OUR FINAL TAKE: NC State vs. Florida State
Several members of the Inside Pack Sports staff predict the winner of the NC State-Ball State matchup.
James Henderson (IPS Publisher)
Florida State 28, NC State 24
Tough game for NC State given the atmosphere and Florida State’s overall talent. I do think the game will be close, but I believe Florida State ends up making a couple more plays than the Wolfpack.
Steve Williams (IPS Football Recruiting Analyst)
Florida State 28, NC State 21
I really wish I could be more optimistic, but the last two games – on both sides of the ball – have been cause for concern. I definitely think State can win this game, but they can't turn the ball over and they have to limit self-inflicted penalties.
The Pack has to run the ball and show some consistency on defense. Based on what we've seen over the last two weeks, I have to go with FSU.
Bryant Carson (IPS Football Analyst)
Florida State 34, NC State 27
I honestly have no idea what to expect in this game. I wouldn’t be surprised if State won by 10 or lost by 20. Just… no clue. I will guess a loss is coming mostly because it’s a road game at night against a team with plenty of speed and talent.
This young NC State team still has a ways to go, and until they prove something in this kind of set up, I will be predicting a loss.
Rob McLamb (IPS Beat Writer)
NC State 41, Florida State 31
The Wolfpack has seldom turned the ball over in 2019, and against Florida State that means there should be few empty possessions.
The NC State defense will likely yield some points, but there will be enough stops to create a gap.
It’ll be similar to last season’s game, but the home advantage, coupled with a lingering anger over the Bradley Chubb spitting incident, will give FSU enough momentum to keep the game closer this time.
James Johnson (IPS Analyst)
Florida State 27, NC State 20
Really not sure how to call this game. I don't think we have seen either team play its best game at this point, and neither team has played a complete game against a quality opponent. I see a tight game with Florida State pulling away and scoring a later cover.
If State is to pull the upset, they will have to match the speed of Florida State and be able to take control of the game in the second half. A young State team missing experienced starters may not yet be ready to pull off a win in a hostile environment.
Ethan Barry (IPS Writer)
Florida State 28, NC State 20
I think this game is more of the same from the last two weeks. The offense continues to trend the wrong way and the defense is decent... but not good enough at the end of the day. The Seminoles get off to a quick start and hang on in the second half.
Jake McSwain (IPS Writer)
NC State 31, Florida State 28
Florida State may start off hot. They normally do. But history shows that they can cool off just as quickly. If State can weather the early storm I actually really like our chances. Defensively the Pack has to slow down Cam Akers. Ultimately, this is a toss up that I have a good feeling about.