OUR FINAL TAKE: NC State vs. Notre Dame
Several members of the Inside Pack Sports staff predict the winner of the NC State-Notre Dame matchup and tells you why.
James Henderson (IPS Publisher)
NC State 28, Notre Dame 24
I like how this game has set up for NC State with Notre Dame coming off an emtional win over USC and the Wolfpack rested out of a bye.
This game will be about Ryan Finley and the offense. Everyone wants to talk about Notre Dame and their run game vs. Bradley Chubb and his crew, but every game this year NC State has done pretty much whatever they've wanted offensively.
Will that continue?
You can bet NC State's offensive line has heard all week how everyone just wants to talk about Notre Dame's offensive line. I think that unit steps up and shows how good they are, and NC State's offense leads the way to the victory.
Rob McLamb (IPS Beat Writer)
NC State 28, Notre Dame 21
In many scenarios it would be more prudent to pick Notre Dame. This game will not be easy for NC State.
Things have lined up in the best possible way for the Wolfpack. The team is coming off a bye week while the Irish played a rival and won big. While Notre Dame played well, NC State has had more time to prepare.
If there is a quarterback in college suited to shrug off a hostile road environment and be willing to take what the defense gives him it is Ryan Finley. He will not get flustered and it is a big deal when he makes the wrong decision.
Defensively NC State will have to get early stops to take Notre Dame out of what it does. It will be interesting to see how the Irish fare if forced to abandon the run.
Bryant Carson (IPS Football Analyst)
NC State 35, Notre Dame 31
This was a tough one for me as my logical brain wanted to pick ND by a 3-6 point margin. However, as I really thought through the scenarios and reviewed ND’s record, opponents, points scored and points allowed I just had a hard time not going with the Pack.
The ND rushing attack vs the NC State rush defense has received a lot of media attention this week (and rightfully so…should be an interesting battle of wills) but, to me, the story of the game may well be in the NCSU offense vs the ND defense. Of all the opponents ND has faced this season I don’t think any have been able to challenge them with the offensive diversity that we’ve seen NC State succeed with all season. Obviously, if State goes up there and turns the ball over or just has an ‘off-day’ then none of this matters but if the Pack goes to South Bend and plays well then I think they’ll put ND in an early bind and force their run-based offense to do things that they don’t want to do.
Should be a grueling day for both teams.
James Johnson (IPS Football Analyst)
NC State 24, Notre Dame 21
Strength versus strength. The NC State defensive line and linebackers can deliver this game to the Wolfpack by slowing the Notre Dame run game. I think that will happen and the NC State offense will provide just enough to get the job done in a close battle.
Look for some new wrinkles on offense and Jaylen Samuels to be moved all over the field creating match up problems for the Irish.
Daniel Wilson (IPS Writer)
NC State 24, Notre Dame 21
This will be the tipping point for whether or not NC State will be a CFP contender.
The Fighting Irish has been a consistent contender all season, and its success has come through its dominant rushing. The Wolfpack, conversely, has established their defensive presence primarily through stuffing the run. The victor of that matchup will retain the momentum through the game. However, this face-off is going to be rigorous and gruesome for both teams.
Jackson Williford (IPS Writer)
NC State 28, Notre Dame 27
This is an incredible opportunity for the NC State program. Winning in South Bend would launch the Pack into the national spotlight and establish them as a legitimate playoff contender.
I like the Pack's chances on Saturday. The talk around this game, at least on a national level, hasn't highlighted the Wolfpack's offense at all. I think Eli Drinkwitz and company will be the difference in the game on Saturday.
Notre Dame is bound to get their licks in with a physically dominant rushing attack, but I think NC State has the ability to move the football, particularly through the air. NC State will continue to play their game by limiting turnovers and chewing clock, giving their defense ample time to rest and adjust to whatever the Irish throw at them.
At the end of the day, I think NC State will leave South Bend with a 28-27 victory.
Austin Parker (IPS Writer)
NC State 28, Notre Dame 17
The Pack had two weeks to prepare for this and I think that’s the biggest advantage. ND obviously coming off a huge victory over rival USC, where they probably played their absolute best. I don’t think they repeat that.
You have strength vs strength and that’s what everyone is looking at, but I feel this game is won or lost by the Pack’s secondary. When they get the opportunity, they have to take advantage of Wimbush throwing. Win the turnover margin and score after turnovers and it’s the Pack’s game.
Run game has been consistent for the Pack and a huge surprise this season, but this game is going to need maybe some down field throws or short catches turned to big plays from our playmakers.
Jump out to an early lead and never look back.
Jake McSwain (IPS Writer)
NC State 28, Notre Dame 17
Let’s get straight to the point. NC State is going to remain undefeated against Notre Dame. In a battle of strength vs strength I cast my vote to the best player on the field, and in my opinion that man is Bradley Chubb. Wimbush is a poor mans Lamar Jackson, and states D had already stopped the real thing.