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NC State Football

OUR FINAL TAKE: NC State vs. Virginia

October 10, 2020
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Several members of the Inside Pack Sports staff predict the winner of the NC State-Virginia matchup.


James Henderson (IPS Publisher)
NC State 31, Virginia 24
I believe NC State matches up fairly well with Virginia; it’s going to now come down to execution. Can the offense establish a running game?   Will Devin Leary take care of the football?  Can the Pack limit Brennan Armstrong’s effectiveness on the ground?

Those are major questions.

NC State will likely be without some guys this weekend, that’s been the norm each week, but I think they’ll find a way to steal one in Charlottesville and head back to Raleigh 3-1.

Steve Williams (IPS Football Recruiting Analyst)
Virginia 28, NC State 21

I was wrong about Pittsburgh, but going in, if you had told me State would be held under 70 yards rushing I would've thought there was no way in heck the Pack wins that game. Mobile quarterbacks really make me nervous, and while State has had success defending them at times, there's also been plenty of examples over the years where State has struggled.

As I said last week against Pitt, this is a game that NC State can absolutely win. I also think we'll have a much better understanding of how far Devin Leary has come in a year.

Bryant Carson (IPS Football Analyst)
Virginia 31, NC State 27

I have a lot of questions about both teams going into this one, so I could see it shaping up a number of ways.  However, UVA is a tough and experienced team playing at home, and I think that gives them the edge in a relatively close game. 

I think if State can find some offensive balance this week then the Pack could be looking at another big upset. 

Should be a good one.

James Johnson (IPS Football Analyst)
NC State 27, Virginia 24

Game is closer than experts think and State finds a way to win.  The offensive line will be the key to handling the various pressure looks from UVA.  If that unit holds up, the Pack should again be able to present a diverse offense and score enough to come away with the win as the defense continues to show incremental improvement.

Phillip Danford (IPS Football Analyst)
NC State 30, Virginia 27

With the emergence of the NC State passing game last week, the Wolfpack has the potential to present a true multi-faceted offense able to counter-punch most defensive game plans.  The keyword being "potential".  NC State needs to exhibit consistency in play.  

Virginia will present issues with a sound defense and a quarterback able to inflict harm via improvisation.  But, this feels like a game where athletes need to be athletes, and I believe NC State has more on their roster than UVA.  A few big tackle-breaking runs from the Wolfpack backfield and incredible speed and pursuit from the linebacking corps will be the difference in this game.

Ethan Barry (IPS Writer)
Virginia 27, NC State 24

I feel good about NC State but they haven’t earned enough trust from me to pick them to win this week. I’ve been vocal about teams historically struggling the week after they play Clemson, but that’s simply not enough for me to pick the Pack straight up here.

State is 0-1 in responding to success well, this is a third straight road game, the Pack is due to lose a toss-up game, and UVA is more experienced. All that is enough for me to side with the Cavs.

Obviously, a win this week would go a long way for this State team to earn more trust.

Daniel Wilson (IPS Writer)
NC State 34, Virginia 27

The Wolfpack needs this game to show it can rebound off a close win with another victory, especially considering the clobbering they sustained versus Virginia Tech following the shootout against Wake Forest. I expect the NC State offense to fire on all cylinders, giving the defense an easier route to protect the lead.

Jake McSwain (IPS Writer)
Virginia 27, NC State 24

I have a feeling this game is going to come down to turnovers. If NC State can limit the self inflicted damage then they have a good shot to win this game. Ultimately, I feel like Leary is going to have a solid day yardage wise but will throw at least two interceptions and will struggle to read some of the coverage the Cavaliers throw at him. It will be close at the end, and State definitely beats the spread, but I don’t predict the good guys winning. Would really love to be wrong here.

Andrew Schnittker (IPS Writer)
NC State 24, Virginia 20

Devin Leary makes some big throws again and the run game gets it rolling. NC State does just enough on defense to keep contain Armstrong and force him into some difficult situations. The Wolfpack wins a close one to return to Ralegh at 3-1. 

BP Cox (IPS Photographer)
NC State 33, Virginia 30
The Wolfpack reversed course against Pitt after a bad outing against VA Tech. It's not hyperbolic to say that NC State's offense has awakened now that Devin Leary has taken the reigns as the starter. Now the biggest question is, can they do it two games in a row?

While the Pack defense made opportune stops against Pitt, they did, however, give up some big plays along the way. If they can continue to avoid big plays they'll be able to stay out front. The youth on the back end will need to continue to build their experience and put into practice their learnings each week.

Pitt's Kenny Pickett played a great game versus the Pack. There will be a drop in experience from him to UVA's Brennan Armstrong – but definitely not talent. If the defense can apply some pressure to rattle him, I believe NC State could surprise folks two Saturdays in a row. 

 
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