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NC State Versus Miami | Week 8 | Preview and How to Watch

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NC State Wolfpack vs. Miami Hurricanes
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Hard Rock Stadium – Miami
TV: ESPN2
Line: State -3.5

 

This is a tale of two teams. Both have talent, but only one has been able to put together a good season. But you wouldn’t know who is who, judging by media and expert picks.

When the line first came out, State was the UNDERDOG. The 5-1, neck-and-neck Atlantic representative for the ACC Championship game, started as a point and a half underdog. Odds changed dramatically once folks saw it on the board. Let’s dig into Miami preview, State’s history in South Beach and what the Wolfpack need to do Saturday night.

 

Miami Preview

Things haven’t been good in Miami (now it finally makes sense why no fans show up to games). Miami is 2-4 on the season, with the two wins being a survival of App State and blowing out Central Connecticut State. For what it’s worth, facing Bama and Michigan State ain’t a non-conference cake walk. But the Hurricanes have looked out of sorts.

State and Miami have both scored exactly 194 points this year…defensively, however, Miami has given up nearly 100 more points. If State is to win, they’ll need to ensure that this doesn’t become a shootout. Slinging the ball 50 times Saturday night would be ideal for Miami.

Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke was relatively unknown coming into the season as backup to King. Then he ran his mouth after back-to-back losses, proclaiming the Hurricanes offense was unstoppable. Below 50% completion rate against FCS competition, he’ll provide State LBs and secondary with a handful of opportunities for both sack and interceptions. Wide receiver Rambo (bad*ss name) is the go-to for the Hurricanes, with Restrepo as the biggest ‘big play’ threat. Knighton will carry the rock for the Hurricanes, replacing stud back Harris.

If you want to get Bam and Person going, Miami’s your team. This defense is averaging over 150 rushing yards against, thanks to overall poor tackling ability. They do get steady pressure on quarterbacks, so Leary is going to need to be okay with some throw aways and/or taking sacks. State’s O-line versus this massive defensive front is going to be really, really fun to watch.

 

History

Similar to BC, lots of WPN assumes that heading to Miami is bad news for the Wolfpack…and again that assumption would be wrong. While we’re .500 on the road, State actually struggles far more against the Hurricanes at home, where they’ve only been able to beat them once.

Unlike VT, BC or any number of big time, Saturday night games, this crowd should be nowhere near as loud or intimidating.

 

Keys to Winning for the Wolfpack

  • Win in the Trenches – This game is make or break along the lines. If State’s o-line can keep Leary upright, while providing second level push for the backs, offensively State will be rolling. Likewise, pressuring Van Dyke and slowing Knighton down will force Miami into ill advised play-calls and throws. State should absolutely walk away with a handful of sacks and at least one INT.
  • Go for a Home Run Play – If Leary wants to take a home run shot, they’ll have the opportunity. Furthermore, if Bam and Person find space, they’re gone. In just the last two weeks, Miami has allowed six opponents to have 30+ yard plays, four of which went for touchdowns. If Beck wants to get aggressive, after creating a balanced attack (wink, wink), there will be chances for State to roll the dice and go for the throat.
  • Four Quarters – Simply put, State needs to play and execute for four quarters. Defensively, they did that last week at BC. Now for more of the same, but a little more output from the offense and we’re in business.

Predictions

Miami has playmakers, but they aren’t making plays or find themselves on IR. State, outside of poor decision making against Miss State, has been beyond solid and consistent. Would expect the defense to be flying and the offense to be steady. This will be close again for the first half, but if State is opportunistic, they should be able to put up a big win and further push Manny Diaz to the danger zone.

We’d take State to cover the 3.5 and also take the over (54.5).

State wins 36-20

 

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Papajohn
Papajohn
1 year ago

I’m betting (hah!) the smart money jumped on this one when the line first came out with Miami favored. Somebody’s going to line their pockets with this one.
You watch Vegas, if we win this one the oddsmakers are going to start tilting in our favor.

NC State Football

NC State to Play Tennessee in 2024 in Charlotte

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It’s finally official. NC State and Tennessee will play one another in football at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on September 7th, 2024, in the Duke’s Mayo Classic. The Wolfpack are also scheduled to play Louisiana Tech and Western Carolina in non-conference play in 2024.

“We are excited to participate in the 2024 Duke’s Mayo Classic. This is an incredible opportunity for our football program to face a great SEC opponent in our home state. The Charlotte Sports Foundation does a fantastic job and I’m looking forward to an electric atmosphere at Bank of America Stadium,” said Director of Athletics, Boo Corrigan. (GoPack)

NC State has played Tennessee 3 times, winning the first game of the series back in 1893.

 

 

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NC State Football

ICYMI: NC State Gives Dave Doeren a 1-Year Contract Extension

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In case you missed it, last week NC State gave head football coach Dave Doeren a 1-year contract extension, locking him in for 5 more years, which is through the 2027 football season. The contract is for an additional year, without a raise in pay, which is $5 million annually.

“We are very proud of the standard and culture that Dave has established for our football program,” said Director of Athletics Boo Corrigan. “We look forward to seeing him build on the progress we have enjoyed on and off the field under his leadership.” 

“I’m very grateful to Chancellor Woodson and Boo Corrigan for their commitment to our program and for all of the support they’ve given me personally,” said Doeren. “This is home and I’m excited about the future of Wolfpack football.”

(GoPack)

Congrats Coach!

To see the type of impact Doeren has had during his tenure at NC State, click here.

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NC State Football Ranked 46th in Preseason 2023 SP+ Rankings

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ESPN’s Bill Connelly has release the 2023 Preseason College Football SP+ Rankings, and NC State is ranked 46th nationally, and 7th in the ACC.

ACC Teams in the Preseason SP+ Rankings

11. FSU
12. Clemson
28. UNC
36. Louisville
40. Pittsburgh
42. Maryland
46. NC State
52. Wake Forest
56. Duke
59. Syracuse
69. Virginia Tech
70. Georgia Tech
72. Boston College
76. Virginia

NC State’s Offense is ranked 67th, and the Defense is ranked 22nd.

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NC State Football

NC State’s Football Game against USF Gets Moved From 2024 to 2029.

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NC State was scheduled to play USF on the road in 2024, but that game has been moved back to 2029.

As a result, NC State is now on the lookout to fill 2 spots for non-conference opponents in 2024. The only two non-conference games locked in at this point for 2024 is Western Carolina and Louisiana Tech at home.

It has been rumored that NC State could open the 2024 season playing Tennessee in Charlotte, but it hasn’t been confirmed.

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