OUR FINAL TAKE: NC State vs. Florida State
Several members of the Inside Pack Sports staff predict the winner of the NC State-Florida State matchup.
James Henderson (IPS Publisher)
State 27, FSU 17
This one won’t be easy, but it’s going to be tough for me to pick against NC State at home right now. I think the offense will create scoring opportunities and the defense steps up after last week’s performance.
Steve Williams (IPS Football Recruiting Analyst)
State 28, FSU 24
I think NC State bounces back. I don't foresee a switch magically flipping on for the offense, but I think it'll be a complimentary football game (offense, defense, special teams) that leads the Pack to the win.
Bryant Carson (IPS Football Analyst)
FSU 23, State 21
This isn't about Xs and Os or who is the better team--I've just had a weird feeling about this game all week. If State has really picked themselves up off the mat and practiced with some energy and aggression this week then maybe they end up rolling FSU, but I think it's hard to expect that after the fight they had down in Death Valley last weekend. I think ultimately the Noles get a late drive and surprise the Pack.
Phillip Danford (IPS Football Analyst)
State 24, FSU 21
Every game has its unique challenges. This contest versus Florida State, unlike other games this year, will test the resolve of this NC State team. Can they get up off the mat after a hard fought loss the week prior? Focusing on the opponent, there are favorable position matchups that I think ultimately give NC State the edge -- along with a home field advantage that has produced one of the longest home winning streaks in the country. Give me the Wolfpack in a tight one.
Jake Caccavaro (IPS Writer)
State 27, FSU 24
The Seminoles are legitimately good. It’s gonna be a tough game. But I trust Dave Doeren to have this team fully moved on from Clemson and ready to bounce back.
BP Cox (IPS Photographer)
State 31, FSU 24
Another night game (!!!) at Carter-Finley Stadium, although this time it is the Seminoles of FSU. It's going to be a lock that Wolfpack Nation is ready to go for this matchup.
Coming off the tough loss at Clemson last week, the Wolfpack offense will be looking to correct the ship versus FSU. I'm willing to bet that Devin Leary will be ready, but will his receiving corps? It's time for someone else besides Thayer Thomas to step up and show Leary that they can contribute consistently. It does not have to be 69 yard bombs every throw, just make the catches you should. The offense needs to change the scheme and packages up to provide some extra help to protect Leary as well. Throw some jumbo sets out there and let your TEs provide some additional blocking to keep Leary upright. Work in some DSK in those sets, too, and turn him loose.
The Wolfpack defense should be able to tee off on the FSU offensive line and make Jordan Travis' night in Raleigh unpleasant.
In my lowest moments following the Clemson loss, I said the Pack could end up 8-4 with one of those losses being to FSU. I've talked myself off that cliff, but I don't think this will come easy for State. I'm putting my faith in a Saturday night Carter-Finley Stadium to see this one through. So to everyone going to the game, cheers and howl loud.