OUR FINAL TAKE: NC State vs. Florida State
Several members of the Inside Pack Sports staff predict the winner of the NC State-Florida State matchup.
James Henderson (IPS Publisher)
NC State 31, Florida State 21
NC State is in a good position here. Florida State is coming in with some turmoil and likely starting a new quarterback while the Wolfpack returns home, which is always good.
The difference in these two teams is at offensive line. NC State has one and FSU doesn't right now. If the Wolfpack wins the trenches they will win this game.
Look for State to not be able to run the football but pick apart FSU's secondary, on the way to a 31-21 victory.
Steve Williams (IPS Football Recruiting Analyst)
NC State 35, Florida State 24
I think State responds on both sides of the ball. I feel like defensively, they're going to take advantage of a porous FSU offensive line and will have enough success to win by two scores.
Bryant Carson (IPS Football Analyst)
NC State 34, Florida State 27
I think the Pack rebounds this week and takes care of business. However, I do not expect State to cruise to an easy victory against the Seminoles.
The Noles are coming off their worst home loss ever and have their backs against the wall if they want to get bowl eligible as the remainder of their schedule, past State, is ranked currently (@ND, BC and UF at home).
If they come into Carter-Finley focused and ready they can certainly be a formidable opponent with all the raw talent across their roster. Also, it seems there’s likely to be a QB change and who knows what that might stir up.
At the end of the day I think State pulls out a game that leaves State fans scratching their heads at why a seven-point victory felt like a 25-point victory.
Rob McLamb (IPS Beat Writer)
NC State 31, Florida State 20
It would be stunning if Florida State is smacked around as they were for the last three quarters at home against Clemson. The Seminoles have too much talent and pride for that.
NC State meanwhile had a chance to win at Syracuse and that was the response from Clemson. It sufficed offensively but the 51 points allowed meant the defense was lacking.
This is a chance for the Wolfpack defense to atone. Look for several sacks and some turnovers forced. If that does not happen, then the Syracuse game was not an outlier.
Jacob McSwain (IPS Writer)
NC State 31, Florida State 17
FSU has the athletes to cause some problems for NC State. That much is for sure. But at this point in the season I have zero confidence in the scheme FSU has implemented.
If NC State can limit explosive plays and make FSU March down the field methodically then they are going to be in good shape.
I think NC State forces a couple of turnovers and that proves to be the difference.
Daniel Wilson (IPS Writer)
NC State 38, Florida State 10
The Wolfpack needs to get back into the win column. This is the team to defeat to do so.
The Seminoles were dispatched by both Syracuse and Clemson earlier this year, and FSU is at .500 on the year. NC State, already with two wins over Top 25 teams, should have no problem taking care of the ‘Noles for the Pack’s first win on Homecoming since 2011.
Ethan Barry (IPS Intern)
Florida State 28, NC State 24
I suspect this will be a close game and I don’t have faith in the Wolfpack in close games right now, especially if they aren’t ahead. This is a prove it game for the Seminoles and I think they come out and play well. The Noles get ahead early and hang on late.
Jackson Williford (IPS Contributor)
NC State 34, Syracuse 28