Two 6-1 teams will meet up in South Bend to settle their differences when the (14) N.C. State Wolfpack take on the (9) Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday, October 28th. Kick-off is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. EST. The non-conference match-up can be seen on NBC for your middle of the day football fix. Coming into this contest, Las Vegas has the Fighting Irish as a -7.5 point favorite and the total now sits at 60.
The N.C. State Wolfpack started their season off on the wrong foot when they fell in defeat to the South Carolina Gamecocks. Since then, the Wolfpack has reeled off six straight wins and are poised for their program to take the next step in South Bend. Last week, the N.C. State Wolfpack made quick work of the Pitt Panthers 34-17. It was a total team effort as the Wolfpack scored in all three phases of the game.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are heading into this intriguing showdown after stomping a mudhole in their old rivals, the USC Trojans, 49-14. At the time, the Trojans were ranked 11th in the country and still had hopes of reaching the College Football Playoffs. In that affair, the Irish dominated both sides of the ball and ran over the Trojans for all four quarters.
Although they are not in the same conference like they are in basketball, N.C. State and Notre Dame squared off on the gridiron last year. Having the home-field advantage that time around, the Wolfpack took care of business 10-3.
(14) N.C. State Wolfpack (6-1)
The N.C. State Wolfpack have been on a roll since losing to South Carolina on opening day. They have used a balanced offense to move the football and a good defense to keep teams offenses in check. Because of their suspect schedule, some think that the Wolfpack aren’t as good as their record. With that being the case, a win in Notre Dame could propel them into the playoff picture.
Quarterback Ryan Finley has been solid under center in 2017. In fact, he has yet to register a game where he has posted a quarterback rating under 117.9. Last week wasn’t spectacular but it was effective. Finley tossed the ball around 25 times completing 14 of his throws. They only went for just under 200 yards and one touchdown. Nevertheless, he managed the offense well and made no mistakes that cost his club. Overall, the steady performer has thrown for 1,968 yards with scores and no picks.
The N.C. State Wolfpack has been running the football effectively, which keeps defenses honest. Tailback Nyheim Hines has been the workhorse in that department. So far, Hines has rumbled for a team-high 648 yards on 116 carries with six scores. He is not the only threat in the red zone as two other teammates have pitched in with another 11 touchdowns. Jaylen Samuels leads the team with seven trips to the back of the end zone.
Ryan Finley distributes the ball pretty well when the Wolfpack look to move the chains via their air assault. Four pass catchers have contributed by reeling in 142 catches for 1,661 yards and 10 touchdowns. Wideout Kelvin Harmon is their leading receiver with 547 yards and two scores. Running back Jaylen Samuels actually leads the group with 54 catches and three touchdowns.
Defensively, the N.C. State Wolfpack are strong in some areas and weaker in others. For instance, their front seven is one of the best in the country, ranking 6th in the nation allowing only 91 yards a game. Conversely, their secondary can’t seem to cover anybody, surrendering 287 yards to opposing receivers (122nd). Overall, their a little better than average in the red zone, giving up 22 points to their enemies (46th).
(9) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (6-1)
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have been quite the surprise to their fans and the college football world alike. They left no doubt that they are a top-tier team when they manhandled the USC Trojans at home last weekend. If the Fighting Irish can run the table, they will be participating in the playoffs at the end of the season.
Quarterback Brandon Wimbush has been a pleasant surprise for the fans of the Fighting Irish. The dual-threat signal-caller has been doing it with his arms as well as his legs. Wimbush has completed 78 of his 151 passes for 902 yards with eight touchdowns and two picks. He also keeps opposing defenses honest by running the ball for another 508 yards and 10 more touchdowns.
Quietly, running back Josh Adams has become one of the nation’s best out of the backfield. The talented tailback has toted the rock 105 times for 967 yards. He also is averaging nine yards a touch and has reached the end zone eight times. Combined with Brandon Wimbush, the two have the Irish ranked 6th in the nation with 317 rushing yards a game.
The weak spot on this club is at the wide receiver position. Obviously, they will be looking to have a big game against the Trojan’s questionable secondary. Three wideouts have tallied over 550 yards receiving and four touchdowns. Equanimeous St. Brown leads this group with 240 yards and three scores. Alize Mack’s 17 catches are also good for another 157 yards and a score.
The Fighting Irish’s defense is a lot like the N.C. State Wolfpacks. They are stout against the run and have difficulty stopping schools when they take to the air on them. Their front seven is 26th in the country, holding teams to 126 yards a contest. Their secondary also struggles, allowing quarterbacks to throw for 235 yards a game (85th). They do stiffen in the red zone and only are surrendering 16 points a match (12th).
Prediction
Sin City has posted the Notre Dame Fighting Irish as a 7.5 point favorite for this non-conference game. They certainly earned that right after their total destruction of USC at home last Saturday. Even so, the N.C. State Wolfpack are a gritty team who limits their mistakes and is balanced on offense. For that reason, I’m going to stay away from this 7.5 point spread. The half-point hook scares me because this contest could easily be decided by seven points or less.
Instead, I’m going to suggest that the right play in this game is the under 60. The fact that it has moved up gives it a little more playability. In all reality, the front sevens for both teams are their strength. Also, both struggle to defend the pass but Notre Dame isn’t adept in that department. I see a game unfolding where the battle in the trenches will decide this affair. Heck, they only had 13 combined points last year so 60 seems a bit much. Just take the under in this game and watch a smash-mouthed football game unfold before your eyes. #moneytreesgrow @EriktheHun
Trends
The Wolfpack are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games.
The Wolfpack are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 non-conference games.
The Under is 4-1 in the Wolfpacks last five road games.
The Fighting Irish are 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall.
The Fight Irish are 5-0 ATS in their last five non-conference games.
The Over is 4-1 in the Fighting Irish last five games overall.
