NC State vs. Louisville: A Statistical Comparison

#24 NC State and #17 Louisville will kickoff tonight at Carter-Finley Stadium on national televesion at 8pm. Here’s a statistical comparison of the two ACC Atlantic Divisional foes through the first

Obviously the Cardinals have a statistical advantage in most of the above categories, but there are a few noteworthy categories that the Wolfpack hold the edge in that are significant.

NC State has been much better at taking care of the football through 5 games.

NC State Turnover Margin: 1.2
Louisville Turnover Margin: -0.4

That’s the difference between wins and losses.

NC State has also been much more disciplined when it comes to committing penalties. Louisville is committing almost 2 more penalties per game, and have surrendered almost 70 more yards in penalties.

The Wolfpack has also protected their quarterback better than the Cardinals, and they are also better at getting in the backfield, and stuffing the run.

If NC State wants to beat Louisville they will have to beat them in these categories tonight and then some. If they take care of the football, play disciplined, hit Lamar Jackson all night long, and limit the Cardinals rush attack, the Wolfpack will be able to limit their time of possession, which is essential in beating their fast paced offense.