NC State heads into their season opener against South Carolina at Bank of America Stadidum today as a 5-point favorites, but this Gamecock team is no pushover. This is an SEC opponent, that has the 27th most talented roster (according to 247 composite team rankings), and is healthier, stronger, and more experienced heading into this season. South Carolina is entering their second season under head coach Will Muschamp, and his team will be ready to implement his schemes more effectively now.

Also, the Wolfpack has done atrocious against Power 5 teams in season openers (Via the legendary Yellow Pad of the N&O’s Joe Giglio):

Here are our keys to a Wolfpack victory against South Carolina:

Establishing the Ground Game Without Dayes

Last year NC State running back Matt Dayes was a workhorse, rushing for almost 1,200 yards. This year the Wolfpack heads into Week 1 with what looks like a running back-by-committee situation that features Nyheim Hines, Reggie Gallaspy, and Dakwa Nichols. On average, the Gamecock defense gave up a little over 200 yards to their opponent on the ground each game. That’s silly bad. These running backs need to come out today and show they are able to fill the shoes of Matt Dayes, and take advantage of a weakness in the Gamecock defensive front.

Defensive Line Needs to Live Up To The Hype

The NC State secondary was already one of the biggest question marks heading into the season. That doesn’t mean they won’t be good, but it is unknown how well Jarius Morehead (RS-SO) and Dexter Wright (RS-JR) will handle the Safety positions, how well Nick McCloud (SO) will handle more playing time at Corner, and how Johnathan Alston (RS-SR) will adjust from Wide Receiver to Cornerback. The question mark became even bigger when it was revealed starting Senior Corner Mike Stevens would be unable to play due to a leg injury. While Doeren and crew are very high on each of these players, none of them have started an opening day game at NC State at their position. They are young/inexperienced and are bound to give up some plays. That’s just part of growth.

That’s why it’s imperative for the ever-so hyped Wolfpack Defensive Line to get to Gamecock Quarterback Jake Bentley early and often. The more pressure they can put on him, the quicker he has to get rid of the ball, which bodes well for the Wolfpack secondary.

FOR THE LOVE…Carson Wise Needs to Make Field Goals

Last seasons whole entire season was negatively impacted by NC State’s inability to kick field goals from any distance. Think ECU. Think FSU. Think Clemson…Ok…stop thinking about it…it’s too painful.

The Wolfpack were a solid field goal kicker away from being a 10 win team instead of a 7 win team.

Carson Wise will start the season as the Wolfpack’s starting place kicker. Wise originally committed to Virginia Tech, but transferred to Carson-Newman to get playing time, and handled the kicking duties there the past two seasons. Plain and simple, kicking at Bank of America Stadium in front of a packed crowd, is a wee bit different than kicking in front of the Carson-Newman crowd. Hopefully Wise thrives under the increased stakes.

Hold on to the DANG ball 

The Gamecock defense wasn’t great last year, but they were excellent at creating turnovers, taking the ball away from their opponents 27 times in 2017 (15 interceptions & 12 fumble recoveries). If necessary, NC State Quarterback Ryan Finley needs to be willing to chuck it out of bounds, instead of making risky passes down field. Hines, Gallaspy, and Nichols…I’m looking at you…hold onto the ball.