Wake up, NC State. It is time to go.
Tennessee and Clemson blew it out, and Western Carolina and Louisiana Tech gave it a hard time.
Too many good people and skills are in place for it to be this average. The rest of the games are not terrible, but the Wolfpack need to step it up now.
After a huge win over Notre Dame, Northern Illinois lost badly at home to Buffalo. In Raleigh, it is just dangerous enough to do this.
NC State vs Northern Illinois Preview
NC State vs Northern Illinois How to Watch
Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024
Game Time: 12:00 pm ET
Venue: Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC
How to Watch: CW Network
NC State (2-2), Northern Illinois (2-1)
Why Northern Illinois Will Win
You used to play run defence for NC State, right?
Before the bowl game against Kansas State, the Wolfpack never gave up more than 200 running yards in a season. In 2022, it only gave up more than 200 yards once, to Florida State.
The defence has already given up more than 200 yards twice in just four games. Tennessee rushed for 249 yards, and Clemson ran for 269 yards last week.
In all four games, it let the other team throw for well over 200 yards. But…
Why NC State Will Win
They will not be able to run for 200 yards.
It is true that running for 190 yards against a sleepy Notre Dame and scoring over 700 yards against Western Illinois were both amazing, but it will be hard to get going against NC State even if they stick to the ground game.
At least it should be, this Wolfpack D is really good. It just so happens that both Tennessee and Clemson have offences that should get them into the top eight of the expanded College Football Playoff.
Just do a better job on third downs to start.
When NC State lost two games, their offence was terrible on third downs. When they beat Western Carolina and Louisiana Tech, however, they were great, and
NC State vs Northern Illinois: Who Will Win
It will not look great, but NC State will look good enough.
The NIU defence has been great on third downs, letting teams convert only 22% of the time. They will make some plays to keep this close.
Even though NC State’s offence is not very good, the defence will play well enough to get through this and move on.
NC State vs Northern Illinois Prediction, Betting Lines
NC State 28, Northern Illinois 20
Line: NC State -7.5, o/u: 46.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
NC State vs Northern Illinois Must See Rating: 2.5
