Both teams will be desperate to bounce back from a loss last week when the Florida State Seminoles visit the no. 14 NC State Wolfpack. The Wolfpack has owned this series lately, winning four of the last five meetings. NC State is also a 3.5-point favorite in this game with the over/under set at 52 points.
The Wolfpack had pulled into the top 10 of the polls until a loss to Clemson last week. NC State is now 0-1 in ACC play and has a lot of work to do to climb back toward the top of the Atlantic Division. On the other hand, NC State went 4-0 outside of the ACC, including wins over East Carolina and Texas Tech.
The Seminoles are also hoping to shake off last week’s loss to Wake Forest and get moving in the right direction quickly. Prior to last week’s loss, FSU had rattled off three straight wins over LSU, Louisville, and Boston College. But after losing to Wake Forest last week, the Seminoles now play NC State and Clemson in back-to-back weeks, so we’re going to learn a lot about Florida State in the next couple of weeks.
Air Jordan
Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis has surely taken his game to the next level this season. He’s thrown eight touchdown passes compared to just one interception and has completed nearly 66% of his passes. The ‘Noles are also well-stocked at wide receiver, while the backfield features both Treshaun Ward and Trey Benson, who are averaging over six yards per carry on the season despite being held in check against last week.
On the other side, the FSU defense has had its moments, although they’ve allowed 31 points in two of the team’s ACC games, so things are far from perfect on that side of the ball. Mobile quarterbacks have given the Seminoles the most trouble, which should be less of an issue against NC State. The FSU defense has also created seven takeaways in four games against FBS opponents this year.
Ahead of the Pack
As expected, the Wolfpack has been led by a strong defense early in the season. NC State gave up a few too many big plays against Clemson, although the Wolfpack was far from outmatched in that game. There is all-ACC caliber talent at all three levels, which is why NC State’s first four opponents were all held to 20 points or less, including a potent Texas Tech team that was held to 21 points under his season average.
NC State also boasts experience on offense with Devin Leary leading the way. He’s not posted eye-popping numbers this season against the better teams on NC State’s schedule, although he’s been steady and has one of the best receivers in the ACC at his disposal in Thayer Thomas. The Wolfpack also has a productive rushing attack behind Demie Sumo-Karngbaye, who is also a threat in the passing game.
Thin Margins
At home, the NC State should be able to lead the Wolfpack to a comfortable win, as the Seminoles may not be able to surpass the 20-point plateau. But since the Wolfpack is far from an offensive juggernaut, this could be a low-scoring game. Taking the under on 52 points could end up being the best bet in this game.
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