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BGI Staff Predictions: Notre Dame vs. NC State

Notre Dame faces another must-win this weekend when it takes on the 3-1 NC State Wolf Pack. A win over NC State would give the Irish its first winning streak of the season.

The Blue & Gold Illustrated staff has broken down this weekend's matchup, and now it is time to make some predictions:

LOU SOMOGYI, SENIOR EDITOR

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NC STATE 34, NOTRE DAME 31: This outcome will determine whether the Irish play in a bowl in 2016. Win in Raleigh and Notre Dame will finish above .500. Lose, and it could be a free fall.

With what promises to be inclement, wet conditions, Notre Dame needs at least three elements to win: One, a decent ground attack (140 to 170 yards, similar to Syracuse) against a stout front to take some of the onus off DeShone Kizer and his passing. Two, don’t lose the turnover battle. Finally, don’t count on special teams to necessarily win the game — just play clean enough there (no blocked punt, touchdown return, shanked or muffed punts, etc.) that it doesn’t lose it. Notre Dame has the better roster and should win by double digits.

This has been an atrocious year for me at picking any college football games, so take comfort in my selection.

BRYAN DRISKELL, FOOTBALL ANALYST

NOTRE DAME 31, NC STATE 27: This game reminds me a lot of last week, when everyone feared an opponent who had rolled inferior opponents. NC State is off to a hot start offensively, and its defense has been good, except in its loss to East Carolina. Notre Dame is far more battled tested, and it will be prepared to handle the loud NC State crowd.

This game will be about which team controls the line of scrimmage and plays the cleanest game. Notre Dame cannot afford to have the turnovers it suffered when it played a road game in the rain last season (at Clemson). If it can protect the football and its offensive line holds up, the Irish offense should roll.

It will be competitive, but Notre Dame is the more talented team, and that wins the day in the end.

MATT JONES, STAFF WRITER

NC STATE 41, NOTRE DAME 33: When this game opened in Vegas, the Irish were favored by 2.5 points. In a matter of days, the line shifted all the way in favor of the Wolfpack. NC State is now favored by 2.5 points as of Thursday afternoon, and that kind of movement has me concerned about Notre Dame’s chances in what should be a raucous environment at Carter-Finley Stadium.

Notre Dame is the biggest team to come through Raleigh, N.C., in over a decade. And though the Irish aren’t the top-10 team like many predicted before the season, the Wolfpack will be plenty ready for the college football blue blood. I see NC State quarterback Ryan Finley picking apart a still-shaky Irish defense, while running back Matthew Dayes finds room to work when given an opportunity. And while the Irish will score some points, it’s the Wolfpack defensive line that has me worried. Look for Darian Roseboro and company to create some havoc along the defensive front, taking pressure off a weak NC State secondary.

COREY BODDEN, RECRUITING REPORTER

NOTRE DAME 30, NC STATE 23: I changed the score by a touchdown on each side from our magazine given the recent developments on the weather front with Hurricane Matthew approaching the East Coast.

A tough road victory for the Irish in this one. Wolf Pack quarterback Ryan Finley has been very impressive this season, completing over 76 percent of his passes. Senior running back Matthew Dayes also provides a weapon for the Wolf Pack offense to be balanced against the struggling Irish defense.

With the likelihood of rain playing a big role in the game, turnovers and special teams execution will be two deciding factors in my opinion. Notre Dame is T-108th (-0.80) in turnover margin while NC State is 47th (0.25), so the Irish will need to do a better job in this department in the rain. Special teams will be crucial as well in all departments with a wet field. Missed field goal attempts and poor execution on punts and kickoffs given the wet field could impact the game in a major way.

While NC State has been solid on defense statistically, East Carolina is the only offense of substance they have faced in their first three games and the Pirates walked away with 445 yards of offense and a 33-30 victory. Notre Dame is a better scoring offense compared to East Carolina and DeShone Kizer makes enough plays with his arm and legs and the defense shows a little more improvement for the Irish to secure the win.

DAVID MCKINNEY, RECRUITING REPORTER

NC STATE 43, NOTRE DAME 37: t’s going to be a wet one. There’s been talk all week about how the weather and Hurricane Matthew could impact this game, but it hasn’t impacted my prediction. Notre Dames’ offense is fine, we know this. It may even be one of the best in the country. DeShone Kizer has proved he deserves to be the starter and the offense has kept Notre Dame in some games where otherwise they would have been blown out.

I expect this game to be much of the same. At No.20 in total defense, this will be the best defense the Irish has faced all season. NC State also boasts the No.21 total offense in the country. I think this is a game that creates some matchup problems for Notre Dame, and if the tackling woes continue, the Irish will come back from North Carolina with a loss.

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