OUR FINAL TAKE: NC State vs. Wake Forest
Several members of the Inside Pack Sports staff predict the winner of the NC State-Wake Forest matchup.
James Henderson (IPS Publisher)
State 28, Wake Forest 24
I picked Wake to win on the podcast, but I don’t think they’ll win tonight so I’m going to change my pick for this column.
I think State’s been my choice now the first nine games of the season. So far I’m 6-2. Not bad.
Why State? Well, why Wake? I get it, Wake has this formidable offense that everyone is scared of and they are favored. But are they really that much better than NC State and good enough to go on the road and win this game? I’m not sure. The resumes are pretty much the same and Wake’s playing back-to-back road games after their worst game of the year.
I think we’re sleeping on State’s defense tonight. It’s just expected this will be a shootout and Wake will score a lot of points. The most State’s defense has yielded at home this year is 21 points and that was really just a bad quarter versus Wake Forest.
Call me crazy but I think State finds a way to win. I’d rather just pick who I think will win versus who folks think should win.
Steve Williams (IPS Football Recruiting Analyst)
Wake 35, State 21
There's a part of me that doesn't think Wake is as good as some think. At the same time, Wake has film of what Morris did last week and they'll defend to take that away. Can you install enough in one week with a true freshman to counter what the Deacs will do defensively? I hope so but my confidence level in that isn't very high.
Bryant Carson (IPS Football Analyst)
Wake 34, State 24
Too much offense from the Deacs while MJ Morris works through growing pains as a true freshman in a big game.
Phillip Danford (IPS Football Analyst)
Wake 28, State 21
This is a game with a lot of anticipation. Not only is NC State looking to avenge a loss last year but there’s also a fascination to see if MJ Morris can continue his hot start. On Wake Forest’s side they’re looking to wipe a bad taste out of their mouth from last weekend. Ultimately I think the NC State defense can keep it close but without forcing turnovers I’m not sure the offense has the needed firepower.
Jake Caccavaro (IPS Writer)
Wake 34, State 27
I think it will be a good game, not quite as high scoring as last year. I like MJ Morris, but it's a tall task to ask him to beat a ranked team in a shootout in his first career start. The defense should keep NC State in it all game long, but I think Sam Hartman and Wake's receivers will just score too much for an offense that's on its third starting QB in the last four games.
BP Cox (IPS Photographer)
Wake 26, State 24
I hate this game and I’m sure I’m not the only Wolfpack fan to say that this week. No way Sam Hartman has back-to-back games like he had at Louisville last week.
I like the excitement and potential MJ Morris triggers, but I’ve seen this Wake vs State episode too many times before. NC State’s best shot is for our defense to keep Hartman uncomfortable, and considering he’s been at Wake Forest going on what seems his 13th season and is a season vet, I don’t believe he’s going to stay rattled.
Here’s to hoping Morris can exceed expectations and shock the world in what should be his first start.