The wait is almost over.
NC State’s matchup versus #19 Texas A&M in the Gator Bowl is tonight at 7:30pm on ESPN.
Let’s take a real quick statistical comparison to see what the Wolfpack is up against.
NC State’s offense enters the game as one of the most productive offenses in the nation, ranking 14th in points per game (36.6) and 11th in yards per game (478.7). They will be up against a Texas A&M defense that ranks 63rd in points allowed (28.1) and 39th in yards allowed (364.1)
No offense to Senior Running Back Reggie Gallaspy and the running back room, but the run game isn’t what gives the Wolfpack offensive attack national notoriety, ranking 85th in the nation in rushing yards per game (149.4) and 89th in yards per carry (3.9).
The Wolfpack’s weakness is the Aggies’ strength. Texas A&M ranks 3rd nationally in opponents rushing yards per game (98.5) and 8th in opponents yards per carry (3.3). Despite that fact, don’t expect NC State to run a pass heavy offensive scheme today. The Wolfpack have run the ball 49.29% of the time this year, and I expect they will do the same today. Doeren has stated over and over again that you win games on the ground, and it sets up the Wolfpack’s successful air attack.
On the other hand, NC State’s strength is the Aggies weakness. The Wolfpack’s aerial assault ranks 6th in yards per game (329.4) and 8th in completion percentage (67.93%). Texas A&M ranks 114th in opponents passing yards per game (265.6) and 83rd in opponents completion percentage (61.79%).
The battle of the trenches will be an interesting one to watch tonight. The NC State offensive line, aka the “Band of Brothers”, rank 2nd nationally in sacks allowed, and the Texas A&M defense ranks 4th in sacks.
NC State’s boasts a Top-50 defense, ranking 41st in points allowed (23.5) and 49th in yards allowed (381.6).
Their task is to stop an Aggie offense that ranks 30th (32.5) in points per game and 29th in yards per game (439.3).
Texas A&M’s offense is very balanced, with one aspect not dominating the other. They rank 52nd in rushing yards per game (176.6) and 58th in yards per carry (4.4), but those numbers could be worse today against a stout NC State rush defense. The Wolfpack rank 7th in opponents rushing yards per game (104.2) and 18th in opponents yards per carry (3.4).
The weakness of the NC State defense all year has been their inability to stop the pass, ranking 125th in opponent passing yards per game (277.5). In comparison, the Aggies rank 31st in passing yards per game (262.6).
3rd Down Conversion % and Turnover Margin are two stats in particular that Dave Doeren holds highly, and the Wolfpack holds the advantage in both.
NC State ranks 7th nationally in 3rd Down Conversion % (49.03%), and the Aggie’s 3rd Down Defense ranks 29th (35.04%). The Wolfpack’s 3rd Down Defense is nearly just as good as the offense, ranking 8th nationally (30.52%). Texas A&M’s offense only converts 38.26% of their 3rd Downs, ranking 68th, which is a good sign for the Pack.
The Wolfpack have a positive turnover margin (0.2) and Texas A&M boasts a negative turnover margin (-0.5).
Above Tables via Team Rankings