Several members of the Inside Pack Sports staff predict the winner of the NC State-Florida State matchup.
James Henderson (IPS Publisher)
NC State 34, Florida State 17
This is a game NC State has to win, and as long as they don’t give the game away, they will.
Offensively, the Pack should be able to take advantage of FSU’s pass-rushing deficiencies, and I’m not sure Florida State can sustain enough offense to keep this one competitive.
Steve Williams (IPS Football Recruiting Analyst)
NC State 30, Florida State 17
This is such a huge game for NC State. For one of the only times this season they go into the game a heavy favorite, and with that comes some degree of pressure. FSU appears to be in complete disarray, and many times that can go in one of two directions: you either pack it in or you rally. FSU has talent across the board but all of the defections and attrition have left them with huge holes. If the NC State team that we saw against Miami shows up, I think the Wolfpack wins handily.
Bryant Carson (IPS Football Analyst)
NC State 34, Florida State 23
This backstretch of the schedule is what most Pack fans had circled as the most advantageous run on the schedule this season, and here we are. This was a struggling FSU team far before the news broke this week about the couple of opt outs (as well as the two season-ending injuries). I think both teams will struggle early in what will be a sloppy first half, but the Pack gets things together late and pulls away for a comfortable win.
James Johnson (IPS Football Analyst)
NC State 34, Florida State 17
The Wolfpack seems to be getting somewhat healthy, and Florida State seems to be in disarray. What could go wrong?
The game stays a little close while the in-game thread goes ballistic before the Wolfpack finishes things off.
Phillip Danford (IPS Football Analyst)
NC State 31, Florida State 16
This game presents a great opportunity for NC State. Facing an uneven Florida State offense that has struggled over the last two games, the potential is there to make them one dimensional and generate turnovers. And the confidence that comes with that is something this group needs following back-to-back losses.
Offensively, NC State should look to stay aggressive and keep expanding the playbook for Bailey Hockman. If the Wolfpack can jump out to an early lead, I'm not sure Florida State can apply enough pressure down the stretch. But, if NC State has a mistaken-laden open, then this could be a replica of the Duke game.
Ethan Barry (IPS Writer)
NC State 38, Florida State 24
This is a get-right game for the Pack, and I think they will do so. Even if the Pack gets a good effort from FSU, I think State has the advantage at quarterback, particularly if Jordan Travis is out. That will be more than enough. Historically, State has been good in games where they should win with Dave Doeren, and I think that continues this Saturday.
Daniel Wilson (IPS Writer)
NC State 41, Florida State 17
Bailey Hockman is firing on all cylinders, and the offense will consistently put up points en route to the Wolfpack finishing the season without any more ticks in the loss column. Florida State will be competitive enough to keep it interesting.
Andrew Schnittker (IPS Writer)
NC State 35, Florida State 24
The Seminoles have had their moments this season (beating UNC), but this is a struggling team and one that will be missing a lot of good players Saturday. I'll say Bailey Hockman builds off last week against a team he was once committed to, and he and his receivers have another big day. I'll also say the defense bounces back from its performance against Miami, plays a much cleaner game, and perhaps forces a turnover or two.
BP Cox (IPS Photographer)
NC State 38, Florida State 21
After a tough loss at home versus a ranked Miami team, the Pack takes on a Florida State program that has had more issues recently than they have probably faced in their history.
Bailey Hockman had quite the game for State against Miami, and Wolfpack fans hope that his level of play will remain the same moving forward.
The defense continues to give up plays and points. You have to hope the youth that has been forced into service will continue to improve and make more stops.
State is favored by six points in this one, but I think the Wolfpack take it handedly.
