in Death Valley this weekend. pic.twitter.com/3zK4qVaq6j
— Pack Pride (@PackPride) September 16, 2024
After missing significant time the past few days, the NC State football staff announced that true freshman CJ Bailey would start in place of McCall.
Bailey came in as relief for McCall after his injury and had an interception, a fumble, and a rushing touchdown in his first real game experience. Bailey also played against the Volunteers but did not throw a pass.
True Freshman CJ Bailey to Start For the NC State Football Team
While it is unclear how long McCall can potentially be out for, Bailey is at least going to be the start against the Clemson Tigers. After the game against the Tigers, however, the quarterback situation could become vastly different.
McCall has an undisclosed injury and the NC State staff has been extremely tight-lipped about what occurred. McCall was originally labeled as ‘Day-to-Day’ yesterday but has quickly been ruled out with practice kicking off. Bailey will receive a full week of snaps as the starting quarterback which could help prepare him more for the game.
The 2024 NC State football schedule does not get much easier after the Clemson Tigers game with other tough opponents. #23 Northern Illinois is next after the Tigers, along with Wake Forest, Syracuse, and Cal.
If Bailey is somehow able to pull off the win over the Tigers, the Wolfpack staff might have to consider starting him.
While McCall is injured and scheduled to take his role back when he is healthy, there is no real timetable for his return. It would be difficult to not at the very least consider Bailey starting another game if the quarterback is able to impress against the Tigers.
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