The NC State Wolfpack (4-0) begins ACC play with a visit from the Louisville Cardinals (1-3). Check out the Louisville vs. NC State prediction and game preview.

Louisville vs. NC State Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 3

Game Time: 12:30 ET

Network: ACC Network

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Why You Need To Care

What’s the deal Wolfpack? You ready to surprise folks, or are you living a lie perpetuated by a non-conference schedule comprised of Troy, Eastern Kentucky, Old Dominion and South Alabama? The curtain gets pulled back on NC State this weekend as its ACC schedule begins. Louisville played a much tougher slate in September, with the poor record to back it up. The Cardinals dropped their first three games to Auburn, Houston and Clemson before handling Samford last week. The winner Saturday in Raleigh will end Week 5 with heightened optimism and momentum for the second half of the regular season.

Why Louisville Will Win

This is the best defense NC State has seen this season … by far. The Cardinals, despite the thornier road, are allowing just 22 points per game and have been tough on opposing passers. Louisville has picked off nine passes, bolstered by the front seven pressure of DE Sheldon Rankins and linebackers Devonte Fields, Keith Kelsey and James Burgess. Rankins, in particular, will be a load for an overrated Pack O-line.

Why NC State Will Win

While the Cards are unsettled at quarterback, the Pack is set with Jacoby Brissett. State has a major edge in the backfield, including at running back, where former backup Matt Dayes has flourished running behind LT Joe Thuney. Louisville, meanwhile, remains a work in progress on offense. Bobby Petrino has juggled his quarterbacks, which is hampering the production of the receivers and top RB Brandon Radcliff.

Player Who Matters

The Pack defense is a far bigger question mark than the offense. The secondary stands to be an exception. The Jones safeties, Hakim and Josh, headline a physical and experienced unit that makes receivers pay for crossing the middle of the field. And while Cardinal pass-catchers, like WR Jaylen Smith and TE Micky Crum, are budding, consistency still eludes them. The rebuilt Louisville O-line may also struggle to handle State linemen Mike Rose and B.J. Hill.

What’s Going To Happen?

Is NC State as good as the numbers show right now? No. But the team is good enough, particularly on offense, to ride the hot start—and the home crowd—to a win over a work-in-progress Louisville squad. While running the ball on the Cards is rarely simple, the Pack will pound away with Dayes and Brissett to wear down the front seven. Until Lamar Jackson becomes a more complete quarterback, Louisville will find it hard to defeat quality opponents.

Louisville vs. NC State Prediction

Final Score: NC State 28, Louisville 23, Line: NC State -4.5, o/u: 47

Must See Rating: 5: Steve Jobs – 1: Dr. Ken … 2.5

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