North Carolina State Predictions

Gosh it has been a while. I guess this is what happens during a bye week....nothing. Well first FSU has it's hearing with the NCAA for it's involvement with academic scandal. More on this latter.

This is Chuck Amato's first game in Raleigh, NC since he was fired as the head coach at NCST. Look for the linebackers to have a big game for the chest. Also as a side note FSU has to score 7 more TD's(49 points) in order to tie for the number of TD's scored from all of last season. Right now FSU is averaging 39.6 points per game and NCST is allowing 30 points per game. Could this be the game where we tie for last seasons TD total?

Opponent Summary

This game is going to be won on special teams. NCST cannot move the ball very well down field, however when they get into the redzone they usually score a touchdown. So far this year NCST has only be able to score a touchdown if the special teams moves them close enough. They have shown moments were they can drive the field to score but it is rare, in fact I can count the number of times on one hand. One person to look out for is T.J. Grahm. He has returned one KO for a touchdown already. And he has gone the last three games returning a KO for 40 yards or more. Gano is going to have to kick this ball far and high if we have any chance of stopping this guy. And sorry but I am not buying into Wilson. I realize he was able to give BC nightmares, but seriously what has he done that was so magnificent? Unless he is saving up all of his skill for the FSU game I will not expect him to be a major factor in this game.

NCST's defense is something else. Allowing 430 points per game and 30 points per game. Also allowing 170 rushing yards per game as well. The defense should not pose a problem for us.

What to look for

Look for Jimbo to establish the run (I might as well make this my opining sentence for every prediction). But don't be surprised if Jimbo opens up the game with a play action pass. Jermain Thomas will get more touches for this game, most likely 10-15. Also I suspect Ponder will be passing more in this game. I will say if we have a chance to lose this game it will be through the passing game. The last time we focused on the passing game it was against Wake Forest, and we all know what happened there. I think however we will have some major success through the air, I know the receivers are chopping at the bit to contribute this year.

Prediction

If we are able to stop their special teams man from making plays this game won't even be close. Expect a score of 45-17 FSU.