Can the Troy Trojans pose a threat to the NC State Wolfpack in the opening game of the season? We take a look below in the NC State vs. Troy prediction and game preview. 

NC State vs. Troy Prediction & Preview

Why You Need To Care

Tobacco Road is up for grabs in the fall, and NC State is suddenly in contention. After bowling and winning the final three games of Dave Doeren’s second year, the Wolfpack has set its sights on becoming a more dangerous Atlantic Division squad in 2015. Troy has a new head coach for the first time in a quarter-century. Neal Brown has taken the controls of a Trojan team undergoing a much-needed overhaul.

Why Troy Will Win

There’s enough returning talent, including QB Brandon Silvers and last season’s leading receiver and rusher, for Brown’s up-tempo offense to get out of the blocks quickly. It’ll help that the Pack is average defensively, sans any bona fide star power.

Why NC State Will Win

The Trojans’ biggest worries are on defense, where a handful of new starters are being worked into the lineup. S Montres Kitchens aside, Troy will be operating with an entirely revamped back seven. State QB Jacoby Brissett will take advantage of his surroundings, showing pro scouts how far along he’s come as a dual-threat playmaker.

Player Who Matters

Shadrach Thornton has been suspended for the first two games of 2015. It’s a good thing NC State is deep in the backfield. Thornton will be missed, but not too much, since junior Matt Dayes has a proven track record as a runner and a receiver in Raleigh.

What’s Going To Happen?

The Wolfpack offense will pick up where it left off late in 2014, taking its lead from Brissett and the running game. Troy will land a few punches on offense, but its D won’t make nearly enough timely stops to turn this into a four-quarter game.

NC State vs. Troy Score Prediction

Without further ado, the NC State vs. Troy prediction is …

NC State 41, Troy 21

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