The Miami Hurricanes storm into Raleigh to take on the North Carolina State Wolfpack on Saturday, November 19th. The ACC match-up is scheduled to start at 12:30 p.m. ET and can be seen on the ACC Xtra channel. As of now, the Hurricanes are -3 point a favorite and the contest’s total is 50.
Miami snagged its sixth win to become bowl eligible in a 34-14 triumph over Virginia on Saturday afternoon on the road. The Hurricanes held the Cavaliers to 289 total yards en route to the 20 point triumph. The week before, quarterback Brad Kaaya become only the second Hurricane quarterback to throw for over 9,000 yards in his career.
Miami (6-4):
Brad Kaaya didn’t need to be all that impressive last week, as Miami’s running game handled the lion’s share of the work. Although, Kaaya did throw for just under 300 yards with two touchdowns and a pick. In his senior year, Kaaya has tossed for 2,564 yards with 19 touchdowns and seven picks.
Running Backs Mark Walton and Joseph Yearby continue to drive the Hurricanes ground game. As a duo, the two talented tail backs have rushed for over 1,350 yards and 18 touchdowns. Walton leads the pair, with just under 855 yards and 11 scores.
Wide receiver Stacey Coley continues to distance himself from the other wide outs in the Hurricane’s offense. So far, he has reeled team-highs in catches (47) and touchdowns (8). Three other pass catchers also have pitched-in for another 1,400 yards and nine scores.
Miami’s strength is it’s defense. The Hurricane’s unit ranks inside the top 50 in every major defensive category, including 25th in the nation in total yards. More importantly, Miami is stingy when it comes to points in the red zone. The Hurricanes also sit 13th in the country, allowing only 19.3 points a game.
North Carolina State (5-5):
The Wolfpack have had their share of tightly contested games this year. North Carolina State lost 24-17 in overtime to Clemson, suffered a 21-14 loss to Boston College and a 24-20 heart-breaker to Seminoles. The Wolfpack are a very dangerous team, and one that have their eye’s set on a bowl bid.
Wolfpack quarterback Ryan Finley, threw for 20 of 29, with 340 yards and one touchdown last week. He distributes the ball fairly evenly to his receivers and tight end Jaylen Samuels. This year, Finley has tossed for 2,464 yards and 15 touchdowns with seven picks.
Running back Matt Dayes handles all the running duties for North Carolina State. In 2016, he has toted the rock almost 200 times for just under 1,000 yards and has seven trips to the promised land to show for his efforts. Believe it or not, tight end Jaylen Samuels gets into the red zone mix as well. The hybrid player also has five rushing touchdowns.
Ryan Finley spreads the ball around to four different ball catchers, including his tight end. Altogether, they have collected 159 balls for about 1,500 yards and 13 scores. Jaylen Samuels also adds another four touchdowns via the pass and 422 yards.
The Wolfpack defense has done its part to keep most of their games within reach. They are especially tough against the run, ranking fourth in the nation. North Carolina State allows only 100 yards a game. The secondary is the problem area, the back half gives way to 245 yards a game which is good for 84th in the country.
Trends and Notes:
The Hurricanes are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
The Wolfpack are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games.
The Under is 6-2 in the Hurricanes last 8 games following a ATS win.
The Under is 5-1 in the Wolfpack last 6 games overall.
Game Prediction:
This contest could be one of the better under-the-radar games on Saturday. You can expect both teams to leave it all on the gridiron after this one. The Wolfpack need this one to get bowl eligible and the Hurricanes have rallied back to their early season form.
Brad Kaaya is silencing some doubters, but he also has the help of a pretty productive running game. Well, that’s right in North Carolina State’s wheel house. Speaking of defense, the Hurricanes can also make a team one dimensional by stopping the passing game.
Once again, odds-makers have hit the nail on the head in this pick em’ match-up. Both schools are three points apart and that 50 isn’t as low as you might think. Oh well, when in doubt, dog it out. Take North Carolina State and the +3 at home.
