Only five weeks into the season, transfer quarterback Brennan Armstrong is being sat down in favor of MJ Morris, the sophomore who appeared in five games last season. The NC State Wolfpack are 3-2 and will try Morris at the helm. Armstrong was very well regarded by coordinator Robert Anae, but the reunion is short-lived.
Armstrong on the Bench. Why?
Despite showing flashes of his 2021 self, Armstrong struggled mightily in his five games. He threw for 971 yards and five touchdowns but added six interceptions. His inaccuracy and poor decision-making ended multiple drives in the Louisville loss. While he did show strong rushing upside, he was often quick to run rather than check down or make an accurate short throw. Armstrong is not totally to blame for these struggles, as the receiving core is young. In addition, the offensive line is not as strong as it was in years past.
Ultimately, the turnovers are what caused the Wolfpack to turn to Morris. Six interceptions compared to five touchdowns will not be successful anywhere in the FBS. It appeared that even the fans and some players were tired of Armstrong being the signal caller. There were multiple instances in the Louisville game where there was a clear lack of effort from receivers and linemen. After the interception in the end zone, NC State fans were chanting for Morris to come into the game. Between the fan perception and the clear struggle to be productive as a signal caller, head coach Dave Doeren has decided to make a change at quarterback.
MJ Morris Season Outlook
While it appeared that Morris would redshirt this season after the Wolfpack landed Armstrong, he will be thrust into action after just five games. Morris was a capable quarterback in his five appearances in 2022, completing 60.5 percent of his passes. He totaled 648 yards and seven touchdowns, while only throwing one interception. Morris has great arm talent, but former offensive coordinator Tim Beck was extremely conservative with play calling. Thankfully, the Wolfpack defense is strong enough to keep the Wolfpack in games, and both losses happened due to losing the turnover battle. Morris will protect the ball and distribute well but needs to improve his ability to drive downfield and produce scoring.
On the ground, Morris is a physical runner. He did take a few sacks last year, but he is a great runner in short-yardage situations. Morris will have to learn how to extend plays, especially with a questionable Wolfpack offensive line in front of him. He ran for 88 yards and a touchdown last season, as he was mainly used in those short-yard scenarios. While Morris may not have Armstrong’s rushing upside, his ability to protect the football will help keep the offense on the field.
Is Morris the Long-Term Answer?
While fans will assuredly give Morris a warm welcome on Saturday, he will have to prove that he is indeed an upgrade. In addition, the quarterback play has not been the offense’s only struggle. The offensive line has been mediocre, and the receiving core has not stepped up. Kevin Concepcion looks promising with 245 yards on 23 catches, but no other player has eclipsed even 130 yards. The running backs will also have to step up, as Jordan Houston has left the team without a veteran presence on an already young offense. With Armstrong no longer in the lineup, this unit has become one of the youngest in the ACC.
Morris will need to distribute the ball quickly and efficiently and cannot turn the ball over if he wants to keep the starting position. The Wolfpack defense will keep games competitive and prevent Morris from having to air it out too much, but he will also need to drive the ball downfield at times. If Morris is able to build upon the solid performance he had as a freshman, he may stay under center for the Wolfpack. However, struggles with turnovers or getting the offense going may have the Wolfpack looking for another option. Ethan Rhodes and Lex Thomas are the next in line for the Wolfpack. Morris will have to prove himself against Marshall, and then produce in the gauntlet of Duke, Clemson, and Miami over the next month.
