OUR FINAL TAKE: NC State vs. West Virginia
Several members of the Inside Pack Sports staff predict the winner of the NC State-West Virginia matchup.
James Henderson (IPS Publisher)
NC State 24, West Virginia 17
I think this game is going to be close because I believe State will have some issues offensively and West Virginia will play inspired at home.
However, I do think State’s the better overall team with the better defense and offensive line. I expect State’s offensive line to be the difference in this game.
Steve Williams (IPS Football Recruiting Analyst)
NC State 24, West Virginia 21
I just have a feeling this is going to be a close game that's probably going to go down to the fourth quarter. I'm going with State because in these types of games I like the team that will be most effective running the ball and which team has the best defense. I think the Pack holds the advantage in both cases.
The wild cards are turnovers and the play of Matt McKay. If the Pack turns the ball over or if McKay struggles, that'll keep West Virginia in the game. In the end I think State does enough to come away with the win.
Bryant Carson (IPS Football Analyst)
NC State 27, West Virginia 16
I agree with the line of the thought that after opening with JMU – a team that would be easy to overlook – and then the team's first road game at Mizzou, that the Mountaineers will give a much better performance this weekend.
My guess is that State will get off to a slow start offensively that keeps the game close for most of the first half, at least. At the end of the day, State probably has better talent and depth which will prove to be too much as the game winds down. I think the NCSU defense and run game will win the day for the Pack.
Rob McLamb (IPS Beat Writer)
NC State 38, West Virginia 13
This represents a terrific opportunity for the Wolfpack, as the annual Power-5 game out of conference is against a program that is struggling through transition.
NC State should be comfortable with its ability to stop the West Virginia running game. The Wolfpack secondary has not allowed anyone to beat them over the top, and explosive plays in front of them have been at a minimum.
Expect the Pack to have a solid comfort level throughout the contest without being truly threatened. NC State wins to move to 3-0.
James Johnson (IPS Analyst)
NC State 27, West Virginia 14
The ground game is the difference for the Wolfpack. State will mix the run game scheme wise and spread the ball around, controlling possession. West Virginia, on the other hand, will continue to struggle in establishing the run. The Wolfpack will bring pressure making life hard on a one dimensional Mountaineer offense.
Daniel Wilson (IPS Writer)
NC State 37, West Virginia 17
I’m not going to lie; I think this game will be a red herring in terms of it being a barometer of how well the Wolfpack will do.
This isn’t the same West Virginia team that almost came to Raleigh a year ago, and despite the weight this game would carry at an outside glance, I’m not sure the prestige of getting a win over this particular Power Five team will be anything to shake a stick at. I’m hesitantly calling for a decisive win for NC State.
Ethan Barry (IPS Writer)
NC State 27, West Virginia 20
I really don't think NC State should lose this game, and if they do, it will really concern me headed forward. That said, I think this game is a struggle and West Virginia makes it incredibly tough on the Pack. Zonovan Knight and Ricky Person carry the Wolfpack offense on the ground and the defense piles up enough stops late in the game to hold off the Mountaineers.
Jake McSwain (IPS Writer)
NC State 31, West Virginia 14
This is a classic bad news/good news scenario. Bad news is this is the most talented team NC State has played to date. Good news is this a team that got housed by a mediocre Mizzu squad last weekend. This won’t be a major blowout, but I’m thinking something in the park of 31-14 good guys.