With the experienced McCall out, NC State relies on freshman QB Bailey

NC State will face Clemson on Saturday with true freshman quarterback CJ Bailey, coach Dave Doeren announced.

Veteran transfer Grayson McCall was knocked out last week against Louisiana Tech with an unspecified injury. Doeren said Monday during his weekly press conference that he is monitoring McCall’s condition “day by day” and declined to elaborate on the injury.

“We’re going to take our time, and when he’s ready, he’ll be ready,” Doeren said. “CJ is ready to play.”

Bailey came in for McCall against Louisiana Tech and led the Wolfpack to a comeback victory, completing 13 of 20 passes for 156 yards and one interception and scoring a rushing touchdown.

“I was really proud of how the team rallied around CJ,” Doeren said. “At halftime, when he knew he had to play, he was ready for the moment.”

The challenge will be even tougher this week in Clemson, where NC State hasn’t won since 2002.

“They have a great defensive line and they do a lot of blitzing, so we have to give them all a chance — not just him, the O-line and the defensive backs,” Doeren said. “Obviously, crowd noise is going to be a part of what we do every day, and we have to make sure our rhythm works despite the noise we’re dealing with. Then just schematically, do the things he does best and let him play. That’s what’s special about him. He’s a football player. This kid understands the game. He’s a winner and he’s excited. I’m happy for him.”

As for McCall, Doeren said Grayson’s injury is not season-ending.

“Every injury is different,” Doeren said. “You just have to be there for them, support them, give them the care they need, and when they’re ready to play, they’re ready to play. You just have to let the doctors tell you what the timeline is, and in his case we got good news. The question is: How long will it take?”