OUR FINAL TAKE: NC State vs. Marshall
Several members of the Inside Pack Sports staff predict the winner of the NC State-Marshall matchup.
James Henderson (IPS Publisher)
State 24, Marshall 13
With the way NC State’s defense is playing I believe this is a bad matchup for Marshall and the Pack’s defense comes through with another strong performance.
Steve Williams (IPS Football Recruiting Analyst)
State 28, Marshall 17
For the record, I'm 5-0 on State games this year. This is probably the one I'm least sure about because I don't know what to expect. It could go really well. It could go really bad. I'm going with a glass half full this week.
Phillip Danford (IPS Football Analyst)
State 20, Marshall 13
I know it. You know it. All eyes will be on MJ Morris on Saturday afternoon to see if the change in signal caller can spark this offense. But while that’s at the forefront of most thoughts, don’t overlook a Marshall team that’s currently on a nine-game win streak with good athletes on both sides of the ball.
And while I’m not completely sure what we’ll get from the NC State offense, I don’t think this defense will allow the Wolfpack to lose this game. Stopping the Marshall rushing attack, forcing Cam Fancher to drop back and throw should be a recipe for success.
Alex Gee (IPS Analyst)
State 20, Marshall 10
I’ve settled on 20-10 NC State.
I don’t think we see an offensive performance that greatly exceeds anything we’ve seen thus far. I do hope to see more vertical passing game with the injection of MJ Morris into the starting role. I’m just not sure it translates into a bunch of points given other weaknesses the offense has shown.
I fully expect the defense to show up and try to throw a shutout. That isn’t outside of the realm of possibilities here, but Rasheen Ali is the truth. He’s going to end up being a hot waiver wire fantasy football pick once he makes it to the NFL. Shutting him down is not likely; limiting him is the key. I think State does that and covers – hopefully building momentum heading into a huge game against Duke.
Jake McSwain (IPS Writer)
State 28, Marshall 17
State guts one out behind a slightly improved offense. I simply think the defense will be good enough to gut out a win. Keep an eye out for a defensive/special teams score.
Jeff Reeves (IPS Photographer)
State 27, Marshall 10
Marshall's defense is a solid test for MJ Morris' return under center. The running game still struggles but Morris is able to make plays and get the ball to his receivers. The State D continues to do what it does and smothers the Herd's offense. Big games from Wilson and Jackson.
Runa Cooper (IPS Sponsor)
State 24, Marshall 10
Expect Marshall to catch NC State's "A" game tomorrow. Our backs are against the wall and I think this team will play like they are. MJ Morris and the OL getting Dylan back at center should provide a spark to this offense.
I expect the D to put the clamps on Marshall's offense, it would be completely shocking if Marshall came into Carter-Finley and ran the ball down our throats. Special teams have been great so far this year and that should continue.
BP Cox (IPS Photographer)
State 27, Marshall 17
Our record is 0-0.
Coaches will tell their teams this periodically to keep the focus on the current game, but it really takes hold when a coach makes a change at starting QB.
Following an overall mixed start to his time in Raleigh, Brennan Armstrong (94-160, 971 yds, 5 TD, 6 Int, 286 rushing yds, 3 rushing TD) has been replaced by MJ Morris by head coach Dave Doeren. Why we did not see Morris supplant Armstrong included rumors of intentions by the staff (and even Morris) to red shirt this season. We've been through this exercise before and heard about every conspiracy theory possible. Regardless of what the true reasons are, Wolfpack Nation is ready for a spark to ignite the offense, and fans are hoping that the highs Morris displayed during the 2022 season will be easy for him to tap back into.
Marshall may be 4-0, but they have not faced a defense like this one. The State defense will have to stop an earnest rushing game by the Thundering Herd led by Rasheen Ali and his 9 TDs, but I will take the Wolfpack defensive line and Payton Wilson, the current tackles leader in the ACC (56), to limit the damage Ali can cause.
I see the game being tight in the first half, and then anticipate some "Morris Magic" to show in the 2nd half to pull the Wolfpack ahead for good. He will need some playmakers to step up and chip in, but I feel the excitement he brings to the field will help to hype his offensive teammates up.