NC State looks to Spoil UNC’s Playoff Hopes

The NC State/UNC game doesn’t need the media to drum up the hype at all this year. Not only is this a rivalry, it’s a matchup with postseason implications.

The Wolfpack is 7-4 and a win would put them into consideration for a decent bowl, but I’m guessing that won’t be their biggest motivator. That likely would be reserved for playing spoiler on UNC’s chance for a spot in the CFB playoffs.

UNC is already going to be playing in the ACC championship after winning the Coastal division, but you shouldn’t believe that they are going to be mailing this one in. They want redemption for the 35-7 beatdown they received from NC State last season and they would love to rub it in the faces of the Pack fans on their home field.

NC State obviously has other plans. Beating UNC to finish out the season would build some much needed momentum going into bowl season and the offseason. To get this win there are going to be some keys they’ll have to focus on:

Dominate the run game:
Last year against UNC the Pack ran for 388 yards, 167 of those were from Jacoby Brissett. Carolina is likely going to make sure Brissett doesn’t go bonkers on the ground, but can they stop the NC State ground game in general? Although they don’t have Dayes or Thornton, they did get back on track last week rushing for 276 yds (led by Gallaspy with 81yds and a TD). If they want to win they’ll need to control the clock and that means Gallaspy and Nichols are going to have to come up big.

Pressure the QB:
UNC is riding a 10 game winning streak and Marquise Williams is playing well with Mack Hollins coming alive as a true deep threat. The key for the Pack is to get pressure on Williams and make him make quick decisions. If they can’t get into the backfield to fluster Williams then UNC will have a major advantage.

Turn them over:
This really is a extension of our last point. They need to make sure Williams doesn’t have time in the pocket and that he has to make quick reads because they desperately need to win the turnover battle in this one. A pick and a fumble recovery or two could be huge in helping State to a major upset.