NC State Wolfpack vs. UNC Tar Heels
Date: Friday, November 26th
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Carter-Finley
TV: ESPN
Line: State -6

We’ve made it folks. Tonight, State plays for a 9-win season, a continuation of their ACCC dreams and to beat those guys from over that hill.

UNC Preview

While Mack Brown would like you to forget, UNC was ranked #10 at the start of the season. Yet it wasn’t until last week’s win over Wofford, that they became bowl eligible.

There were concerns that Howell wouldn’t be available today. Based on practice schedule and quotes from Howell, he’ll be in. State didn’t fair well against the last QB that talked the talk, but in case you were wondering,

“We’ll probably be underdogs to a team that we feel like here we should beat every single year.”

So there it is. This UNC team only goes as far as Howell can go. Out of his eight interceptions, six came in losses. O-line play is not great, with many of Howell’s 717 rushing yards going from scrambles or broken plays. If State can contain the pocket and clean up loose ends, it will be a massive advantage for the Pack.

Running back Ty Chandler has gone over 1,000 yards for the year and 13 touchdowns. Josh Downs is considered one of the best receivers in the ACC, as he’s up to 8 touchdowns with 1,200 receiving yards. Both are the biggest and frankly only factors for the Tar Heels.

UNC has scored the third most points in the ACC, they’ve also given up the third most points.

Similar to Wake Forest in terms of difference of two side of the ball, UNC will give opportunities to this State offense. Tar Heels are 88th in yards against and 98th in scoring defense. Their LB duo of Fox and Rucker are alright, but this team lacks the ability to get in the backfield. Secondary struggles and is banged up, the line rarely gets a big push back.

Keys to a Wolfpack Win

Control the Game from the Start – Carter-Finley is sold out and should be wild. State is the better team, but needs to play with intension on offense and play their roles on defense. A quick start and pushing the pace in the first half will make a world of difference. Need to eliminate Chandler’s usage, while making Howell think throw before run.

Burn the UNC Secondary – In their meetings against Pitt and Wake, UNC gave up over 744 yards in the air combined. Without much pass rush, Leary should have time to read and take a few deep shots. We all know you take those two points, plus playing at home, and signs point to Leary having a big day.

Need One Last Stop Defense – This State defense has been incredible all year. The biggest opponent has actually been themselves, with bad penalties ruining strong defensive stands. That can’t happen tonight. If you can stop and slow down this UNC team, your chances of winning increase dramatically. Shadow Howell, but don’t keep all eyes in the backfield.

Prediction

When it’s a rivalry game, you throw out the record books, yada, yada, yada.

This game is everything for State. Yes, UNC wants to win, but nothing is on the line but whether or not they want to play in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl (no disrespect but, haha). Howell is banged up and there is confidence that State can be disruptive in the backfield. State rush defense has a task against Chandler, but Wolfpack has shown they can do it. Then comes the State offense that in a groove, with time to throw, can do damage.

State wins…don’t even care how…GTHC