OUR FINAL TAKE: NC State vs. Ball State
Several members of the Inside Pack Sports staff predict the winner of the NC State-Ball State matchup.
James Henderson (IPS Publisher)
NC State 45, Ball State 24
I think NC State will be able to put up some points, but I think Ball State does, too. The difference will be the Wolfpack’s running game and a couple of forced turnovers.
I’m also expecting NC State to score a defensive and/or special teams touchdown in this game.
Steve Williams (IPS Football Recruiting Analyst)
NC State 35, Ball State 28
Well, I think all of us blew it last week. I don't think any of us expected State's defense to play so poorly, and it won't necessarily get any easier this week. Ball State can score points, so the question becomes: how will the Pack respond?
Personally, I think State will play better (on both sides of the ball) and come away with the win, although I certainly don't see a rout. I think it's really important for State to have some success offensively and start to build some confidence.
This is the final tuneup of sorts before the real season begins, so the Pack must get some of their questions answered this weekend. Bottom line -- say what you want, but this is a must win for NC State.
Bryant Carson (IPS Football Analyst)
NC State 34, Ball State 23
Ball State isn’t exactly Alabama, but they’re certainly not Western Carolina, either. This is a capable offense that will likely come out looking for blood on Saturday evening. They are a team with nothing to lose coming to play a team that just put a lot of defensive vulnerability on tape. All that said, you would expect to see a hungry and focused NC State team take the field Saturday night after last weekend’s debacle.
Ultimately, I think Ball State puts the scare in NCSU for the first half and perhaps into the third quarter before the Pack pull away.
Rob McLamb (IPS Beat Writer)
NC State 48, Ball State 21
Expect the Cardinals to move the ball effectively at different points in the game, but NC State has too much firepower on offense and has a greater skill level overall. That should help the Wolfpack best the spread.
The Pack’s defense had to deal with adversity last week – both in terms of injuries and performance. It seems unlikely that NC State stifles Ball State in the same manner that they have in the previous two home game. That aside, this should be a comfortable victory for the Wolfpack
James Johnson (IPS Analyst)
NC State 37, Ball State 17
Not sure what to make of State at this point, and I am not sure we will after the game, either. I do think the superior roster allows State to dominate the game. I am looking to see if State makes any adjustments offensively in play calling and how State fits the run game against Ball State. The small things that don't show up in the boxscore will tell us more about the Wolfpack than the final score.
Daniel Wilson (IPS Writer)
NC State 38, Ball State 10
This is going to be an angry Wolfpack team, so there’s no reason to suspect that NC State would relent against the Cardinals. The Pack’s going to run away with this one.
Ethan Barry (IPS Writer)
NC State 41, Ball State 20
It's unfortunate the Pack isn't playing FSU this week because I think they'll come out fast after last week's disaster and will look much different at home than they did on the road. How much of that will be the team and how much will be the opponent? We'll have to wait until next week to find out.
Jake McSwain (IPS Writer)
NC State 31, Ball State 14
Ball State is probably more capable than most think. For some reason this just feels like a game that stays close for a while, but I believe Matt McKay puts some things together in this one. Feels like there will be one or two long shot plays that will connect.