OUR FINAL TAKE: NC State vs. Pittsburgh

Several members of the Inside Pack Sports staff predict the winner of the NC State-Pittsburgh matchup and tells you why.
 

James Henderson (IPS Publisher)
NC State 31, Pittsburgh 17
This could be a tricky game for NC State with the Wolfpack coming in off an emotional home win over Louisville. 

However, I believe NC State is a bad matchup for Pitt.  The Panthers can't run the football, are starting a backup quarterback, and NC State's offense should be able to exploit a leaky Pitt defense.

If the Wolfpack can win the turnover battle and not "give" the game away, State should be able to remain undefeated in ACC play.

Rob McLamb (IPS Beat Writer)
NC State 48, Pittsburgh 10

NC State has been building for this moment and not the ones where they simply play the great teams.

The day-by-day approach Dave Doeren and his staff have preached since the spring lends itself to being successful when letdowns are most likely to occur.

The Wolfpack is not burdened by history but, in fact, is intent on making it.

This game will be a blowout.

Bryant Carson (IPS Football Analyst)
NC State 34, Pittsburgh 24
Pitt is having a tough season that only got worse last week at Syracuse when starting QB Max Browne left the game with an injury that will end his collegiate career. 

While State is a 12-point favorite, I think that the Pitt offense will hit a few big plays that will surprise the Pack and keep the Panthers in the game.  Meanwhile, Pitt’s pressure defense may take the Wolfpack offense a series or two to understand and properly adjust to. 

I think this one is closer than most expect, but the Pack will ultimately pull away.   

James Johnson (IPS Football Analyst)
NC State 38, Pittsburgh 14
Pitt is coming into the game struggling offensively and playing a backup quarterback. The Wolfpack defense will feast. Offensively, Finley and his playmakers will continue to shine.

Daniel Wilson (IPS Writer)
NC State 38, Pittsburgh 14
The Wolfpack proved that it can overcome a potential post-"big game" hangover with a win over Syracuse after the FSU win. Now, thanks to the Orange's win over No.2 Clemson, NC State now sits at the top of the ACC Atlantic. Other than a dominant Notre Dame team, the only thing that can get in the way of NC State IS NC State.

The team will need to continue its impressive play moving forward, and this will be the game to insure that the Pack can carry over its success, especially after a long break from play.

Jackson Williford (IPS Writer)
NC State 41, Pittsburgh 14
NC State has proven this year that they are a mature group.  After winning in Tallahassee, the Pack came out strong and defeated Syracuse in what many were calling a trap game.

I think fans will see a similar maturity level this Saturday in Pittsburgh.  NC State will start strong and overwhelm a Pitt team that is fighting a plethora of injuries.  

NC State will leave Heinz field with a 41-14 victory.

Jeff Reeves (IPS Photographer)
NC State 34, Pittsburgh 10
NC State's D-line will need to harass and hit Pitt QB Ben DiNucci early and often. Keeping him uncomfortable will allow State to keep Pitt's offense in check.

Austin Parker (IPS Writer)
NC State 35, Pittsburgh 10
This game doesn't need overthinking.

The Pack is the better team by miles. Also, this is not the same team as previous. Where they win the big ones and play down to competition. This team is completely focused on their goal. Pitt's O-Line is not good and Pack's D-Line is, it's simple.

Expect the Pack to dominate there and in the air attack. Pack wins big.

Jake McSwain (IPS Writer)
NC State 31, Pittsburgh 14
This isn’t the type of NC State team you are used to seeing, and they aren’t going to let a lesser team beat them, even on the road. Ryan Finley had another big day even when the Pack leans heavily on the run in the second half.

Bonus Prediction: Bradley Chubb finishes with at least two sacks