NC State QB Wilson to miss game

Sep 22, 2008 - 11:05 PM RALEIGH, North Carolina (Ticker) -- Freshman quarterback Russell Wilson provided a spark for North Carolina State in last week's 30-24 overtime victory over then-No. 17 East Carolina.

But that spark will be missing this week against South Florida, as North Carolina State coach Tom O'Brien announced Monday that Wilson will miss the game with an undisclosed injury.

Wilson, who threw three touchdowns against East Carolina, suffered the injury in the second half but continued to play. The decision to hold him out came after he was evaluated Sunday.

Wilson suffered a Grade 3 concussion in the August 28 season opener against South Carolina and returned 16 days later to play at Clemson.

Prior to last week, the Wolfpack had gone 13 quarters - dating to last November - without an offensive touchdown against an opponent from the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Junior backup Harrison Beck will step in for Wilson against the Bulls, becoming the third quarterback to start for North Carolina State in five games this season.

Beck started four games last season and came off the bench to lead the team to a 38-28 victory over William & Mary of the Football Championship Subdivision in the home opener.

O'Brien also said Monday that starting linebacker Nate Irving, the Wolfpack's leading tackler, will sit out Saturday's game with a lower leg injury. Irving suffered the injury in the first half and tried to return in the second, but was unable to continue.