NC State vs. ECU Prediction, Game Preview


NC State vs. ECU prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the game between the Wolfpack and Pirates.


NC State vs. ECU Game Preview

The Wolfpack and the Pirates meet for the first time since 2013, when ECU beat NC State at Carter-Finley Stadium. In fact, the Pirates have won the last two matchups between the schools. NC State is coming off of a 48-14 win over William & Mary in its season opener, while ECU gave new head coach Scottie Montgomery a 52-7 victory over Western Carolina in Week 1.

What To Know About NC State

The Wolfpack didn’t have much of a quarterback controversy after all. Third-year sophomore Ryan Finley, who started three games at Boise State last season, played a very strong game in his first start after winning a training camp battle with sophomore Jalan McClendon, completing his first nine passes and leading four straight touchdown drives. He finished 17-of-21 passing for 174 yards and showed good poise, which is quite impressive considering he didn’t arrive on campus until the summer. Tight end Jaylen Samuels had three touchdowns, and senior running back Matt Dayes rushed for 138 yards and two scores. Perhaps the offense ran so smoothly because Finley worked with first-year Wolfpack offensive coordinator Eli Drinkwitz at Boise State.

What to Know About ECU

The Pirates rode the arm of former Minnesota signal-caller Philip Nelson to an opening victory against Western Carolina. Nelson had five touchdown passes and ran for another to help give Montgomery, who was on the Duke staff the three previous seasons, his first win at ECU. Nelson, who started 16 games across two years with the Gophers, set career highs with his five touchdowns and 398 yards passing. He also spread the ball out to a variety of receivers.

Advantages


Offense:
Even. This is a tough call, because Finley and Nelson have chances to have very productive seasons in their respective offenses.


Defense:
Even. The Pirates had a better year than expected in 2015, so first-year coordinator Kenwick Thompson will need to maintain that level of play. ECU is now employing a 3-4 base that will accentuate the front’s strengths.


Special Teams:
Even. Neither unit was spectacular in their season openers.


Coaching:
NC State. Dave Doeren is looking for his third bowl bid in a row.


Intangibles:
ECU. The Pirates never have anything to lose when playing a Power Five rival.

Matchup To Watch


Finley vs. Nelson

Which quarterback will outplay the other? It’s a battle of transfers, and both Finley and Nelson have the goods to outshine the other. The Pirates have shifted to a more pro-style attack, while the Wolfpack have a new OC too. Plus, both offensive lines have been rebuilt. I’m leaning toward Finley having the edge, but this is yet another matchup that is about as even as it comes.

NC State vs. ECU Betting Odds


Spread:
NC State -4.5

Over/Under:
57.5

NC State vs. ECU Prediction

Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren has a .250 win percentage in ACC play over the last three seasons, and the schedule is tougher than last year. But the Wolfpack are at the point where they need to notch a signature victory. While this wouldn’t be a signature win, it would be a really good one. The Wolfpack struggled defensively over the last six games of ’15, allowing 37.2 points per game in the second half of the season, yet coordinator Dave Huxtable has a lot of returning starters. I think the NC State defense makes enough stops to steal a tough non-conference road game.


NC State vs. ECU score prediction:
NC State 36, ECU 34

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